Public Relations Manager
Baker Botts

Job Info

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Baker Botts, a full-service, leading international law firm recognized for our understanding of the industries that we serve, is seeking a Public Relations Manager to join our Client Development team. Reporting to the Director of Communications & Media, the Public Relations Manager is responsible for the implementation of the firm’s visibility and reputational planning in key areas. This exempt position requires an understanding of the importance of proactive media relations and thought leadership as vital tools in positively positioning the firm’s brand, and in increasing its profile in the business, trade and legal media. This individual will be responsible for managing the media relations for two of the firm’s five Departments -- Corporate and Global Projects. These departments feature market-leading practices across the energy spectrum (including renewables) and in the technology sector, among other areas. This is a Firmwide, full-time, exempt position with excellent benefits and the option to reside in any of our U.S. offices.

This position requires a driven, self-motivated and effective team player who works well in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of success in media relations and/or journalism, who can collaborate effectively with the broader client development team, lawyers and other support staff across the firm.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Assisting the Director in the development of proactive media relations strategies and implement the firm's media relations program.
• National PR strategies surrounding the firm’s premier energy (both traditional and renewables) and technology sector practices, among other areas, and tactical implementation.
• Strong media contacts in national business, energy, technology, and legal press.
• The ability to assess the newsworthiness of matters, issues and events that can be legally complex.
• Developing and implementing department-specific media / communications plans
• Conducting day-to-day media outreach for lawyers (e.g. media pitching, bylined articles, and press releases when needed), coordinated responses to media inquiries, development of ongoing relationships with reporters, and regular assessment of the effectiveness of media relations activity.
• Planning and executing practice group and industry communications activity, including thought leadership initiatives.
• Handling media calls and in some cases acting as the spokesperson for the firm, as directed by the Director of Communications, or in their absence.
• Developing and writing press releases and assisting with deal announcements.
• Developing, maintaining and tracking editorial calendars of national, local and industry media outlets.
• Developing and maintaining a firm media contact list.
• Work with the Director in managing any relationships with the vendor(s), verifying invoices and ensuring the quality and accuracy of work performed.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

Candidates for this position must have a strong background in media relations and/or journalism, with experience with traditional print and electronic media. Also required is knowledge and experience with social media and blogs and an aptitude and ability to work with new tools and communications technology. Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills and experience negotiating projects and deadlines with internal and external stakeholders are required.

• Bachelor’s degree required; candidate should have 7+ years of related experience, preferably within a professional services environment, large law firm and/or top-tier news organization.
• Solid understanding of the law firm environment and of lawyers’ responsibilities and work ethic is important.
• Candidate must have strong skills in written/verbal communication and be able to work well with lawyers, other professionals and staff within the firm.
• Ideal candidate will possess diplomacy, enthusiasm, perseverance and a sense of humor.
• Candidate must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a high-level of organizational and prioritization skills.
• Candidate should possess strong skills in MS Office; experience with InterAction, Adobe Acrobat, Foundation and Vuture a plus; knowledge of web-based legal and business resources, such as Lexis-Nexis, Hoover’s, LivEdgar, WestLaw and others, also a plus.
• Flexibility to work additional hours, including nights and weekends, as needed, in order to perform the essential functions of the job.

Extent of Public Contact (Within and outside the Firm)

This position requires contact with individuals within the firm as follows:

• a high degree of contact within the Client Development team
• a high degree of interaction with firm lawyers, particularly partners.

This position requires contact with individuals outside the firm as follows:

• a high degree of contact with reporters and news outlets
• occasional contact with vendors

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work at a computer and telephone for extensive periods of time.
• Must be able to routinely lift and carry files and other items up to 10 pounds; and
• Must be able to function in a standard office environment.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• This position is a full-time position requiring a 5-day work week and standard hours as outlined in the firm policy manual. Additional hours will be required when necessary to meet established deadlines or stay current with occasional peaks in workload.
• This role may be hybrid and will require three days per week present in the office.
• Occasional travel may be required.

If this position is filled in NYC or a CA office of Baker Botts L.L.P., the salary range is $148,000 - $185,000.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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