External Communications Coordinator at Bowmans (Law Firm)

Purpose:

• Assists the senior brand and communications manager to deliver on the firm’s marketing and communications mandate with specific emphasis on coordinating the activities related to its external communications function and focus on digital communication.

Qualifications AND Experience:

• Marketing/ Communications/ Journalism Degree/ Diploma 
• 5 - 8 years’ work experience
• Exposure to a professional services environment 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Key ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Project Management and Advisory

• Provide ‘best practice’ communication input as well as guidance on the presentation of written and electronic material.
• Clarify, establish and agree expectations and deadlines for the firm’s external communication activities.
• Complete campaign project plans, ensure they are implemented and that objectives and deadlines are met, and compile reports on their effectiveness.

Writing, Editing, Proofing/ Reviewing and Production 

• Write appropriate content for various channels and audiences, ensuring that key messages are conveyed and legal concepts are presented in an accessible way.
• Edit text for publication across various channels ensuring that it takes the right tone, is clear, grammatically correct and adheres to the firm’s writing style guide.
• Proof/ review all marketing and external communication content for accuracy before publication (eg: guides, brochures, infographics). 
• Coordinate the recording, assist with the proofing, publishing and communication of videos and podcasts. 
• Create visual content including social media and email banners (generally using PPT and Canva templates).

Client Newsflashes and Publications 

• Edit, format, obtain approval, distribute and file newsflashes.
• Ensure all newsflashes and newsletters are published on relevant digital channels (website, social media).
• Coordinate the compilation of content for and production of publications (eg Timeless Ties).

Public Relations

• Support the external PR consultant (eg providing spokesperson photographs, liaising with internal stakeholders).
• Assist to set up media training sessions.
• Compile and send ‘In the news’ updates internally.

Awards

• Assist to compile and submit motivations for awards.
• Assist to communicate wins.
• Ensure that internal records and marketing collateral/ elements are updated

Directory Profiles

• Ensure that directory profiles are regularly updated and that maximum use is made of associated marketing opportunities.

Website

• Review website pages for errors/ omissions/ duplications and address identified issues.
• Publish website content (eg articles, announcements, lawyer profiles).
• Update website content.
• Liaise with external supplier/s to address issues, implement changes.

Social Media

• Assist to ensure the firm’s social media presence is consistent and appropriate to the channels.
• Assist to formulate and implement social media campaigns.
• Plan and compile content for publication on the firm’s social media platforms. 
• Respond to enquiries via social media channels.

Special Projects

• Assist with the implementation of special projects.

Administration & Reporting

• Assist with general operational and administrative requirements within the communications team.
• Contribute towards the monthly communications report.
• Update/ maintain boilerplate; milestone document; website quote document; lawyer profile document and ensure updates are implemented on the relevant platforms.
• Order printed business cards (when an exception to do so has been approved).
• Serve as a backup to the person responsible for ordering online business cards.
• Serve as a backup to the person responsible for distributing external marketing collateral. 
• Serve as a backup to the person responsible for processing invoices.

Relationship Building

• Maintain strong working relationships with all members of the Business Development Department.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Bowmans employees as a trusted communications resource. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors.

Competencies

• Writing Skills
• Interactive Communication 
• Attention to Detail
• Relationship Building
• Business Perspective
• Using Information Technology
• Information Management