Firmwide Communications Manager – Awards

McDermott Will & Emery

Firmwide Communications Manager leading legal awards and recognition program across priority publications. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to strengthen the firm's approach to awards and recognition.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeChicago • District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $115,000 - $161,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing strategic plans for awards and recognition programs, with a strong focus on collaboration, project management, and effective communication. Proficient in tracking and analyzing program metrics to drive continuous improvement and align submissions with business priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic PlanningProject ManagementWritten CommunicationCross-Functional CollaborationMicrosoft Office Suite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementStrategic PlanningData AnalysisJournalistic Reporting PrinciplesAP Style Mastery

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsRelationship BuildingAdaptabilityCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Industry Keywords

Awards ProgramRecognition ProgramClient ExperienceBusiness DevelopmentMarketing Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute a strategic plan for the firm’s awards and recognition program, including objectives, priorities, processes, and expected outcomes
Manage an annual calendar of award and recognition opportunities and track progress using an established CRM system
Partner with Marketing Communications, Business Development, and other business professional teams to identify and draft compelling submissions that align with the firm’s brand and business priorities
Collaborate with the Client Experience team to identify award and recognition opportunities that support key client relationships
Track, analyze, and report on program progress, outcomes, and metrics to support continuous improvement and demonstrate impact
Support the preparation and submission of secondary directory submissions, including Global Review Guides

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
At least five (5) years of related work experience
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
Strong understanding of journalistic reporting principles and requirements, including mastery of AP Style
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to adjust to rapidly changing business priorities
Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life.
Our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
Generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.