Business Development and Marketing Manager (Global Law Firm)

BD and Marketing Manager – Client Engagement | Global Law Firm | Chicago, IL Our prestigious and globally recognized AM LAW 50 law firm client is hiring an experienced BD and Marketing Manager-Client Engagement for their Chicago office. The Marketing Manager, Client Engagement (“Marketing Manager”) is a key team member within the Marketing Department. The Manager serves as the go-to marketing resource for the office/region. They work directly with office/regional leaders to develop and execute client development strategies and manage a range of targeted marketing activities that align with client needs and support the business objectives of the office/region. The Manager takes an active role in learning about the service offerings, lawyers, and clients of the office/region. They oversee signature programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the profile of the Firm in the market and creating opportunities for “Client” firm lawyers to network and build relationships with key contacts. The Manager may have direct supervisory responsibility for junior professionals on the team and is responsible for fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. Additionally, they are expected to lead, by example, mentor junior members of the team, and embody the highest standards of service delivery. The role requires the development of strong and effective working relationships within the Marketing Department, as well as with other professional business functions, and lawyers, across the Firm’s global platform. The client firm is offering a highly competitive salary, bonus, and benefit package.

Send resume to Scott Fischer: scott@esquire-recruiting.com

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Regional Marketing and Profile-raising Activities

• Leverages market awareness and industry best practices to recommend and facilitate innovative marketing solutions; this includes refining existing programs and establishing new initiatives as needs are identified
• Plans and manages Firm-sponsored programs for clients and prospective clients; oversees all event logistics, including invitations, mailing lists, handout materials, site management, speakers, visual presentations, and follow-up
• Collaborate with office leaders to prepare and manage marketing budget(s) for the office/region, including evaluating the ROI of initiatives to recommend and plan future efforts; coordinate with practice and industry liaisons to review and plan for office/regional events and programs that align with Firm strategy
• Leads implementation and maintenance of the Firm’s CRM system in the office/region and leverages the system to connect lawyers, clients, and other contacts; leverages Department and Firm technology to track and analyze relationships and activities to make data-driven decisions that improve client engagement with key clients.
• In collaboration with the Rankings and Awards team and Portfolio Directors, leads preparation of submissions for office/regional rankings, awards, surveys, and other recognitions for the office and local lawyers and practices, coordinating with global practice liaisons
• Works with office/regional lawyers and global practice liaisons on the creation, editing, and maintenance of external communications and marketing materials, including lawyer biographies, Firm updates, advertisements, invitations, website pages, and social media content
• Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct market research to aid in office/regional business development and marketing initiatives
• Works with the Communications and PR team to identify thought leadership topics and Sidley lawyers to engage in media commentary, article publication, podcasts, etc.
• Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that will enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in the local market
• Onboards and integrates lateral lawyer arrivals to the office/region, working closely with the relevant global practice/industry liaison(s)
• Attends and contributions to office and departmental leadership meetings

Employee Management

• Participates in hiring, managing, and developing marketing team members; oversees daily operations and monitors teamwork products; manages professional development of the team, including establishing goals, coaching, and training; prepares annual performance appraisals and provides timely feedback on performance
• Delegates work efficiently and effectively to other team members
• Collaborate with other leaders and business professionals within and outside the Marketing Department on projects that cross practices, regions, and/or functions

REQUIREMENTS:

Required

• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, or related field
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook

Preferred

• Marketing, business development, event planning, and/or other relevant experience in a law firm or other professional services organization
• Understanding of the local/regional market for legal services and competitive landscape
• Supervisory, managerial, and/or project management experience
• Advanced degree in a related area, such as marketing, law, business, or communications (M.B.A. or J.D. a considerable plus)
• Working knowledge of customer relationships, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, Salesforce, and/or Foundation
• Familiarity with relevant company/market research tools, as well as law firm rankings, awards, and league table publications

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.