Director of PR & Communications

Lowenstein Sandler is a sophisticated U.S. law firm with over 400 lawyers and 300 business services professionals serving clients from offices in New York, Palo Alto, Roseland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington. We recruit candidates who seek a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that prioritizes our clients, colleagues, and communities. Committed to career development and a diverse, inclusive workplace, the firm offers programs and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

About the Role

The Director of PR & Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, integrated communications and media strategy that enhances the firm’s visibility, reputation, and market position. This role partners closely with firm leadership, the Marketing and Business Development teams, and the firm’s external PR agency to advance strategic priorities, elevate thought leadership, and enhance the firm’s market presence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Positioning:
  • Develop and lead an integrated PR and communications strategy aligned with the firm’s strategic plan and business objectives.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to firm leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and reputational considerations.
  • Lead crisis communications planning and response, including the development of timely, clear, and appropriate messaging for sensitive or high-impact firm matters.
  • Develop and implement messaging frameworks that clearly differentiate the firm’s practices, industries, and lawyers in a competitive market.
  • Partner with firm leadership to identify and elevate priority initiatives, thought leadership, and market opportunities.
  • Track, analyze, and report on PR performance, using insights to refine strategies and inform future initiatives.
• Media Relations & External Visibility:
  • Oversee the firm’s earned media strategy, driving proactive, high-impact media engagement across legal, business, and industry press.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and media outlets.
  • Identify, shape, and secure strategic media opportunities that enhance the firm’s reputation and visibility.
  • Provide strategic counsel and prepare attorneys for media interviews, speaking opportunities, and commentary.
• Awards, Rankings & Recognition:
  • Oversee the firm’s awards and recognitions strategy, including supervision of the process for identifying, evaluating, and pursuing relevant opportunities.
  • Partner with Marketing & Business Development and practice leadership to prioritize submissions aligned with strategic goals.
  • Ensure submissions effectively position the firm’s strengths, differentiators, and market leadership.
  • Track outcomes and leverage recognitions across channels and marketing assets.
• Agency & Stakeholder Management:
  • Serve as primary relationship manager for the firm’s PR agency, ensuring accountability, alignment, and high-quality execution.
  • Collaborate with Marketing & Business Development leadership to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across campaigns and channels.
• Content & Thought Leadership:
  • Provide strategic direction and oversight for the development of content that supports the firm’s brand and business priorities, including press releases, bylines, client alerts, and digital content.
  • Lead and mentor the team managing content creation, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and strategic positioning across all channels.
  • Partner with Marketing & Business Development and practice leadership to identify and elevate thought leadership opportunities aligned with firm priorities.
  • Ensure content effectively translates complex legal and business concepts into clear, engaging, and market-relevant messaging.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop communications professionals and/or external resources.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment aligned with firm values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism; law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic PR programs with measurable results.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong media relationships and track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align communications with business goals.
• Executive presence and ability to advise senior stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Collaborative, client-service oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday

• NJ: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• NY: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Location

New York, NY or Roseland, NJ (Hybrid)

Travel

Travel between New York and Roseland as needed; travel to other firm offices estimated 2-3 times per year.

Pay

The expected salary range for candidates meeting the requirements of this position is $275,000 to $325,000. Exact compensation will be determined based on individual candidate qualifications and location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 401K
• Paid time off