Communications Senior Manager - Finance and Private Capital

Job description

We are recruiting for a Senior Communications Manager to support Finance and Private Capital on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

Department purpose

The function works as one team across the globe with very close collaboration between the central teams and roles (such as this one) and professionals supporting offices, practice groups, sectors and clients.

Role purpose

The Communications Senior Manager – Finance and global champion for Private Capital/Private Equity will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the firm’s external communications strategy. This position is instrumental in enhancing the firm’s U.K and global presence and reputation through strategic media relations, impactful communications campaigns, and the meticulous management of the firm’s brand image.

This role will be directly responsible for supporting the partners and practices within the Finance department in the U.K. and will also serve as the global champion for the Communications team for the Private Capital/Private Equity sector.

This role is crucial for advancing the firm’s strategic goals by ensuring a cohesive and impactful external communications strategy. The senior manager will be instrumental in positioning the firm as a leader in the legal field, enhancing its reputation, and driving positive media coverage and public perception.

By effectively managing external communications, this role will significantly contribute to the firm’s business growth, strengthens its competitive positioning, and reinforces its commitment to excellence and thought leadership in the global legal market.

• Strategic communication development: Design and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with the firm’s business objectives and elevate its reputation. Ensure strategies effectively support the Finance department in the U.K. and the Private Capital/Private Equity global sector.
• Media relations management: Cultivate and manage relationships with key U.K. media contacts and influencers. Develop and execute U.K. media outreach strategies that enhance the firm’s visibility (including partners within the department and sector) and thought leadership within the legal and business communities. Act with confidence to provide senior counsel on media strategies and be the primary point of contact for key media relationships within the Finance department and Private Capital sector. Take responsibility for advising and deciding what ideas should be taken to the media and act as gatekeeper to ensure the partners' and journalists' time is not being wasted. Demonstrate leadership in developing relationships with target trade, broadcast and national media on their own to build up a strong network of contacts to introduce to partners.
• Press materials and content creation: Craft high-quality press releases, media statements, website postings and other external communication materials. Lead the development of tactical news, thought leadership and market commentary opportunities for our market-leading spokespeople. Ensure that all content reflects the firm’s brand voice and strategic messaging, while addressing the interests and needs of external audiences.
• External communications campaign planning and oversight: Lead and oversee external communications campaigns from conception through execution and evaluation. Take ownership of coordinating with internal teams (internal communications, social media, business development, marketing, content and campaigns and alumni) and external partners to ensure campaigns align with the firm’s strategic goals and deliver measurable impact.
• Brand image management: Maintain and enhance the firm’s brand image across all external platforms. Ensure consistency in messaging and adherence to brand guidelines across various communication channels.
• Team leadership: Act as a role model for and provide guidance to junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment and supporting their professional development. Help ensure that team activities are aligned with the broader strategic goals and assist in the day-to-day management of tasks and priorities.
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with practice area and sector leaders and other senior stakeholders across the business development, marketing and communications function to align external communications efforts with the firm’s strategic priorities. Provide expert counsel and strategic insights to ensure effective communication strategies are in place for high-profile matters. Organize, attend and offer advice on media training for key spokespeople.
• Performance measurement and reporting: Develop and track metrics to assess the effectiveness of external communications initiatives. Provide regular reports and insights on media coverage, campaign performance, and brand perception to inform strategic decision-making.

• Extensive experience in external communications, with a strong background in media relations and public relations within financial services or professional services, preferably in a legal or similarly complex sector.
• Trustworthy with sensitive and confidential information.
• Able to quickly establish good working relationships and promote best practice.
• Highly motivated, flexible, enthusiastic and creative with required determination to achieve results.
• A successful team player, can demonstrate initiative and the ability to be proactive.
• Highly organized in order to successfully manage and prioritize a varied and demanding workload.
• Excellent attention to detail with a methodical approach to work and focus on accuracy, with an understanding of the need for documentation and well-defined procedures.
• Polite and confident in manner an ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in an organizational setting.
• Show resilience to overcome obstacles to deliver what is required.
• Ability to be an ambassador for A&O Shearman, being professional in outlook and attitude.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication plans that drive business objectives and enhance organizational reputation.
• Proven ability to craft compelling content and manage high-stakes media interactions.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with media, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and demonstrate the impact of communications efforts.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset.
• Experience working in a global law firm or a large, complex organization, familiarity with the legal industry and understanding of its unique communication challenges and opportunities and proficiency in media measurement and reporting tools would all be preferred but not essential.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Additional information - External

We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.