Associate Vice President, Legal Public Relations (New York, NY)

Rubenstein Communications (www.Rubenstein.com) is a strategic communications firm, founded by Howard J. Rubenstein in 1954. We build and protect the reputations of more than 400 clients—leaders and innovators in every industry. From global investing to community transformation, technological breakthroughs to life-saving research, human rights advocacy to arts innovation, we shape the stories that define our world and help our clients achieve their potential.

Wisdom. Integrity. Vision. Hustle. Know-How. These are our values. If you share them, we want to hear from you.

THE POSITION

• Craft, manage, implement, and convey clients’ stories and messages through a full range of media outreach; cultivate, establish, and maintain working relationships with all levels of local, national, international, and trade media
• Serve as a day-to-day client contact, continually fostering client-agency relationships, building trust, and anticipating and addressing client needs
• Write creative and effective press materials, client briefings, campaign plans, awards submissions, and communication materials; draft messaging and talking points for senior management presentations, including preparing executives for press interviews
• Pitch to media and execute long-range communications strategies that raise the profile of the client and its executives, securing coverage with regional and national publications; secure executive placement on prestigious industry panels and seminars
• Assist in planning and overseeing the coordination of large-scale media events, including organizing logistics, staffing, and managing press
• Oversee content creation on social media and the distribution of press materials across platforms
• Research topics essential to client issues and apply findings to strategy and approach
• Nimbly work well within a collaborative team account structure; actively mentor an array of junior staff and guide their ability to meet deadlines, enhance skills, and cultivate media relationships

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate with and present to a diverse group of people and audiences; focused on team success and collaboration
• Excellent, demonstrated writing and analytical skills, with documented ability to craft press releases, media pitches, in-depth PR plans, and strategic communications materials (AP Style knowledge a plus)
• Demonstrated interest and public relations expertise across clients in the legal sector; ability to publicize litigation wins and deal announcements, law firm hires, successes and pro bono work
• Ability to understand complex legal language, issues and reports, and articulate these into subjects of interest for the media, as well as demonstrated skill in handling C-suite issues and executive positioning  
• Demonstrated ability to craft compelling award and rankings submissions for attorneys, practice groups, and firm clients
• Self-motivated individual capable of working autonomously and taking initiative
• Proven track record of successfully leading teams
• Conversant in current breaking news both nationally and globally
• Ability to quickly comprehend and analyze complicated matters and help boil them down to key messages/actions
• Ability to think critically and creatively and develop new and interesting ideas
• Strong relationships with media outlets on local and national levels; proven record in delivering PR results across print, online, and broadcast; curious and willing to learn about new topics, and ability to develop new media relationships in a variety of fields
• Ability to manage time, multi-task, and move quickly with efficiency and attention to detail while ensuring deadlines are met; diligent and organized with proven, high-level project management capability
• Demonstrated proficiency and affinity for social media / digital tools and platforms, and the eagerness to learn and stay current in the digital space; experience utilizing social media platforms to achieve client objectives; understanding of the intersection between traditional and social media and how different outlets can serve different purposes
• Familiarity with day-to-day tools (Microsoft Office Suite including PowerPoint, MuckRack, Critical Mention, Meltwater, etc.) a plus

• 6 – 8 years of client and media relations experience at a PR agency or on an in-house communications team at a law firm is preferred
• Developed sector and industry expertise within the legal sector is required; versatility to work across multiple sectors helpful
• College degree preferred – focus in Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field is ideal

DISCLAIMER | EOE | COMPANY INFO

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change. Salary commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package. All job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a reference check. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor (or take over sponsorship of) an employment Visa at this time.

Rubenstein Communications is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity – EOE/AA/M/F/V/D/SO. We are committed to fostering a diverse environment in which all people are included, nurtured, and valued, and their unique perspectives support and amplify the work we do for our clients.

For more information, please visit our website:  www.rubenstein.com

Department: Legal
This is a full time position