The Opportunity
Strategic Input
Working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications, develop, manage and implement internal communications strategies and plans for global strategic initiatives that support the firm's Ambition strategy. This will include areas such as:
- Digital & Legal Transformation – for example, working with the Sydney-based Internal Communications Manager on communications to the firm about our AI and digitalisation strategy and priorities, including adoption of AI capabilities and tools; improvement of AI and tech fluency across the firm; and digital change, more generally.
- A range of communications needs arising from the integration of the former Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin and ongoing work to align systems, processes and ways of working; and to aid in developing a one-firm culture across the merged firm.
- People & Culture initiatives/work/projects aimed at fostering a high-performing culture where people of all backgrounds have an opportunity to thrive – for example, learning and development programmes and campaigns; employee value proposition; firm Values; inclusion initiatives and reporting of data on progress; engagement survey and other feedback mechanisms; and other areas of work. This will also involve working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications to manage, where required, sensitive and complex issues.
- Other global comms pieces/initiatives in the firm's BAU cycle of communications – for example, the annual partner promotions; communications planning and announcements of senior hires; and more.
- Act as a trusted adviser on internal communications to key stakeholders (including global and regional leaders).
- Influence key stakeholders to adopt best practice in internal communications.
- Collaborate with other Internal Comms team members and the External Comms team to ensure strategic alignment.
- Identify and instigate improvements to the firm's internal communications, including innovative, effective channels to support employee engagement
- Provide specialist advice on internal communications and the most suitable format or tools for the given audience. Employ data analysis to test effectiveness.
- Manage day-to-day relationships with external suppliers as required.
Operational Input
- Design and create communications strategy, plans and campaigns to support the firm's strategic initiatives under the Ambition strategy – ensure approach and content is engaging and effective.
- Contribute content to communications for the CEO/other leaders as well as other communications channels.
- Collaborate with the External Communications team to ensure internal and external messages and timings are aligned.
- Collaborate with others in the Internal Communications team on the design and delivery of global internal communications campaigns as needed.
Operational Competencies
- First-rate writing, editing and oral-communication skills.
- Ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels within the firm.
- Outstanding influencing and stakeholder-management skills – and ability to simultaneously manage several stakeholders (often with differing preferences/options/input).
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, responsiveness and initiative.
- Ability to think strategically and visualise the 'bigger picture'.
- Ability to translate the firm’s business strategy into easy-to-understand language to communicate to partners and staff in a clear and meaningful way.
- Thorough understanding of the culture and workings of a global law firm or professional services business with a partnership structure.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Highly collaborative, with a team mindset and willingness to play an active role in a cohesive, high-functioning team.
- Ability to take ownership of projects and proactively report on progress.
- Ability to plan and reprioritise to meet changes in needs – and meet deadlines in the face of tight timelines and conflicting or competing demands.
- Resilience and enthusiasm when working in a busy, challenging environment.
- Commercial mindset.
- Interest in and willingness to explore new communication channels.
- Proficiency with IT and familiarity with relevant digital platforms.
Experience, skills and qualifications
- Ten-plus years' internal communications experience in a corporate environment, preferably a law firm or professional services organisation with a partnership structure.
- Project-management skills to run effective communications campaigns.
- Outstanding editorial skills.
- Experience of managing communications plans targeted with the objective of supporting business strategy, raising and maintaining awareness, supporting collaboration and reducing silos.
- Problem-identification and resolution skills; solid judgement and decision-making skills.
- Tact, diplomacy and tenacity.
- High degree of proactivity.
- Evidence of having built strong, lasting relationships with leaders and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across all levels of the firm, verbally and in writing.
- Experience of managing and delivering communications across multiple time zones, in a multicultural environment.
- Up-to-date knowledge of internal communications tools and strategies.
- Experienced of dealing with ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.
Team
Corporate Services
Full time
Location
London
Contract type
Permanent Contract
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.