Communications and Public Relations Manager

Who We Are

ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non-profits and trade associations, and private individuals.  Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description

The Communications & PR Manager leads the firm's public relations and thought leadership initiatives, helping to strengthen the firm's brand, enhance its reputation, and raise the profile of its practices, industries, and lawyers. Reporting to the Senior Brand & Communications Manager, this role manages external agency relationships, develops strategic communications campaigns, and partners with attorneys, business development professionals, and marketing colleagues to drive meaningful visibility and business impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

• Manager and support the firm's public relations and thought leadership programs, helping execute initiatives that strengthen the firm's brand, reputation, and visibility across practices, industries, and attorney profiles.

• Coordinate relationships with external public relations agencies and communications vendors, helping ensure activities align with firm priorities, messaging, and business objectives.

• Collaborate with attorneys, practice leaders, industry teams, and business development professionals to identify opportunities for media engagement, thought leadership, speaking opportunities, and profile-raising initiatives.

• Support the development and execution of integrated communications and thought leadership campaigns that advance strategic firm, practice, industry, and attorney visibility goals.

• Manager the firm's thought leadership publishing process and assist with content promotion efforts, helping ensure alerts, articles, client updates, media placements, and social media content are distributed, and effectively aligned with firm visibility objectives.

• Coordinate the firm's social media and sponsorship advertising programs, supporting content promotion, campaign execution, performance tracking and audience engagement across key channels.

• Research, identify, and pursue media opportunities across legal, business, trade, and industry publications, while helping maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and other media contacts.

• Draft, edit, and coordinate the development of press releases, bylined articles, announcements, talking points, award submissions, website content, and other external communications materials.

• Support attorneys and firm leaders with media preparation and communications guidance, including interview preparation, talking points, briefing materials, and messaging support.

• Monitor media coverage, industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging issues to identify opportunities for proactive communications and thoughtful leadership initiatives.

• Partner with marketing, business development, and firm leadership to support in the submissions of awards, rankings, and recognition initiatives that align with firm visibility and business development goals.

• Track and report on public relations, thought leadership, and visibility metrics, helping evaluate program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required.

• Ability to travel, as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Minimum of 6 years of applicable experience in the legal field or a related industry required.

• Management experience highly preferred.

• Strong project management and interpersonal skills

• Sound business judgment, excellent attention to detail, and ability to execute through to completion

• Strong writing, editing, and research skills; the ability to synthesize information and accurately capture it in a written narrative.

• Detail-oriented.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Understanding and awareness of social media channels and strategies.

• Excellent organizational skills and motivation to work individually and as a team in a fast-paced environment.

• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe products.

• Knowledge of AP Style and email marketing tools (Concep a plus).

The anticipated good-faith base salary range for this position is:

• Chicago, IL $127,487 to $175,294 per year. 

Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications.  We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance outcomes, so you can grow your career here with confidence—knowing your pay recognizes both your impact and our commitment to an equitable approach.

In addition to a competitive base salary, certain positions are eligible for a comprehensive performance-based bonus, payable monthly or annually.

Benefits

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life.  That’s why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow.  In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well-being, in your own way.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace.  We base all employment decisions on merit and maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law.  We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

* The job description is a general summary of the major duties.  It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job.  It does not limit or in any way modify the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees in a unit.  Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities are requirements of all jobs at ArentFox Schiff LLP.  Additional job-related qualifications may be specified for some openings.  Job descriptions are subject to periodic review and modification.