Communications Specialist - Awards

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Communications Specialist (Awards) is responsible for creating persuasive and engaging submissions for various editorial awards. This role requires working closely with lawyers and Communications, Marketing, and Business Development colleagues to develop narratives that highlight firm achievements and innovations. The individual in this role has a passion for storytelling and an understanding of the media-based awards process.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research of the awards being targeted, including criteria and previous winners.

• Collaborate with various stakeholders to gather information that should be highlighted in submissions.

• Write compelling narratives that effectively showcase the value and impact of the work being submitted, ensuring alignment with award criteria.

• Edit and refine submissions to ensure clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness.

• Develop and manage timelines for submission deadlines, ensuring all materials are completed and submitted on time.

• Help organize and maintain a database of potential awards, submission requirements, and deadlines for future reference.

• Build relationships with industry contacts to gather insights and tips for crafting successful submissions.

Desired Skills   

• Strong writing and editing skills; creativity with a passion for storytelling; and a keen sense of what makes a submission stand out. Ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. Excellent organizational and project management skill. Possesses a strong understanding of an awards submission process.
   

Minimum Education    

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
   

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 5 years of experience in Marketing, Public relations or similar field.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.    

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 
 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 
 

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Agency applications will not be considered.     
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.    

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $34.09 - $53.17 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.