Senior Specialist, Public Relations & Communications

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Public Relations & Communications to join our Washington, D.C. office. This position leads the communications function for the Firm's regulatory practice areas and the D.C. office. The Senior Specialist coordinates closely with the global public relations group on various public relations initiatives, monitors media for trends and topics of interest, identifies publishing opportunities for attorney-authored articles and client alerts, and searches for and circulates practice-specific media coverage. The position interfaces and leads project management of global and regional practice group leaders, partners and attorneys on relevant media and awards and recognition opportunities. The Senior Specialist leads development of regulatory-based and D.C. regional-based award nominations and directory submissions; collaborates and leads project management of practice-specific nominations and submissions with business development team (where applicable). Additional responsibilities include, as appropriate, building and maintaining relationships with certain relevant reporters and editors, assisting with press outreach in connection with Firm-related news, and coordinating with the Firm's editorial team to enhance the visibility of attorney thought leadership and achievements through social media platforms. The position provides general support to the Business Development & Marketing Department.

• Leads publishing opportunities for attorney-authored articles, including bylined article contributions, as well as republishing of Firm client mailings.
• Leads internal and external communications with respect to lateral partners joining the D.C. office
• Leads the development and project management of regulatory and D.C. regional award nominations and directory submissions, collaborating with the business development team and the global Firm recognition group to streamline processes, relay best practices, and ensure effective practice-specific and office-assigned submissions.
• Facilitates media inquiries and interviews, working directly with attorneys and reporters, and provides summaries to appropriate parties afterward.
• Conducts research on media outlets and reporters and generates preparatory documents and talking points in connection with press interviews.
• Develops and maintains media lists for use in targeted pitches and general outreach concerning Firm matters and initiatives.
• Manages ad-hoc research projects involving peer firm data, assessing media, website and recognition data points to bring best practices back to the Firm.
• Compiles and circulates press coverage of the Firm and monitors media for relevant trends and topics of interest to attorneys for potential media commentary opportunities.
• Assists with review of the daily media sweep of Firm mentions in the press.
• Maintains list of author guidelines for target publications and conducts research to identify new potential media outlets that accept contributed articles.
• Coordinates with attorneys and publications in connection with contracts related to publishing rights.
• Drafts and manages approval process for certain award and ranking submissions.
• Compiles client-and topic-specific media analysis and handles other research projects.
• Assists partners with social media posts and preparing plans to maximize visibility on thought leadership and other positive news or achievements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent drafting, editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to proactively identify media opportunities
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including interacting effectively and appropriately with reporters, attorneys, senior administrative staff and peers
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet operating needs

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of five years of related public relations and media relations experience

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Disability/Vet/other protected categories). For more information, please visit Skadden.com/careers.

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Winnie Feng at (212) 735-3037.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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