ABOUT THE FIRM:

The American Lawyer crowned Ropes & Gray “Law Firm of the Year” in 2022, ranked it #1 on its prestigious “A-List,” and named it one of its “Kings of the Hill” on the 2022 Am Law 100—a ranking of the most powerful law firms. Collectively, these honors reflect Ropes & Gray’s leading market position. Ropes & Gray is among the fastest-growing, most profitable and most prestigious law firms in the world. Its success is measured in its exceptional financial performance, an expansive pro bono program, consistent firmwide attorney satisfaction, and a deep commitment to racial diversity and gender equity.

Operating in the most dynamic financial centers around the world, Ropes & Gray serves organizations at all stages of development, as well as investors and individuals. With 1,500 attorneys spanning 17 time zones, teams collaborate seamlessly from North America, Europe and Asia to provide clients with the high-quality representation and uncompromising, round-the-clock service that have made Ropes & Gray a global leader.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Executive Writer is an invaluable connector of firm communities and an instrumental link between our leadership and every member of our firm. This role is part of a small and impactful team that directly supports the firm’s Chair and Managing Partner and works in close collaboration with the firm’s executive board and c-suite. Alongside our Chief of Staff, Director of Executive Communications and Executive Editor, the Executive Writer considers, guides and crafts the internal communications that our leaders convey to advance our business objectives and strengthen our firm culture. This role collaborates with the Marketing Communications team and subject matter experts across the firm on creative and substantive communication initiatives on a variety of platforms—digital, live, multimedia, etc.

The Executive Writer researches, writes and edits content for a broad range of internal and external communications, including live remarks, internal memos, video and podcast scripts, presentations, newsletters, award nominations, talking points, thought leadership pieces and event-related materials. The executive 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. Their creation of timely, relevant, effective and engaging communications will necessitate constant interfacing with attorneys and support team members, not only when partnering on content, but also understanding their perspectives, values and priorities.

The successful applicant will be able to grasp the nuances of a unique law firm culture, structure, suite of offerings and economics. Given the wide range of communications topics, it is imperative that this person have an interest in thought leadership and organizational psychology trends, as well as an ability to translate financial and economic headlines from our Finance Department to our firm’s various populations. Finally, the executive writer should possess the characteristics of a resourceful and elegant writer, able to produce compelling, concise and error-free copy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In collaboration with the Executive Communications Director, develop and oversee key internal communications projects that involve stakeholders from multiple firm departments.
• Provide counsel to internal clients, including the highest levels of firm leadership, on messaging and content development. Ensure that communications are clear, correct, creative, engaging and aligned with the firm’s strategic goals.
• 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. Anticipate needs, respond quickly to requests and draft materials as needed.
• Solicit input and feedback from internal clients (firm leadership, attorneys, and administrative departments such as Attorney Talent, Finance, and Practice and Business Development); proofread, edit and fact-check material on tight deadlines. For example, understand associate-focused projects and priorities by communicating with Attorney Talent, and collaborate with the firm’s Financial Planning & Analysis department to translate firm financial performance into compelling statements about the firm’s performance.
• Assist with the firm’s multimedia production by writing video and podcast scripts and/or full scripts for certain projects. Conduct interviews with contributors in advance of drafting scripts to capture appropriate voice.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• BA or BS degree and 7+ years of communications, journalism or PR/marketing experience.
• Law firm, finance sector (such as banks, investment firms, or think tanks) or other professional services experience preferred; experience writing for senior executives.
• Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels across all departments.
• Possess a high degree of financial acumen; well versed in a wide range of financial products and accustomed to describing financial markets and economic activity in clear, direct language.
• 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 support team members 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.
• Ability to research and digest finance data and reporting and translate into a narrative for memos and speeches.
• 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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

No application will be considered without a cover letter.

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.

NY Comprehensive Total Rewards Package

Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is $101,500 - $152,000, which represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.