Senior Communications Manager

The Senior Communications Manager in collaboration with the Chief Marketing Officer will shape and execute Hawkins Parnell’s strategic communications and branding initiatives, focusing on creating awareness, reputation management, and provide high-impact communications support to attorneys, practice groups, and executives. This role demands a proactive leader adept at managing external and internal communications channels, digital strategies, media relations, and marketing collateral. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Senior Communications Manager will partner closely with firm leadership to ensure messaging aligns consistently with the firm’s brand, values, and strategic objectives. This highly visible position plays a critical role in supporting and driving the firm’s growth and differentiation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic, cohesive communications plan highlighting the firm’s expertise, notable wins, talent, and thought leadership to targeted external and internal audiences.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, announcements, and proactive media pitches to maximize visibility and positive exposure.
• Direct and enhance the firm’s digital presence, ensuring the website content, attorney biographies, case studies, client success stories, and other digital assets are current, compelling, and differentiated.
• Lead the development and execution of email marketing campaigns, client communications, alerts, and newsletters to foster engagement, retention, and business growth.
• Manage the firm's social media strategy, particularly LinkedIn and other relevant platforms, employing analytics to refine tactics, boost engagement, and amplify reach.
• Collaborate with attorneys to develop thought leadership opportunities such as articles, whitepapers, speaking engagements, and interviews to reinforce the firm's brand positioning.
• Cultivate relationships with key legal, business, and industry media; serve as the primary media contact, providing timely and consistent responses aligned with the firm’s brand.
• Oversee the development and management of marketing pitch materials, presentations, decks, brochures, and collateral, ensuring strategic alignment and effectiveness in supporting new business development.
• Provide training and guidance to attorneys and staff on effective messaging techniques, presentation skills, media interviews, client pitches, and public appearances.
• Direct internal communications strategies (intranet, firm-wide emails, newsletters, announcements) to inform and engage partners, attorneys, and staff.
• Partner with firm leadership to craft messaging that reinforces organizational values, recognizes achievements, and nurtures a cohesive, collaborative culture.
• Develop internal content and engagement initiatives promoting knowledge-sharing, best practices, and collaboration across practice groups and departments.
• Continuously evaluate and implement digital trends, analytics, and communication technologies, ensuring innovative, data-driven strategies that position the firm ahead of competitors.
• Establish and maintain firm-wide communications standards, style guides, processes, and best practices to ensure consistently high-quality, impactful messaging across all platforms and channels.

Qualifications

• 7+ years communications or marketing experience in legal or similarly complex professional services sector; experience at mid-to-large law firms strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to craft and execute strategic, high-impact messaging tailored for diverse internal and external audiences.
• Expertise developing marketing materials, pitches, and presentations that directly support business development.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; adept at advising senior executives and attorneys on messaging strategy.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects and competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Professional presence, discretion, and commitment to excellence in all marketing initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field and advanced degree (MBA or JD) are pluses.