Communications Specialist - Awards and Rankings Management

Cooley is in search of a dedicated Communications Specialist to enhance our Communications team. This role is integral to propelling the firm's global communications and marketing strategy through effective management of rankings, awards, and survey submissions.

Position Summary: The Communications Specialist contributes significantly to the entire process of managing awards and rankings. This includes assessing opportunities, coordinating deadlines and materials, gathering and synthesizing information from attorneys and practice groups, and preparing compelling submission content. Working closely with various stakeholders and reporting to the Associate Director of Media Relations, you will be instrumental in ensuring that submissions are strategic, timely, and accurate, ultimately strengthening the firm's visibility and reputation among clients and industry influencers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regularly update the master calendar for rankings and awards, clearly documenting all opportunities, deadlines, milestones, and requirements to ensure effective communication with the team.
• Manage projects related to rankings and award submissions, overseeing each phase from opportunity identification to final delivery while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Draft and develop submission content, including narrative descriptions, matter summaries, partner profiles, and practice highlights—all while maintaining clarity, accuracy, and alignment with firm messaging.
• Conduct thorough research on award and ranking opportunities, maintaining internal trackers and schedules to support strategic planning and reporting.
• Collaborate with attorneys and practice groups to gather and condense key achievements into persuasive content suitable for submissions.
• Prepare supporting documents and background summaries for internal discussions, setting clear expectations regarding ranking outcomes and positioning.
• Create promotional web copy and internal communications to showcase important ranking results and accolades.
• Monitor deadlines and manage workflow tools, ensuring all stakeholders are updated with necessary requirements, templates, and timelines.
• Act as a resource for attorneys and internal teams, offering guidance on ranking processes and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by enhancing tracking systems, documentation, and submission processes.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support the firm’s awards and recognition initiatives.
• Undertake any other tasks as assigned to fulfill firm objectives.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications upon completion of orientation.
• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as necessary.
• Capability to travel when required.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience within a marketing or communications role.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Experience with legal rankings and awards is a plus.

Competencies:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational capabilities.
• Adept at multitasking in fast-paced environments.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Comfortable with rapidly changing technologies.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Exhibits initiative, diplomacy, and tact in all interactions.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines.

The expected hourly pay range for this position is $36.00 - $53.00, corresponding to an annual salary of $74,880.00 - $110,240.00 for a 40-hour work week. The final offer will be influenced by geographic location, applicable experience, and skill set.

We offer a comprehensive range of elective benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and several paid time off options. Employees enjoy 20 days of Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays each year, generous parental leave, fertility benefits, and a thorough benefits orientation for new employees.