Assistant Manager, Communications

The Communications team is responsible for identifying and evaluating opportunities to promote and drive visibility around Simpson Thacher's key practices, partners, and offices. Opportunity We are seeking a driven, creative, and experienced Assistant Manager of Communications to join our Communications team. In this role, you'll work closely with the Associate Director of Communications and collaborate with the Client Development and Engagement (CDE) team to support initiatives that drive the Firm's growth. This position is a key part of the CDE department, advancing business priorities through impactful communications for the Litigation department and our Washington, D.C. office. Additionally, you will collaborate on initiatives across various practice groups and engage with Firm leadership and Partners, providing a valuable opportunity for professional growth and visibility within a leading international law firm. This is a highly visible role working directly with Firm leadership, partners and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in creating integrated, multi-channel communications strategies, media relations, authored and bylined content, awards submissions, and digital/social media engagement. They should also have familiarity with and experience in the legal industry and litigation space. Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities • Own the day-to-day communications for Simpson Thacher's Litigation PR programs, providing first-line counsel to partners and escalating complex issues to senior Communications leadership, ensuring alignment with Firm priorities and risk considerations. • Plan and execute coverage around high-impact litigation victories and matters, coordinating with partners, client teams and, when needed, external PR agencies, ensuring messaging accuracy and consistency across all channels. • Prepare talking points, Q&A and media training for partners ahead of interviews and/or high-visibility matters, including briefing materials tailored to case dynamics and media interest. • Repurpose owned and earned content such as bylines and commentary into multi-channel efforts by partnering with colleagues across the CDE department, including Social, Awards, Graphics, Events, and practice-focused business development teams to amplify content across web, email and LinkedIn. • Build and maintain relationships with key media outlets and contacts and facilitate the development of relationships for key partners, including proactive outreach around relevant litigation and regulatory developments. • Monitor news and industry-specific media to keep current with industry knowledge and identify relevant trends affecting the Firm's litigation practices, providing timely insights to internal stakeholders. • Assist with drafting internal and external Firm materials, including partner biographies, office newsletters, practice area descriptions and other content that effectively communicates the Firm's value proposition, ensuring clarity, tone alignment and accuracy. • Support CDE projects and other Firm initiatives as needed, contributing communications expertise to cross-functional efforts. • Perform various business and operational support functions related to Communications and CDE strategies, policies, procedures and initiatives while ensuring consistency in messaging and brand standards, including maintaining organized workflows and documentation. • Define and report KPIs (quality placements, message pull-through, SOV vs. peers, reach/engagement) and translate results into actionable recommendations for future planning. • Train and mentor junior team members, foster shared standards and best practices across CDE. Education and Experience • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, government and policy, or a related field • Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience, preferably at a law firm, PR agency or financial services/professional services firm Required Skills • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills • Ability to distill complex matters into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences • Strong research, problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail • Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively across teams and in a large organization; ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment • Experience coordinating with global colleagues; comfort navigating multiple time zones on fast-moving matters • Strong project management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and balance competing demands in a fast-paced, professional environment • Ability to develop buy-in, interact well and build professional relationships with co-workers, stakeholders and media while maintaining a high level of professionalism, customer service, diplomacy and discretion • Ability to effectively share knowledge and resources with appropriate parties, both internal and external • Comfort managing sensitive information and exercising discretion in high-stakes or time-sensitive situations • Must be flexible and willing to work additional hours as needed Preferred Skills • Deep understanding of litigation and familiarity with the legal industry • Experience with Foundation, Smartsheets, Meltwater, Roxhill, and other PR/monitoring platforms as well as Microsoft 365 Productivity Apps • Experience with generative AI and AI-enabled platforms such as Copilot, DeepJudge, Harvey and others • Existing relationships with legal, business and industry reporters • Familiarity with editorial calendars, KPI dashboards, and content tracking tools-tracking tools Salary Information NY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible. Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. #LI-Hybrid