Senior Writer

Posted On: April 11, 2017

Media-Related Job

Media Organization: Ropes & Gray, LLP

Company Description

Ropes & Gray LLP is a preeminent global law firm focused on providing the highest-quality advice on our clients’ critical legal and business issues. Our global team of 2,500 talented professionals regularly helps clients meet high-stakes challenges, solve complex problems and achieve key goals. These colleagues work together across a global office network that includes offices in Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Tokyo and Washington, D.C.

We are a contemporary firm that can bring more than 150 years of legal and institutional history to bear on the challenges clients face in today’s global, 24/7 business environment. Our collaborative approach gives our clients—which include many of the world’s most respected companies and institutions—ready access to leading corporate, litigation, transactional and regulatory lawyers whose knowledge and experience span industries and geographies.

With an international presence, we focus primarily on the asset management, technology, life sciences, health care and real estate industries. Our clients include global industry leaders, financial institutions, investment firms, private equity firms, hospitals and health care organizations, educational institutions and individuals.

We have consistently been recognized for our leading practices in many areas, including private equity, M&A, life sciences, health care, finance, investment management, hedge funds, tax, real estate, intellectual property, business and securities litigation, government enforcement, antitrust, and privacy and data security.

Ropes & Gray is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Description

The senior writer supports the firm’s editorial, multimedia production, presentation, PR and proposals functions, and collaborates with the director of communications, the editorial managers and the larger editorial marketing communications team to advance and execute initiatives that support the communications needs of firm leadership and firm business objectives.

The senior writer researches, writes and edits content for a broad range of internal and external communications vehicles, including memos, video and podcast scripts, presentations, newsletters and more. The individual in this position also works with attorneys and staff to develop and execute key internal and external communications projects.

The senior writer ensures that “all of the dots are connected” for the firm’s messaging by marshaling the right resources, identifying key stakeholders and participants, and gathering information to shape our messages. The senior writer should share the characteristics of a resourceful and persistent news reporter and producer, and the talents of an elegant writer, able to produce compelling, concise and error-free copy. The successful applicant will also be able to grasp the nuances of a unique law firm culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•Provide high-level reporting, writing and editing for internal and external communications that support the needs of firm leadership. Proactively seek out, identify and develop compelling, timely content. Solicit input and feedback from internal clients (firm leadership, attorneys, practice and business development staff); proofread, edit and fact check material on tight deadline.

•Assist with the firm’s multimedia production by writing video and podcast scripts for subjects (primarily attorneys) and/or full scripts for certain projects. Conduct interviews with subjects in advance of drafting scripts to capture appropriate voice.

•Develop and oversee key internal communications projects that involve stakeholders from multiple firm departments.

•Provide counsel to internal clients on messaging and content development to ensure that communications are clear, correct and aligned with the firm’s strategic goals. Anticipate needs, respond quickly to requests and draft materials as needed.

•Assist the broader marketing communications team with writing needs, including drafting intranet and website copy, ranking and award submissions, press releases, pitches and proposals, and other marketing materials as needed.

•Enter enthusiastically into the life of the team.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

•BA or BS degree (English, journalism or cultural studies preferred).

•Five to seven years of communications, journalism or PR/marketing experience.

•Law firm or professional services experience preferred; experience writing for and to senior executives.

•Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels across all departments.

•Superior writing and editing skills on a variety of platforms, including written communications, television/video/podcast copy and PowerPoint presentations.

•Strong listening skills to digest, process, and guide strategy and problem resolution.

•Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably with senior executives, attorneys, senior staff and various constituent groups.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:

•Superior writing and editing skills, including experience across a wide range of distribution platforms. Accuracy is critical. Must be able to check facts with multiple sources and take responsibility for producing factually correct content.

•Demonstrates sensitivity to partners and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm’s internal affairs.

•Ability to analyze information, identify issues, make recommendations and clearly articulate them.

•Ability to absorb internal information and translate it into persuasive, relevant, benefit-oriented messaging.

•Strong communications, project management, organizational and proofreading skills.

•Service-oriented approach: flexible, proactive management of expectations, unflappable in the face of change. Ability to think strategically and systemically.

•Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize assignments. Ability to listen, collaborate and influence others.

•Understand, internalize and function in unique corporate culture.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Firm management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

To Apply

Please apply online at https://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=ROPESGRAY&cws=41&rid=1251