Associate Director of External Communications – Business

Cooley LLP

Associate Director leading media relations and reputation strategy for Cooley, a law firm serving the innovation economy. Managing communications teams, campaigns, crisis counsel and thought leadership.

Posted 8/20/2026full-timeNew York City • California, Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $200,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic external communications, media relations, and crisis management, with a strong ability to lead teams and develop impactful messaging. Proficient in building relationships with media and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with firm policies and enhancing the firm's reputation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic External CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationsTeam LeadershipDigital Marketing

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Press Release WritingMedia Strategy DevelopmentContent CreationCrisis ManagementPerformance ManagementCommunications StrategyPublic RelationsMedia TrainingReporting and Policy DevelopmentNegotiation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsAttention to DetailMotivational LeadershipExecutive PresenceCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteIManageSocial Media PlatformsContent Promotion ToolsMedia Monitoring Tools

Industry Keywords

B2B CommunicationsLegal CommunicationsProfessional ServicesPublic Relations AgencyFinancial Markets

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape and execute strategic external communications programs that enhance, differentiate and protect the department’s and Cooley’s reputation
Lead proactive media relations and reputation-building efforts across the department
Bring Cooley’s perspective and client work to the forefront of business, technology and legal developments shaping the innovation economy
Lead and manage in-house and agency communications professionals
Build and maintain relationships with influential media
Develop communications strategies with the Department Chair and business practice leadership
Support strategic priorities and strengthen Cooley’s position in key markets
Highlight the distinctive capabilities of the firm, its practices and lawyers
Oversee the department’s awards and recognitions program, including prioritization, processes and key submissions
Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communications
Develop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources for an effective external communications function
Identify and shape compelling stories around the department, clients and lawyers
Lead proactive external communications campaigns through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotion
Serve as spokesperson and primary media contact
Advise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile matters
Provide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparation
Develop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materials
Mentor direct reports and provide day-to-day supervision
Ensure compliance with assigned work hours and firm and department policies
Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities
Participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events with the supervisor and HR
Perform other duties as assigned or required

Requirements

What you’ll need

After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
Ability to travel, as required
Minimum 8 years’ direct experience in communications or public relations with B2B clients and at a management level
4+ years’ management experience; some at the senior level preferred
Bachelor’s degree preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field
Experience operating beyond current role expectations, providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction
Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling
Strong working knowledge of and contacts within National print, broadcast and online media
Strong understanding of financial markets and business concepts and related subject matter
Experience with crisis and issues management communications
Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies, and content creation best practices
Experience working in a law firm, professional services, and/or PR agency environment preferred
10+ years applicable experience strongly preferred
Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional writing skills and strong attention to detail
Ability to lead others in developing and executing initiatives and large-scale projects
Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams
Strong interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, and ability to grasp internal politics
Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines
Ability to develop professional relationships internally and externally
Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communication

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Health savings account (with applicable medical plan)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Life insurance
AD&D insurance
Long-term care coverage
Backup care for children and/or adults
Other parental support benefits
Firm-paid life insurance
Firm-paid AD&D
LTD
Short term medical benefits
25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year
10 paid holidays each year
Generous parental leave
Fertility benefits
Detailed benefit orientation
Competitive compensation