Marketing and Communications Specialist

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 3,500+ lawyers) operating from 19 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

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, dedication to improving our communities, inclusion, respect and gratitude. We believe our people are our greatest asset. By investing in the brightest talent and encouraging each individual’s distinct strengths, we create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. We value unique perspectives, and we want our talented professionals to 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 and restructurings; investment fund formation and management; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complex 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, we have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,000+ lawyers) operating from 19 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are both one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chicago office is seeking a Marketing and Communications Specialist. As part of the Firmwide Legal Recruiting & Development Department (“LRD”) team, this role will support the overall department through marketing and communications initiatives. It is responsible for supporting the development of visual and written content for various print pieces, presentations, recruitment materials, Kirkland Concierge marketing, our alumni website and communications, internal website, newsletters and internal emails, and ensuring that a consistent message is delivered throughout.

This role must be a brand ambassador and help to streamline and assist with creating collateral for all of the Legal Recruiting & Development functions (Recruiting, Legal Education & Development, Attorney Engagement, Concierge, Alumni & CareerLink programs) through various channels including web content, social media, video, printed materials and events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Support all marketing and communications activities for the Legal Recruiting & Development Team.
• Serve as a brand ambassador and subject matter expert for department stakeholders.
• Draft content for internal and external materials including team communications, Firmwide communications, presentations, internal and external communications, partnership ads, newsletters, event invitations, communications plans and other marketing materials as needed.
• Create compelling and engaging graphics and visual assets for internal and external marketing materials that enhance our strategy while adhering to brand standards.
• Partner with LRD Marketing and Communications Manager and individuals across LRD to find opportunities to story tell, share both Firm and LRD wins, achievements, initiatives and updates, both internally and externally, with law students and potential recruits.
• Work with Branding & Creative team, as well as Business Development teams, to ensure consistency of Firm branding.
• Support the Firm’s social media efforts to enhance LRD’s recruiting marketing opportunities.
• Support Firmwide communications projects as an LRD ambassador, including implementing new Firmwide tools.
• Manage project requests and administrative operations of the marketing and communications team including records management, template creation and maintenance, resource materials, etc.
• Support project management of associate satisfaction survey initiatives, as well as partner with the third-party organizations that host the annual surveys.
• Work and collaborate with vendors where needed.
• Stay current on marketing and communications trends and tools.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, specializing in communications, journalism, marketing or an equivalent field.
• Six-plus years of relevant work experience in a similar setting, law firm or professional services strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Experience with content writing and creation is required.
• High level of collaboration and the ability to work independently
• The ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining very strong attention to detail and a professional demeanor. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across departments and offices to achieve results. 
• The ideal candidate must be able to effectively analyze situations, use problem-solving skills, and exercise good judgment.
• Must be nimble and allow for flexibility when working across teams.
• Ability to connect the dots, proactively 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.
• Experience with InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop.

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.