JOB DESCRIPTION About Herbert Smith FreehillsAs one of the world's leading law firms, we advise many of the largest and most ambitious organisations across all major regions of the globe.
With over 5,000 people, including 3,100 lawyers and over 2,000 business services professionals, operating from our global network of offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice.We recognise that the success of our business and our clients relies on the skills, knowledge and ideas of all our people.
Our environment is one in which high performance is expected, in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your personal and professional goals.
The OpportunityThe role: External Communications ManagerThe opportunityIf you have a passion for uncovering great stories, and a drive to tell them simply and widely, we have a unique opportunity for an External Communications Manager to join our team in Sydney or Melbourne.Working alongside our market-leading legal practice groups, partners and business service professionals – locally and globally – you will develop and deliver media strategies to grow our reputation as a leading global law firm.In this vital role, working in our high-performing and supportive comms team, you will:Deliver innovative and impactful communications plans, in a range of different subject areas and specialties.
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 firm campaigns.Provide confident and considered advice on a multitude of different issues.Respond effectively and efficiently to reactive media enquiries / commentary opportunities.The team: Globally connected and locally led, our Communications team is a crucial part of the firm's success.
Our Australian team includes a mix of external and internal communication professionals located in Sydney and Melbourne, and is part of a wider comms team that spans the world.
We believe in having the firm's, and each other's back, and are proud of our team's reputation for: proactivity, impact and support for our colleagues.Skills & experience You'll be highly organised and thrive in a fast-paced environment, where you will juggle competing priorities and land great results.Supporting your team and the firm to thrive will also be a huge part of what motivates you – you feel more comfortable saying 'we' over 'me'.You will have a drive to create meaningful relationships, a hunger to find great stories, and the determination to tell them in a way that really cuts through.The successful candidate will have:Ideally 8+ years' experience in a public relations/media relations role, or as a journalist.A record of delivering compelling communications results in different types of media.Excellent judgement, decision-making and problem-solving skills.The ability to think logically and strategically when under pressure.A proactive, problem-solving and driven mindset.A history of winning the trust and confidence of senior stakeholders.A grasp of different technologies, including Gen AI.Exceptional written and interpersonal skills.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.For more benefits on offer such as our 26 weeks paid parental leave, holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance please click/ copy this link into your browser - Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia's market leading law firm.We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to First Nations, LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent people, as well as all ages, cultures, genders, and abilities.
We're a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace and celebrate the diversity of our people.TeamCorporate ServicesWorking PatternFull timeLocationMelbourne, SydneyContract typePermanent ContractDiversity & InclusionAt 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 sustainable balance across your life.