Marketing Communications Specialist/Writer - Toronto, Ontario

Join the ranks of Stikeman Elliott, one of the most distinguished and respected corporate law firms in Canada. Our Toronto office located in the heart of the financial district, with prime access to public transit, makes it ideal for commuters. Voted one of the Best Employers in ...

Job description

Join the ranks of Stikeman Elliott, one of the most distinguished and respected corporate law firms in Canada. Our Toronto office located in the heart of the financial district, with prime access to public transit, makes it ideal for commuters. Voted one of the Best Employers in Canada for 15 years, Stikeman Elliott is always seeking to recruit the best and the brightest talent.

The Marketing Communications Specialist/Writer supports the firm on corporate communications, national initiatives, and content amplification communication plans for both internal and external channels. With strengths in written communications, media relations, project coordination, and client service, the Specialist/Writer balances multiple priorities and ensures projects are executed with the highest level of quality and efficiency, in compliance with firm's writing guidelines and SEO best practices.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Writing Communications (Internal/External):

• Lead multiple marketing communications initiatives (internal/external) from the briefing stage to coordinating, planning and execution, copywriting, and requesting translation of communications and marketing collateral.
• Support national marketing initiatives and projects across all offices, including but not limited to, biographies, advertisements, client mailings, campaigns, thought leadership content, and other firmwide communication plans and projects. From writing promotion copy to execution, including the coordination of content approvals with multiple stakeholders.
• Lead and write communications plans (various mediums, including print, digital, social, etc.), as well as proofread and/or tailor content to target audience, including, but not limited to:
• News ), practice groups content pages, intranet communications, newsletters, and social media postings;
• Board appointments, representative work, committee involvement, conferences, speaking engagements, and seminars and sponsorships in support of Business Development;
• Firm-wide initiatives, internal committees, and internal leadership communications (e.g., from Chair; Managing Partners; National Director, Marketing; National Manager, Marketing Communications & Media Relations);
• Lawyer communications (partners, lateral partners/associates, associates, students, stagiaires, law clerks, alumni);
• Marketing copy for brochures, guides, announcements, advertisements, campaigns, and other marketing collateral or projects, as needed.

Media Relations:

• Develop and implement media relations strategies aligned with the firm's goals. Monitor media and track opportunities, outreach and interview participation activity.
• Assist with pitching story ideas and secure interviews on relevant and timely topics that increase visibility and showcase our lawyers as thought leaders.
• Build and maintain media contact lists and relationships with media outlets, journalists, editors, reporters and press. Maintain and develop training materials for lawyers speaking to media.
• Draft and execute communication copy for various firm channels to promote firm or lawyer participation in media interviews and activities.

Awards and Directories:

• Assist with development of project briefs and communications plans for promotion of content, accolades, and award recognitions.
• Assist with development, writing, and submission of nominations for awards and other recognitions.
• Assist in supporting our national initiatives with external directory organizations (e.g. Chambers, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Benchmark Litigation, and more), with communication plans and firm profiles.

Marketing/Project Coordination and Administrative Support:

• Collaborate effectively with Business Services departments and other Marketing, Communications and Digital team members on national firm initiatives and special projects and campaigns.
• Assist with updating and maintaining department templates, processes, calendars, trackers, and contact lists, including providing regular reporting on projects, analytics, and firm accolades, as required.
• Conduct research (competitive intelligence and market research), source opportunities and provide recommendations regarding awards, sponsored content, publications, advertising, sponsorships, and other visibility opportunities to promote lawyers and knowledge. Liaise with authors and publishers, coordinate the submission of legal content and other materials, and execute promotional plans. Track and report on performance analytics.
• May perform other duties as assigned with the nature and level of the job.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Experience:

• A degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or business.
• 3-5 years' experience in corporate marketing communications in professional services or public relations.
• Legal marketing experience, a strong asset.
• Fluency in French, a strong asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communicator with strong verbal communication, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong experience in writing communications for various media disciplines, including print, web (SEO), and social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, etc.).
• Web content and workflow management systems experience preferred (Optimizely, Wrike).
• Computer proficiency in a wide range of programs (Microsoft suite, Copilot, document management systems).
• Detail-oriented and pragmatic – ability to balance excellence with meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding the importance of writing style, tone, and firm culture to support brand positioning.
• Demonstrate initiative, judgment, and ability to navigate stakeholder management and establish relationships with a focus on "service excellence", within a challenging and often political landscape across national offices.

Salary Range (Toronto Only):

$60,000 - $70,000 annually.

The position is for an existing vacancy.

Stikeman Elliott is committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment process.

Please Note:
Our firm has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy which requires all firm members to be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine. You will not be asked to disclose your vaccination status during the interview process. If you are offered employment, you will find a vaccination clause in your offer of employment providing that prior to commencing any employment with the Firm, you must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination. The Firm will make reasonable accommodation efforts if you cannot be vaccinated due to medical, religious, or other grounds to the extent protected by applicable human rights legislation.