Executive – Communications (Litigation and Disputes)

Portland is a leading communications consultancy with offices in London, Doha, Nairobi, Singapore, Washington D.C., Brussels, Paris and Berlin.

We design and deliver communications strategies for some of the world’s highest profile organisations, governments, businesses and individuals.

We are pioneers in integrated communications, helping our clients to manage their reputations, navigate complex issues and win arguments on their terms with audiences right around the world.

Expertise team

• Portland’s Litigation and Disputes offer is managed by a team of specialists, working on high-profile legal disputes.
• Our team is made up of communications experts, former lawyers, and public-sector employees.
• The role provides a wide variety of different clients, facing challenging issues. This includes, for example, issues like judicial reviews of government departments and policies, geopolitical disputes in international courts, and class actions involving thousands of people and more.
• We work alongside lawyers to protect and enhance reputations during multi-jurisdictional litigation cases, as well as those involving international businesses, group action litigations, and high-profile regulatory and financial investigations.
• Portland manages the risks for its clients in high-profile and high-value cases across multiple jurisdictions and languages. Our work extends beyond the courtroom to encompass complex public and political considerations.
• Portland’s specialist and experienced team is diligent, discreet and focused on results. We are ranked in Band 1 Chambers & Partners for Litigation PR and Crisis Communications.

The Role

We are looking for an Executive to support Portland’s growing Litigation and Disputes offer.

The candidate will have at least 6 months experience working full-time in communications over the past year (e.g an internship) with a demonstrable interest in the law or international relations and politics.

The Executive may be required to carry out all or some of the following key tasks to a high standard:

Media

• Daily media monitoring and creation of summary and analysis emails to be sent to clients;
• Management of press cuttings, including preparing monthly/quarterly coverage reports;
• Conducting sell-ins, and building journalist contacts;

Content creation

• Assisting with the drafting of press releases, opinion articles, website copy, background material etc.
• Drafting social media content;
• Preparing journalist biographies and briefing notes for clients;
• Preparing and maintaining media distribution lists for press releases;

Digital

• Devising and implementing social media campaigns using advertising and promotion tools;

Research

• In-depth desk-top research for client and new business projects;
• Familiarising yourself with clients by reading legal documents and long form reports;
• Researching and managing forward calendars of key media and current affairs events relevant to designated clients;

Administration

• Preparing agendas and call notes for client calls;
• Preparing bios for senior team members.

Competencies:

You must:

• Have the ability to analyse large volumes of information and provide concise overviews ensuring accuracy and relevance;
• Have excellent media monitoring abilities, with previous use of monitoring tools preferred;
• Have excellent writing skills and attention to detail;
• Be organised and able to manage high workloads under time pressure;
• Be logical, creative and flexible in the appraisal of problems;
• Be able to take direction and report progress on your work with the team.
• Be a confident communicator in person and over the phone;
• Have a pre-existing practical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the media and digital communications;

Requirements and experience:

You must:

• Have at least 6 months experience working full-time in a PR agency, or in a similar communications or public affairs role, over the past year;
• Demonstrate an interest in current affairs, communications, politics and/or international affairs;
• Be proficient in the use of Internet tools, Microsoft programmes (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Favourable:

• Experience of using monitoring tools (TalkWalker, Signal, Factiva, Brandwatch etc);
  
• Litigation PR experience;
• Demonstrate an interest in litigation, the law, and litigation PR;
• Foreign language skills;
• Experience of Public Affairs, politics and campaigning;

• Experience in journalism, blogging and social media;

• Experience of using social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) in a professional capacity.

What we offer in return

• We are committed to employee development and have an open doors culture where you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business. We regularly reward and promote success, and actively encourage staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression
• Our remuneration package also includes our competitive pension contributions, private healthcare life assurance cover, company contribution to gym membership, wellbeing workshops and activities, company parties, and much, much more!
• At Portland we take a flexible approach to work and encourage our colleagues to do the same. All our roles are open to flexible working requests and we will consider all options during our recruitment process. This includes but is not limited to: flexible hours, home working, compressed hours and job sharing.
• In addition, every permanent member of staff that works at Portland is eligible for our annual profit share. When Portland thrives, all of our people share in that success

Other information
Unfortunately due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond directly to all applicants, only to those whose candidacy is being pursued. In addition, the length of the recruitment process varies based on the vacancy needs. Traditionally, the process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Therefore, your patience is greatly appreciated.