• Job Description

  Req#: R0004750

  Job Description:

  At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals, dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

  GENERAL PURPOSE

  As the Director of Communication, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the overall communications strategy for the firm. You will be expected to define, articulate, and deliver the firm’s messaging strategy and platforms to raise the firm’s profile and brand awareness, as well as help drive internal alignment. This position acts as the voice of the firm, ensuring messages are conveyed accurately, consistently, and effectively across all areas of internal and external communications.

  The role will be a trusted advisor to firm leadership, responsible for developing the communications infrastructure and discipline to support a distributed leadership model. As a key member of the marketing leadership team, you will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with various departments to ensure effective internal and external communication.

  The role requires a commitment to people development, intellectual curiosity, well-honed leadership skills, operational excellence, the rigorous thinking necessary for effective communication, and a proven track record of successful communication campaigns.

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

  Communication Strategy and Platform

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy and program aligned with the firm’s goals and objectives including defining key messages, target audiences, and channels with a focus on message discipline.
  • Develop, clearly articulate, and promote the firm’s value propositions and unified key messages to all stakeholders reflecting the firm’s vision, strategy, values, culture, and commitments to responsible business and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
  • Build the capacity for cross-channel communication strategies including video, digital, etc.

  Team Leadership

  • Provide guidance, coaching, mentorship, and support to the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and team esprit de corps committed to professional and client service excellence.
  • Stay abreast of developments in the communication field to bring new and refreshed thinking and creativity to the function and inspire curiosity in others.
  • Manage and develop a team of approximately 15 professionals; develop a communications leadership team including setting expectations and holding leaders accountable for outcomes.

  Communications Programs

  • Strengthen and build the firm’s executive communications capabilities; lead the development of a communications plan including a messaging platform for firm leadership; develop a communications infrastructure for a distributed leadership model (i.e., build the cascade from Managing Partner/Chair through Practice Group Chairs and Office Managing Partners) and leadership communication training programs.
  • Partner with firm leadership, general counsel, CDIO, CTO, CMO, and external advisors as warranted to develop and implement crisis communication plans that effectively manage and respond to external factors including reputation-threatening situations.
  • Collaborate with the firm’s management committee, executive committee, practice group chairs, office managing partners, and senior leadership team to enhance the effectiveness of the firm’s internal communications including employee engagement and change readiness; partner to provide oversight for firmwide communications including announcements, key program support, and selective support for departments.
  • Lead development, implementation, and support for a robust marketing communications content strategy and publication framework; provide communications oversight for various content types including blog, website, and client updates (working in partnership with the Director of Operations); expand thought leadership capabilities and activities to drive and industrialize content generation and campaigns.

  Brand/Design Management

  • Lead implementation of brand strategy, oversee the organization’s brand identity, and ensure consistent messaging and visual representation across all communications materials and platforms to develop, enhance, and protect the firm’s brand and reputation in line with strategic objectives.
  • Provide oversight for creative services including brand implementation and design execution activities; build support for visual identity through regular outreach and by partnering with key stakeholders to create brand ambassadors.

  Media, Advertising, and Awards

  • Provide oversight for the development and implementation of the PR/Media and Social Media strategies and plan in line with strategic priorities to increase the firm’s share of voice and coverage across top-tier media outlets.
  • Provide oversight, process recommendations, and policy guidance for firm advertising channels and awards programs.

  Operational Excellence

  • Review, develop, and enhance key communications systems, processes, and technology to improve program effectiveness as well as the client experience.
  • Track and analyze the effectiveness of brand marketing, communication, social media, and publicity efforts using relevant metrics to tell the communications story and make data-driven decisions to improve results.

  Perform other duties, as assigned.

  Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, consistent with the firm’s attendance expectations.

  TRAVEL

  • This position requires moderate travel.

  SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Executive-level presence, and a high degree of poise, including the ability to interact effectively, build relationships with different constituencies, and influence actions to achieve desired results.
  • Solid understanding of all areas of strategic communications and branding, with a track record of delivering innovative programs to raise the effectiveness of internal and external communications and brand awareness.
  • Effectiveness within a matrix environment including rapidly building knowledge of the firm’s expertise, capabilities, structure, and client base.
  • Strategically advise and think critically to align communications with organizational objectives by seeking input, applying knowledge to evaluate options, and solving problems by leveraging effective communication tactics.
  • Ability to lead change by balancing the desire for broad change with an understanding of how much change capacity and capability exist in the organization to lead purposeful change and create realistic and achievable goals.
  • An inspiring leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of accountability, integrity, and forethought in their approach; build relationships based on shared trust and goals; act transparently and consistently in all levels of engagement.
  • Effective and empathetic people manager who can attract, motivate, and develop an integrated, collaborative, diverse, and high-performing communications team; help others become more effective.
  • Strong interpersonal skills reflecting professionalism, tact, and good judgment; disciplined and calm under pressure.
  • Collaborate effectively and influence action without direct authority.
  • Superb written, verbal, project management, and presentation skills.

  SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

  • Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in matrixed organization communication techniques.
  • Familiarity and experience with standard models for change management including implementing change communication programs.
  • Experience in executive, crisis, and media communications.
  • Experience in a wide range of communication tactics including written, digital, video, and podcasting.
  • Experience with the use of generative AI and prompt crafting.
  • Systems thinking skills including experience with process design and improvement.
  • Analytic thinking skills including the use of data to make informed recommendations and choices.

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • A minimum of 15 years of communications experience; at least 8 years of leadership experience.
  • Experience in legal or professional services preferred.
  • This position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; an advanced degree (MS, MA, MBA, J.D., or other relevant graduate degree) is highly desirable.

  This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here .

  This position may be filled in the following location(s). The compensation depends on qualifications and experience.

  San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $227,480 to $408,750 annually

  Los Angeles compensation range: $207,170 to $372,940 annually

  New York compensation range: $206,420 to $371,590 annually

  Washington State compensation range: $187,650 to $337,810 annually

  #LI-Hybrid

• About the company

  Perkins Coie is an international law firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and founded in 1912.

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