Communications Assistant

Cooley is seeking a Communications Assistant to join the Communications team.

About Cooley: Cooley is a global law firm with an expansive practice and more than 3,000 employees and partners worldwide. We value and celebrate diverse perspectives and strive to create a workplace where every individual can thrive. At the core of Cooley’s success is the exceptional talent and unwavering spirit of our people. We embrace individuality while fostering a ‘one-firm’ culture where collaboration and creativity thrive. Our people are the foundation of our success and the driving force behind everything we do.

Hybrid Schedule Philosophy: As part of the Cooley culture, we recognize and appreciate the value of being together, in person, to build comradery with others in the office and to be a contributing member of the Cooley office. However, we also appreciate the benefits and flexibility that come from remote working. As such, the default assumption for employees and partners is a hybrid schedule: some in-office presence and some work from home days absent certain essential in-office roles that require five (5) days/week in-office.

Position summary: Working closely with members of the external communications team, the Communications Assistant will provide day-to-day support for Cooley’s media relations, external communications and reputation-building efforts. The Communications Assistant will help the team identify and promote news involving Cooley, its clients and lawyers; support relationships with influential media; maintain the tools and resources that underpin an effective communications function; and assist with a range of written content and communications initiatives. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

Media relations and external communications

• Support the external communications team in executing proactive media relations and reputation-building initiatives across the firm
• Monitor news and media coverage involving Cooley, its lawyers, clients, competitors and priority industries and issues
• Prepare and distribute regular media coverage reports and other communications updates
• Maintain and update media lists, journalist information and other media relations resources
• Conduct research on reporters, publications, industry trends, news developments and potential communications opportunities
• Assist with media outreach, including the preparation and distribution of press releases, deal announcements, media pitches and other communications materials
• Support the coordination of media interviews and other reporter interactions, including scheduling and preparation of background materials
• Help identify timely opportunities to highlight Cooley’s client work, lawyers, practices and perspectives
• Support the drafting, editing, proofreading and posting of external communications content
• Assist with maintaining communications calendars, trackers and reporting tools, including media activity and upcoming announcements
• Support external communications campaigns and special projects involving earned media, social media, thought leadership and other content as needed

Team and operational support

• Provide administrative and organizational support to the external communications team, including scheduling meetings and maintaining team materials and resources
• Help ensure communications processes, trackers, media contacts and other team resources remain accurate and up to date
• Coordinate effectively with colleagues across Communications, Marketing & Business Development and other firm functions
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Take initiative in identifying ways to improve team organization, processes and information sharing
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Available to work overtime, as required

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field
• Previous internship or professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, professional services or a related field
• Familiarity with media monitoring, media databases or other public relations tools …