Communications Manager (Editor) Job at DLA Piper in Chicago

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary     

The Communications Manager (Editor) reviews, edits, and helps produce a range of external communications that support the firm’s thought leadership and strategies. This individual consistently interacts across firm, producing and distributing a variety of message types through our external channels.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities   

• Collaborates with stakeholders to review, edit, and occasionally write content to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency of style, respect for client sensitivities, and application of the firm’s messaging.

• Handles the external alert publication process from initial intake to publication, a role encompassing review, editing, collaborating with authors and marketing managers, and working with internal and external design, web, and social media teams.

• Edits other external-facing communications ranging from invitations, web copy, and ads, to lawyer-authored articles for outside publications.

• Stages and publishes thought leadership on Sitecore, using basic HTML/CSS as needed.

• Works in a fast-moving environment and handles multiple projects moving forward simultaneously.

• Is a valuable, collaborative team member and fast learner.

• Is able to gain understanding of the ethical and legal parameters that encompass legal professional writing, with an awareness of client sensitivities.

• Works closely with Communications, Marketing, and Business Development colleagues to shape and deliver clear, effective messaging across various channels.

Desired Skills    

• Has experience working in a law firm or professional services firm, large organization, or a fast-paced publishing environment

• Has exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Has a demonstrated ability to edit, proofread, and write clearly and concisely; is able to interpret, synthesize, and communicate information to various audiences in a way that is relevant to them.

• Is proficient using Microsoft Office tools and content management/intranet platforms. A basic understanding of HTML/CSS is preferred.

• Is a collaborative team player who is able to communicate effectively and develop solid working relationships across multiple levels and organizational areas and personnel levels.

• Is a detail-oriented self-starter capable of prioritizing and managing a variety of projects and assignments at one time, and who performs well under pressure in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines while ensuring acute attention to detail and accuracy.

• The ability to work West Coast hours is preferred but not mandatory.

Minimum Education    

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education  

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, or a related field.

Minimum Years of Experience   

• 4 years’ of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing experience.  

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.   

Physical Demands    

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.   

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process.   

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or have any questions about the process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com. Please add dlapiper@myworkday.com to your list of safe senders.   

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com .   

Agency applications will not be considered.    

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.   

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $88,226-$140,283 depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center (https://mandatoryview.com/?LicenceId=09b17fa3-b781-4022-bfdd-ec61a570463c&ProductType=OnlineApplicant) .