Media Relations Specialist

**ABOUT GOWLING WLG**

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

**PROFILE**

Our Business Development & Marketing (BDM) team is looking for a Media Relations Specialist to join our firm for a 13 month contract This position can be located in any of our Canadian offices.

The media relations specialist oversees all media relations activities, including managing media requests, identifying and executing on media opportunities, developing internal spokespeople, and monitoring and reporting media activity.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Oversees the firm’s proactive/profile-building media relations activities, including building and maintaining relationships with a range of legal industry and sector-based media; writing pitches, press releases and media advisories; and facilitating the publication of bylined articles in third-party publications.
- Oversees the firm’s reactive media relations activities, including vetting media requests for business and client conflicts; identifying relevant spokespeople; and developing, promoting and maintaining the firm’s Media Policy and protocols, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach across the firm.
- Delivers and facilitates media training, including media interview preparation, situational coaching and post-interview follow-up, and advises firm leadership and designated legal professionals across the firm on effective strategies, tactics and best practices.
- Coordinates ongoing use of the firm’s media monitoring service, pulling data and reports, adjusting keywords, and managing third-party vendor relationships.
- As required, support the Communications Manager in responding to issues and crises.
- Assesses the effectiveness of media relations campaigns using all available analytics, liaising with members of the digital marketing team as needed.
- Liaises with marketing communications colleagues globally to ensure strategies and plans are developed and implemented in a collaborative, inclusive and cohesive manner.
- Support the firm’s advertising strategy by identifying publications and digital outlets relevant to core practice and sector areas.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
- At least five years of experience in public relations or related field.
- Superb pitching and relationship-building skills, along with a strong working knowledge of the media landscape.
- Strong writing, editing and research skills, with good knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and style (Canadian Press); must have a keen eye for detail.
- Strategic, solutions-oriented approach to challenges, with outstanding critical thinking, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task, adapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver exceptional work in a fast-paced environment.
- Desire to exceed expectations and provide outstanding client service.
- Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.