Firmwide Communications Manager, Awards

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

The Firmwide Communications Manager, Awards leads the firm’s legal awards and recognition program, ensuring a polished, strategic presence across priority publications. This position works closely with partners, departments, the Communications team, and other key stakeholders to identify high-value submission opportunities, develop compelling content, and promote best practices. The role ensures submissions and related materials reflect the firm’s style guide, narrative, voice, and broader market positioning. This position requires sound judgment, strong writing skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and continually strengthen the firm’s approach to awards and recognition.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the firm’s awards and recognition program, including objectives, priorities, processes, and expected outcomes
• Manage an annual calendar of award and recognition opportunities and track progress using an established CRM system
• Partner with Marketing Communications, Business Development, and other business professional teams to identify and draft compelling submissions that align with the firm’s brand and business priorities
• Collaborate with the Client Experience team to identify award and recognition opportunities that support key client relationships
• Track, analyze, and report on program progress, outcomes, and metrics to support continuous improvement and demonstrate impact
• Support the preparation and submission of secondary directory submissions, including Global Review Guides

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five (5) years of related work experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Strong understanding of journalistic reporting principles and requirements, including mastery of AP Style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to adjust to rapidly changing business priorities
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
     Target Hiring Range $115,000 - $161,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

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Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.