Public Relations Manager

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are achievement, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Business Development & Marketing department, in Chicago, as a Public Relations Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute all aspects of media relations for designated practices and offices 
• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters/editors relevant to designated practices/offices 
• Identify trends and issues on which partners from designated practices/offices can comment 
• Proactively pitch stories/interviews to trade, business and general media, both print and broadcast 
• Direct media inquiries to appropriate partners for response 
• Draft news releases re lateral partners and other news about designated practices 
• Assist partners with placement of bylined articles in appropriate publications; and employ the firm’s social media platforms to disseminate firm messages and amplify the impact of content placed in conventional media 
• Direct the activities of the PR Coordinator who assists in providing PR services to the PR Manager's designated practices/offices 
• Direct the activities of external PR resources that may be retained to assist in providing PR services to the PR Manager's designated practices 
• Assist the Assistant Director of Public Relations and Public Relations Director with internal communications activities related to the PR Manager's designated practices/offices 
• Conduct media training (as needed) for partners from designated practices/offices and make periodic presentations on media relations to partners in designated practices/offices 
• Collaborate with business development colleagues to provide Public Relations assistance, where needed, in support of strategic business development initiatives

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, marketing, business or a communications-related field 
• 6+ years of experience in a similar PR/media relations/marketing capacity 
• Prior experience with a law firm, PR agency or professional services firm strongly preferred 
• Must be proficient with MS Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint 
• Must be knowledgeable about online and electronic newswire services, media tracking and Internet research resources, and website marketing 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines 
• An enthusiastic self-starter who works effectively with minimal supervision 
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact well with partners, other PR team members and marketing department members 
• Able to balance multiple competing priorities with an eye for detail 
• Discretion and the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/ and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.