External Communications Intern (6-Month Contract) – Business Development - Johannesburg, South Africa 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 activities related to its external communications function and focus on digital communication.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Marketing/ Communications/ Journalism Degree/ Diploma
• Exposure to a professional services environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Key Activities

Project Management & Advisory

• Clarify, establish and agree expectations and deadlines for the firm’s external communication activities.

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).

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).

Public Relation

• Support the external PR consultant (eg providing spokesperson photographs, liaising with internal stakeholders).

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

• Publish website content (eg articles, announcements, lawyer profiles).
• Update website content.

Social Media

• 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).
• Prder 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
• Attention to Detail
• Relationship Building
• Using Information Technology
• Information Management