Associate Director, External Communications – Legal & Regulatory (EU)

About the role 

Wolters Kluwer is seeking an experienced external communications professional to lead media relations and external storytelling for its Legal & Regulatory (LR) division in Europe. 

This role is responsible for building and executing a proactive external communications and media strategy, strengthening the visibility of the division, and connecting divisional narratives to the broader Wolters Kluwer brand. 

The position sits within the central External Communications function and operates in a matrix environment, partnering closely with divisional leadership, communications, marketing, and external agency teams. 

Important context: 

• The role is focused on Europe initially, with potential to evolve in scope over time 

• It combines strategic ownership and hands-on execution 

• It is a newly defined role, requiring someone comfortable building structure, influencing stakeholders, and driving change 

Core mission 

• Shift external communications from primarily reactive press-led activity to a proactive, integrated media engagement strategy 

• Build and strengthen divisional narrative, thought leadership, and executive visibility 

• Drive meaningful media engagement across business, technology, and legal industry publications 

• Act as a subject matter expert in media relations, shaping how the organisation engages with journalists and external audiences 

Key responsibilities 

1. Strategy & narrative development 

• Develop and own the external communications and media relations strategy for the LR division in Europe 

• Translate business priorities into clear external communications priorities and narratives 

• Ensure alignment between divisional messaging and enterprise brand positioning 

2. Media relations & thought leadership 

• Design and execute proactive media engagement programmes, moving beyond press releases to:  

• thought leadership campaigns 

• executive visibility opportunities 

• strategic media partnerships 

• Build and maintain relationships with target media across legal tech, business, and technology domains 

• Identify story opportunities based on industry trends, business developments, and competitive positioning 

3. Stakeholder partnership & influence 

• Act as a trusted advisor to divisional and communications leadership by:  

• providing expert guidance on media strategy 

• constructively challenging non-strategic requests 

• proposing alternative approaches that deliver greater impact 

• Work closely with:  

• divisional communications leadership 

• marketing teams 

• senior executives and spokespersons 

• subject matter experts 

4. Integration in a matrix organisation 

• Operate effectively within a complex matrix structure, balancing:  

• divisional priorities 

• enterprise communications strategy 

• input from multiple senior stakeholders 

• Foster stronger integration between communications and marketing activities 

5. Execution & delivery 

• Create and oversee communications materials including:  

• media pitches 

• press releases 

• executive briefings and messaging 

• thought leadership content 

• Lead media and analyst engagement activity around key launches, announcements, and events 

• Support executive media readiness and external positioning 

6. Agency & programme management 

• Manage and direct external PR agencies and partners 

• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality media opportunities and reporting 

• Coordinate across local and global agency partners where relevant 

7. Measurement & impact 

• Define and track success metrics, including:  

• increase in proactive media placements 

• quality and relevance of coverage 

• expansion into target publications 

• Drive continuous improvement in communications effectiveness 

8. Risk & issues management 

• Contribute to issues and crisis communications, including:  

• messaging development 

• stakeholder alignment 

• external response coordination 

What success looks like 

• Stronger, more proactive media presence for the LR division 

• Clear and consistent divisional narrative in the market 

• Increased visibility in priority publications 

• Improved integration between communications and marketing 

• Increased executive engagement in external communications 

Required experience 

• Significant experience in external communications and media relations (typically 10+ years) 

• Proven track record of building and executing media strategies in complex environments 

• Experience working in B2B, technology, or highly regulated industries 

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate in a matrix organisation 

• Strong experience in media engagement, storytelling, and content development 

Preferred experience 

• Experience in legal, legal technology, or related industries strongly preferred 

• Experience working in or with complex, matrix organisations 

• Experience managing or partnering with PR agencies 

• Exposure to integrated communications or campaign-based approaches 

Skills & capabilities 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution ability 

• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives 

• High level of judgement, influence, and stakeholder management 

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment 

• Interest in applying AI / GenAI tools in communications workflows 

Language & location 

• Fluency in English required 

• Dutch strongly preferred, particularly for media engagement in the Netherlands 

• Netherlands-based candidates preferred; exceptional European candidates may be considered 

Working model 

• Hybrid role with expectation of regular presence in Alphen aan de Rijn 

• Some travel required (primarily within Europe)