Communications Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,000+ lawyers) operating from 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Chicago office is seeking a Communications Manager to support internal Firmwide communications, programs and engagement. Reporting to the Director of Communications, who supports the Chief Administrative office, the Communications Manager will be responsible for communicating strategic initiatives that contribute to Kirkland’s strategic goals and initiatives that support the attorney experience. We are looking for a savvy, creative, strategic and results-oriented communicator accustomed to supporting communications in a matrixed environment. The Communications Manager will develop communication plans, write messaging and manage Firmwide communication vehicles including, intranet, digital signage, initiative newsletters and executive communications.  

As a strategic brand enhancer and culture connector for the Firm, the Communications Manager will oversee communications that inform, equip and engage attorneys. The manager will work directly with Firm leadership and collaborate with colleagues across the Firm to execute communications plans and drive results. Strong project management, attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential. The ideal candidate will have experience managing content across a variety of channels.

Essential Functions: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Serve as an advisor and strategic consultant to internal subject matter experts to communicate and drive results.
• Develop and execute strategic communication plans
• Create and edit written content for intranet stories, executive presentations, memos, newsletters or event invitations
• Manage editorial calendar and generate content ideas for Firmwide communications
• Oversee Firmwide communications vehicles (intranet, digital signage)
• Partner with FW communications individuals across other teams to find opportunities to support change management and communicate Firm news initiatives
• Act as an ambassador on FW communications projects, including new tool implementation
• Work with our Branding & Creative team, as well as Business Development teams, to ensure consistency of Firm branding.
• Stay current on marketing and communications trends and tools

Qualifications & Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a specialization in communications, journalism, HR or an equivalent field. Law firm or professional services experience is a plus.
• We are seeking a candidate with at least 8 years in a leading communications role.
• Strong writing skills and a solid command of the Associated Press style guide, grammar and journalistic writing principles is required.
• Experience with content writing, creation and management is required.
• Ability to cultivate collaborative relationships with other Firm departments and co-workers.
• The ideal candidate must be able to effectively analyze situations using problem-solving skills, and has strong ability to exercise good judgement.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be nimble and allow for flexibility when working across teams.
• Ability to connect the dots, leverage resources around you and be creative.
• Ability to decipher proper tone and approach used in materials for different audiences.
• Professional, punctual, and dependable - understands the importance of this role; takes ownership and pride in administrative responsibilities

Technologies/Software:

• Technical experience should include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and HTML at minimum, with a proven track record of easily adapting to new software and technologies. 
• Experience with e-marketing platforms is necessary.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-DR1