External Communications Manager

External Communications Manager at McDermott Will & Schulte

McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm with over 1,750 lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. Recognized by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault, and Great Place to Work, the firm celebrates excellence, collaboration, and community. We are committed to investing in your future and accelerating your career wherever it may lead.

• A culture of belonging where warmth, authenticity, and unique viewpoints are celebrated.
• Opportunities to thrive through strategic communication programs that align with business objectives.
• Comprehensive benefits supporting physical, emotional, mental, and financial health with an emphasis on work‑life balance.
• Generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

The External Communications Manager supports the firm’s proactive and reactive public‑relations strategy by identifying, pitching, and placing opportunities that align with firm, practice, industry, and individual profile‑raising priorities. Embedded in an integrated global marketing, communications, and business development team, the role partners with stakeholders to implement strategic communication programs.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with priority media outlets and key industry influencers.
• Develop strong relationships within the firm, collaborating with brand, communications, business development, events, and practice/industry marketing teams.
• Monitor industry trends, editorial calendars, and competitor activity; provide trend analysis.
• Identify media opportunities, lead topic‑generation efforts, and collaborate across practices and markets.
• Pitch and place profile‑raising coverage.
• Craft media messages, including press releases, deal announcements, and firm‑website copy.
• Serve as primary contact for media requests, coordinating information and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with external agencies as directed by communications leaders.
• Track PR activity using Salesforce, report to stakeholders, and use data to inform public‑relations plans.
• Leverage firm news‑distribution and media‑monitoring tools; track and report on KPIs and media metrics.
• Align and help implement firm‑wide media‑relations processes.
• Provide back‑up support to the global communications team.

• 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
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize 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

Typical indoor office environment. During duties, employees sit, use hands, reach, stoop, talk, and hear. Occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

$138,000 – $203,000 (Target Hiring Range). Base pay may vary based on location, skills, and experience. Full‑time positions are eligible for discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.