SUMMARY

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Communications Senior Specialist to join our communications team. You will work closely with firm leadership, partners and internal stakeholders to develop and deliver high-quality communications content that helps to generate global visibility for and maintain the industry-leading standing of Sullivan & Cromwell.
The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer, detail- and deadline-oriented, organized and capable of managing multiple communications projects simultaneously. This role will primarily focus on managing and writing awards submissions and related promotional activities, along with broader communications projects that support the firm’s overall marketing and branding initiatives.
Awards rankings are a critical aspect of external recognition for elite law firms. They represent the thoughtful evaluation of respected third-party groups, based on factors that include client recommendations and work highlights. For that reason, this is a strategically important role within the firm, and the person who performs it learns a great deal about firm practices and branding while gaining important skills in research, writing and information synthesis as well as opportunities for advancement.
The scheduled hours for this position are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and overtime may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent writing/editing, proofreading, grammar and research skills (a writing and editing test is required).
• Deadline-oriented. Able to manage short- and long-term projects with multiple parts.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: the ability to work and collaborate as a part of a global team is essential.
• Familiarity with the legal profession and legal system, including transactional and litigation terminology and processes; ability to distill legal and/or business concepts into layman’s terms.
• Proficiency in standard spreadsheet, database, word processing and presentation applications (e.g., Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe).
• Ability to work in a demanding professional environment, to demonstrate good judgment, handle time-sensitive requests from multiple lawyers, across time zones, and to generate quality work product in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism that are the hallmarks of Sullivan & Cromwell’s legal practice.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five years of experience working for a law firm, financial institution or other professional services firm. Experience working with senior executives/partners is a plus.
• Experience as a journalist, editor, writing tutor, lawyer or project manager is welcomed.
• Familiarity with awards and rankings processes in the legal industry is an advantage.
• B.A. or equivalent required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job description outlines a demanding but rewarding role that will require a high level of professional competence and a passion for communications. The work environment is highly collegial and collaborative, intellectually rigorous, and results-oriented. If you are a self-motivated individual with a proven track record in writing, project management, and communications within a law firm or similar environment, we encourage you to apply.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Awards Submissions Management

• Lead the firm’s efforts in managing and submitting applications for prestigious awards, rankings, and recognitions across various legal and business sectors.
• Collaborate with practice group leaders, partners, and other key stakeholders to gather necessary information and materials.
• Write timely, persuasive submissions that highlight the firm’s strengths and achievements.
• Project manage annual awards calendar: track award deadlines and outcomes; maintain relationships with award bodies; research and suggest new opportunities.
• Work with other Communications team members to divide-and-conquer as needs arise.

1. Communications Writing and Content Creation

• Assist the communications team on writing needs and projects, working with lawyers and administrative staff in the U.S., Europe, and Asia offices, to ensure that the Firm continues its strong standing in core practices areas and gains increased recognition in growth areas.
• Coordinate promotional writing approval process with lawyers and members of Communications, Digital Marketing, Creative Services and Business Development teams.
• Ensure that materials are delivered accurately and on time (related tasks include gathering precedents, editing, fact checking, proofreading, compiling, collaborating).
• Contribute to the Firm’s internal newsletter, S&C This Week, including drafting items and editing on a weekly basis.
• Review and edit communications materials to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with the firm’s tone and messaging.

In addition, responsibilities related to maintaining firm and client information must be adhered to by all employees. This includes complying with the firm’s information security policies, protecting firm assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, destruction or interference, and reporting security events or potential events or other security risks to management.