Associate Director, Public Relations U.S.

The Associate Director, Public Relations U.S. drives strategic media engagement and visibility for the firm across the U.S. Reporting to the Global Director of Communications, this position plays a pivotal role in elevating the firm’s market position and thought leadership in alignment with strategic business objectives. The role requires close collaboration with the Associate Director of Communications, EMEA and integration with broader marketing functions including Client Development to ensure message consistency and maximum impact.
The ideal candidate brings exceptional editorial judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to transform complex legal concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences. A robust network of established media relationships across business, legal, and industry press is essential, as is a track record of securing high-value coverage that advances organizational goals.
This role also includes managing, mentoring, and coaching a team of communications professionals responsible for PR execution and media content development. The successful candidate will have a hands-on, collaborative style with experience overseeing a team.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Media Strategies

• Architect and implement comprehensive PR strategies that amplify the firm’s positioning and practice group priorities across the U.S. market.
• Serve as primary relationship manager for the firm’s PR agency, ensuring accountability and seamless coordination on media initiatives.
• Create sophisticated messaging frameworks that differentiate the firm’s expertise in competitive practice areas.
• Develop and oversee execution of integrated communications campaigns that drive measurable business outcomes.

Media Contact and Placements

• Build and nurture relationships with key journalists across national, legal, business, and industry publications.
• Proactively identify and secure high-impact media opportunities that showcase the firm’s expertise and thought leadership.
• Craft compelling pitches, press releases, statements, and talking points that cut through market noise.
• Monitor news cycles and trending topics to capitalize on timely visibility opportunities.
• Provide strategic counsel on interview preparation and media engagement to maximize impact.
• Position Dechert lawyers as “legal and business experts” for use by media.

Leadership & Practice Visibility

• Collaborate with firm and practice leaders to develop personalized visibility strategies aligned with business development goals.
• Orchestrate media campaigns around significant firm milestones, lateral acquisitions, case victories, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across all external communications.
• Develop and implement metrics to track visibility outcomes and demonstrate ROI.

Reputation Management

• Deliver strategic counsel to firm leadership on sensitive communications matters and potential reputational risks.
• Support development of crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks.
• Provide rapid response guidance during high-stakes situations requiring media engagement.

Other

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of communications professionals responsible for PR execution.
• Establish clear performance objectives aligned with departmental and firm-wide strategic goals.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative culture that encourages creative thinking and professional growth.
• Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities to strengthen team capabilities.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 15 or more years of relevant business experience.
• Journalism experienced preferred.
• Well connected with U.S. press.
• University degree with an emphasis on communications, journalism, public relations, or English.
• Track record of execution and adept at taking strategic plans and translating them into simple courses of action to be implemented.
• Ability to foster collaborative, trusted working relationships with a proactive and positive attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency and responsiveness, employing a “hands-on” tactical approach to tasks and challenges.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, service-oriented environment, managing multiple projects and adjusting to shifting priorities.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of AP Style and the ability to learn and apply the firm’s writing style guide.
• Proven ability to deal with complex subject matter – preferably legal or financial.
• Knowledge of the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Additional Job Description

At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position is $176,000.00 to $235,000.00 annually.  Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience and location of the position.

Location(s)

New York

Time Type

Full time

Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.  The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law.