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

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)

Questions? Please reach out to Silvie Roelans from Talent Acquisition on [email protected]