Friedman Williams
Business Development and Marketing Manager – Chicago Transactional Chicago Illinois
Job ID: 20126
Our client is seeking a Business Development and Marketing Manager to join their Chicago office and help propel business growth and amplify market presence for the transactional practices across the Midwest market. In this role, the BDMM will report to the Associate Director (Chicago), office, practice and department leaders, relevant partners and work closely with the U.S. and global Business Development and Marketing (BDM) Department. The primary responsibility is to proactively fortify and nurture existing client relationships while strategically acquiring and cultivating new client partnerships.
Business Development:
•Develops and implement proactive, organized marketing and business development initiatives for the select transactional practices, including client targeting programs and pursuit teams for the Midwest market.
•Drafts and prepares high quality pitches, capability statements, placemats and BD presentations, working closely with relevant partners, the BDM AD and supported by a BDM Coordinator, where relevant.
•Takes ownership for pitch/presentation content, drafts tailored copy to convey the firms credentials, its differentiators, and its value proposition to potential clients.
•Understands the sales cycle and advises attorneys on lead development, pitching, and follow-up.
•Manages sales pipeline processes for assigned practices and partners across regions.
•Oversees collection of practice experience for the firm’s database for accurate profiling (with experience team and coordinator support).
•Identifies and supports cross-practice and cross-region opportunities and collaborates with attorneys and marketing colleagues to align strategies, measure targeting progress, and drive overall business development plans to leverage those opportunities.
Strategic Planning and Analysis:
•Works with partners and Associate Director to develop strategic plans for practice segments, execute tactics, report progress, and align resources with strategy.
•Collaborates with Strategic Intelligence and Client Accounting teams to utilize firm data and tech platforms for informed sales and client development activities.
Profile-Raising Activities, Content and Thought Leadership:
•Drives tactics and programs that raise the practices’ internal and external visibility and positioning in key markets through speaking events, sponsorships, PR (with global PR team), and social media.
•Manages legal directory, award, and ranking opportunities, leading the drafting of practice submissions.
•Assesses the value and benefits of profile-raising opportunities, ensuring maximum benefit from sponsorships and speaking slots.
•Supports thought leadership by monitoring trends and collaborates with attorneys and the editorial team on related client mailing and articles.
Event and Engagement Management:
•Leads strategic planning and execution of client events and speaking engagements (in collaboration with BD and
Marketing Coordinator and global events team).
•Analyzes attendee lists and prepares tailored materials to enhance engagement.
•Supports attorney follow-up and tracks outcomes and activities in the CRM system to ensure effective event management and client interaction.
Operational Efficiency and Communication:
•Follows recommended guidelines and practices to enhance efficiency, customer service, and employee relations, aligning with the Firm’s Core Values.
•Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures, ensuring accurate and timely responses to service requests.
•Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective work relationships.
•Regular and reliable physical presence to work as part of a team and meet with internal clients.
Resource Management and Compliance:
•Manages Firm resources responsibly and complies with and understands Firm operations, policies, and procedures.
•Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
•Strong knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., InDesign, InterAction, MS Office including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel) with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
•Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends and techniques
•Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
•Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities/deadlines and stay productive in a fast-paced environment
•Extremely detail-oriented, with superior proofreading and fact checking skills
•Demonstrates a professional demeanor, high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity and ability to interact effectively with all levels
•Demonstrates an ability to continuously improve and innovate (e.g. regularly improve existing content and design of pitch and proposal materials)
•Self-motivated, positive attitude, and a deep curiosity about subject matter areas.
•Proven success developing relationships and collaborating with stakeholders
•Ability to develop a deep understanding of the Firm’s business
•Ability to lead and supervise others
•Ability to learn new software, systems, databases, and procedures quickly
•Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in hybrid team environments
•Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
•Ability to organize and prioritize work and delegate effectively
•Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
•Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
•Flexibility to travel and attend key events and meetings on occasion
•Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
Education and Experience
•Bachelor’s Degree
•6 years’ business development and marketing experience in a law firm/professional services environment; transactional experience preferred