External Communications Manager- New York, Boston, Washington, D.C. — New York, NY

Job Summary:

The External Communications Manager executes the firm’s external communications strategy across media relations, awards and surveys, and content amplification. Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications, this role ensures external visibility is coordinated, aligned to firm and practice priorities, and effectively delivered in partnership with Business Development to support practice and firmwide growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Media Relations

• Execute proactive and reactive media relations strategies aligned to firm, practice, and Business Development priorities.

• Draft press releases, media pitches, and external communications.

• Manage media inquiries and coordinate responses with attorneys and stakeholders.

• Work with outside public relations agency partners to advance media strategy, manage opportunities, and coordinate execution.

• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts and industry outlets.

• Track media coverage and report on visibility and impact.

Awards & Surveys

• Coordinate firmwide and practice-level awards, rankings, and surveys from intake through submission and promotion, excluding Chambers, Legal 500, and other wards and rankings.

• Collaborate with Business Development on practice-level submissions and ensure awards activity supports broader practice strategy plans.

• Manage awards calendar, deadlines, and submission pipeline.

• Coordinate promotion of wins in partnership with Marketing.

• Track results and recommend improvements to positioning and outcomes.

Content Amplification & External Messaging

• Collaborate across MBD to align external communications with practice strategy plans, campaigns, and firm priorities.

• Develop and refine messaging for external channels, including web and social platforms.

• Coordinate amplification of media placements, firm news, and thought leadership.

• Ensure consistency of voice, messaging, and brand across external communications.

Collaboration & Workflow Management

• Partner with attorneys, practice teams, BD, and outside agency partners to develop content, coordinate execution, and secure approvals.

• Apply AI tools thoughtfully to enhance drafting, streamline review workflows, and improve consistency across external communications outputs while remaining agile as AI continues to disrupt drafting and review processes.

• Coordinate with Marketing, Creative, and Digital teams on execution.

• Maintain organized trackers, calendars, and reporting for communications activities.

This role requires 60% in office presence; remote work is permissible 40% of the time.

Occasional travel between offices may be required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field.

• 6+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations.

• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to translate complex topics clearly.

• Experience managing media relations and external communications programs.

• Experience coordinating awards, rankings, or surveys preferred.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage deadlines.

• Ability to collaborate across teams and manage stakeholder relationships.

• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and digital channels.

This job description is a general description of the types of responsibilities that are required of an individual in this job. It is not intended to be a complete list of the responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required for this job.

Physical Demands:

This position requires sitting or standing for long periods of time and the continuous operation of standard office equipment, such as computers, keyboards and phones. It also requires sufficient mobility to perform certain job functions, such as getting to photocopiers/scanners/fax machines, and regular bending, reaching, lifting, stooping and occasionally pulling, pushing and/or lifting items that weigh up to 25 pounds.

The salary range for this position in each office location is:

-Boston, Washington, D.C.: $150,000-$170,000

-NY: $155,000-$175,000

This position is bonus eligible. jBzCS offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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