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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage external communications and build relationships with media and industry influencers.
- Company: Join McDermott Will & Schulte, a leader in global public relations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, competitive pay, and wellness-focused benefits.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the firm's public image.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in communications, strong writing skills, and media relationship experience.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join McDermott Will & Schulte as an External Communications Manager based in London, supporting a global public relations strategy across our European offices.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with priority media outlets and key industry influencers.
- Develop strong relationships with firm stakeholders, including leadership, lawyers and lateral hires.
- Collaborate with brand, business development, events and practice/industry marketing teams to implement strategic communication programs.
- Monitor industry trends, editorial calendars and competitor activity, and provide trend analysis.
- Identify media opportunities, actively lead topic generation efforts and collaborate across practices and markets.
- Pitch and place profile‑raising coverage.
- Craft media messages, including research and writing of press releases, drafting of deal announcements and other client‑related communications.
- Serve as a firm contact for media requests, coordinating information and interview preparation.
- Collaborate with external agencies as directed by communications leaders.
- Use Salesforce to track PR activity, report to stakeholders and inform public relations plans.
- Leverage firm’s news distribution and media monitoring tools.
- Track and report on KPIs and media metrics, and maintain a working knowledge of firm technologies and other resources.
- Track and report coverage using internal announcements, newsletters and other platforms.
- Align and help implement firm‑wide processes around media relations.
- Provide back‑up support to our global communications team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- At least five (5) years of related work experience.
- Ability to build strong media relationships within key sectors.
- Knowledge of news distribution, media monitoring and tracking software.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Working knowledge of German (ideally) or French.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritise responsibilities.
- Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Benefits
Our award‑winning culture prioritises warmth and authenticity – we encourage you to be yourself. We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work‑life balance. We offer generous compensation packages that recognise hard work and excellence.
Seniority level – Mid‑Senior level
Employment type – Full‑time
Job function – Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
External Communications Manager employer: McDermott Will & Schulte
Contact Detail:
McDermott Will & Schulte Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in external communications. Share specific examples of how you've built media relationships or crafted successful campaigns – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent media coverage. Think about how you can contribute to their public relations strategy and be ready to discuss industry trends. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in public relations and media relationships, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that match the job description.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role involves a lot of writing, include samples of your best work. Whether it’s press releases, articles, or other communications, we want to see how you craft messages and engage with different audiences.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity at StudySmarter, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for communications and how you can contribute to our culture of warmth and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at McDermott Will & Schulte
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, research key media outlets and industry influencers relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with their recent coverage and think about how you can contribute to building those relationships. This shows your proactive approach and understanding of the external communications landscape.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As an External Communications Manager, strong writing skills are crucial. Prepare samples of your previous work, such as press releases or client communications, to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling messages. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you tailor content for different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle tight deadlines. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a media crisis or developed a strategic communication plan. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Company Culture
McDermott Will & Schulte values warmth and authenticity, so be yourself during the interview. Reflect on how your personal values align with their culture and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive work environment. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
