External Communications Manager

**SYDNEY - CBD**

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

If you have a passion for uncovering great stories, and telling them simply and widely, we have a unique opportunity for an External Communications Manager to join our team in Sydney.

Working alongside our market-leading practice groups, partners and business service professionals (locally and globally), you will develop and deliver communications and media strategies to grow our reputation as a leading global law firm.

In this vital role - alongside other inspiring and high-performing people - you will:

- Forge mutually beneficial relationships, internally and externally, including with journalists and other key stakeholders.
- Prepare compelling written materials, including media releases, social media posts, briefing notes, opinion pieces and key messages.
- Work with our internal communications team to identify shared opportunities.
- Support our marketing and brand team to maximise the impact of the firm's campaigns.
- Provide confident and considered advice on a multitude of different issues.
- Respond effectively and efficiently to reactive media enquiries / commentary opportunities.

**SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS**

You'll be highly organised and thrive in a fast-paced environment, where you will juggle multiple competing priorities and land great results.

You will have a drive to create meaningful relationships, a hunger to find great stories, and the determination to tell them again and again.
- Ideally 8+ years' experience in a public relations or media relations role.
- Excellent judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills
- The ability to think logically and strategically when under pressure.
- A proactive and driven mindset.
- A track record of winning the trust and confidence of senior stakeholders, combined with outstanding relationship-building and stakeholder management.
- Exceptional written and interpersonal skills.
- Previous experience as a journalist (desirable).

**GROUP / TEAM**

Corporate Services

**GROUP / TEAM DESCRIPTION**

Our Corporate services group is comprised of a number of teams from the firm's central management functions, which support key activities both within the firm and in the external market. They coordinate common initiatives, improve communication and drive greater efficiency across our operations. These teams are Legal Operations, Management Services, Pro bono and citizenship, Internal/external communications and the Programme Management Office (PMO).

Programme Management Office (PMO)

The PMO manages an extensive portfolio of global firm-wide projects, including new systems and major transformation programmes. Services offered include programme/project management, change management and business analysis.

What you can expect from us:

- We're a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 5,000 professionals. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.
- We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.
- We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.
- We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you'll have it and we'll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.
- Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia's market leading law firm.

**ROLE TYPE**

Business Services

**CONTRACT TYPE**

Permanent

**WORKING PATTERN**

Full Time

**DIVERSITY & INCLUSION**

At Herbert Smith Freehills you will be part of a diverse, innovative culture where high performance, client focus and highly engaged people are our differentiator. People at our firm come from a range of backgrounds and bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives to their work with us. We strive to ensure that our inclusive environment means you feel valued and able to perform at your best by being your authentic self at work. We know that our future success not only depends on being innovative and progressive in the changing legal market but, most importantly, on our people feeling highly engaged in meaningful work.

We understand that you have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to create a working environment based on mutual trust and respect, in which you can perform at your best whilst maintaining sustainab