Role summary/purpose of jobFreshfields is a high-touch, intensely client-focused organisation. The Marketing and Business Development function operates in a dynamic environment with many stakeholders. There is a healthy component of “rolling up sleeves and doing” in the role. It is also a highly collaborative team and the individual will be required to influence and support colleagues on a daily basis, working with colleagues across global communications and the wider marketing and business development team, and beyond, to deliver excellent results for the business.There are many aspects of the role’s scope which will take the form of offering counsel and advice, so a collaborative, consultative, inclusive working style is paramount. Similarly, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build lasting relationships within a partnership environment are essential.There are significant delivery elements to the role, handling time-sensitive internal requests and specific messaging strategies to be articulated and advanced in support of the firm’s business activities in a wide range of markets, sectors and practice groups. The team also drives content development and internal engagement for a wide range of thought leadership initiatives. The role will require good communications planning skills and the ability to develop communications strategies that work across our global business while remaining consistent with the Firm’s overall approach.Key Responsibilities & DeliverablesThis role reports to the Director of Global Communications and oversees a team based in Manchester. The role sits within the global communications leadership team, with key stakeholders within the function including the Marketing & Business Development leadership team and other comms leads. More broadly, stakeholders include the firm’s global leadership team and management office, regional senior management teams, practice & sector group leaders, office managing partners, the firm’s General Counsel, and heads of functions including HR, technology, D&I, sustainability and operations.Main areas of responsibility:Proactively develop a creative, responsive and engaging internal comms strategy in support of the firm’s strategic objectives and brand, that brings our values and principles to life for our peopleDirect and deliver firmwide internal comms plans and campaigns to effectively engage diverse global stakeholders, boost understanding of the firm’s strategy and instill pride in the work we do and the role we playBuild a globally consistent, successful programme that ensures internal audience awareness and understanding of key responsible business areas including D&I, ESG, Pro Bono and Community, as well as HR and financial performance, and wider thought leadership campaignsLead, manage and inspire the internal communications team and act as a leader within the global communications function: ensure proactive internal reputation building and crisis management planning, involving active stakeholder management. Support prioritization of incoming activity and constant evaluation of output – ensuring accuracy and attention to detail throughoutProvide strategic internal communications counsel to leaders and colleagues across the firmResponsible for inspiring internal content creation and delivery to increase effectiveness and engagement – including ongoing channel development to boost two-way engagement and where relevant, inclusion of user-generated content. Evolve plans to respond to emerging needs of Gen Z and future talent.Issues management: work alongside the director of global comms and global lead corporate communications on reputational matters and issues management framework as appropriateCollaborate closely with external communications team (incl. social media) to ensure integrated comms activity across audiences and channelsManage measurement of impact for global IC activity, maximizing ROI and innovation in all that we doKey RequirementsEssentialExperienced IC leader in a global, matrixed organisationFamiliar with internal communications disciplines, experienced at communications planning and strategy development and delivering internal campaigns that resonate globally, especially in the USStrong project and people management skills and ability to deliver under pressure to tight deadlines, with a focus on resultsExtensive experience of influencing senior decision makers, collaborative styleMotivating leader, good at coaching, including creative talent and junior colleaguesProven issues management experienceExcellent communication and presentation skillsHigh level of accuracy and attention to detailExperience of managing agency relationships an advantageDesirableFluency in other languagesExperience working with legal services or professional services industryFreshfields OverviewFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments.Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:we show respect to everyonewe are there for one anotherwe are open with each otherwe are positive role modelsWe think and work globally - we do not just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work is not just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.InclusionFreshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered based on their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.
