Job Description
Am Law 200 firm Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with over 400 lawyers in 10 offices that has been ranked number #1 among “Most innovative North American law firms,” is currently seeking a Marketing & Business Development Manager to join our Chicago, office. The Marketing & Business Development Manager is responsible for supporting and executing business development and marketing initiatives for assigned practice groups and/or offices. Working closely with Practice Group Leaders (PGLs) and/or Office Partners-in-Charge (OPICs), this role contributes to the development and implementation of business plans designed to drive revenue growth, enhance market visibility, and support the firm’s objectives.
The Marketing & Business Development Manager helps align marketing and business development activities with group and office goals. The position requires a strong understanding of the firm’s practices, industry trends, and client needs, as well as the ability to support client relationship management, market research, and event coordination. The Marketing & Business Development Manager should have at least five years of marketing and business development experience in a professional services environment, preferably in a law firm.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Assists in the preparation and execution of practice group and/or office business plans by developing supporting materials and programs.
- Conducts research on the Firm, its attorneys, clients, prospects, and market trends to inform business development strategies.
- Monitors competitor activity and provides basic benchmarking analyses to help identify opportunities and risk.
Business Development
- Supports individual lawyers in preparing and implementing their Business Development Plans, including lead generation and cross-selling efforts.
- Assists in identifying business development opportunities for the practice group or office, such as client targets and assignments to client service teams.
- Helps develop and review marketing collateral and materials.
- Participates in the proposal and pitch process by coordinating project management tasks, gathering content, and supporting research efforts.
- Works with practices and subgroups to identify cross-selling opportunities by analyzing client and market data.
- Supports assigned Client Service Teams to help maintain and grow client relationships.
Operational
- Coordinates with administrative support functions (Marketing & Strategy, Information Systems, Human Resources, etc.) to facilitate practice management.
- Assists with the preparation of agendas and materials for meetings with the Executive Committee.
- Attends Practice Group and/or Office Meetings and assists in preparing and facilitating meetings and retreats.
Financial
- Prepares practice group and/or office business development budgets; forecasts, monitors and manages practice group and individual lawyer expenses.
- Reviews and summarizes monthly financial reports prepared by the Finance Department.
- Provides basic financial analyses as requested by the PGL and/or OPIC.
Lateral Integration
- Assists in preparing integration plans for lateral partners and senior of counsel and monitors progress.
- Helps conduct orientation meetings with new lawyers and supports their transition to the office and practice group.
Marketing
- Identifies and evaluates external sponsorship and speaking opportunities and coordinates participation.
- Recommends thought leadership and CLE programs for clients and prospects.
- Provides logistical support for events, webinars, and retreats, including concept development and follow-up.
- Ensures representative client lists and matter descriptions are updated.
- Drafts submissions for directory listings and awards under supervision.
- Coordinates practice-specific and geographic-focused marketing materials.
- Maintains website content, brochures, and other external communication pieces related to relevant practices and/or offices.
Other
- Lead and manage one or more firmwide Marketing & Strategy area of responsibility and participate in other initiatives as needed.
- Assist with efforts related to the firmwide initiatives including SmartPaTH, LPM, value-pricing, client service excellence and other client-facing areas the firm is leveraging to strengthen client relationships.
- Share best practices with Marketing & Strategy peers and participate actively as a member of that team and a collaborator with all in the group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and/or Experience
- Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) from a four-year college or university in marketing, communications, business or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
- A minimum of five-years relevant professional services experience, preferably legal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Demonstrated strength in interacting and communicating with all levels of the firm.
- Maintains a professional demeanor in high-pressure situations; works with team members to create a collegial and collaborative work environment.
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office software ( i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); capable of creating and maintaining PC directories and files of marketing documents.
- Willing to take responsibility for establishing and accomplishing performance objectives related to job description.
- Understanding of marketing and business development concepts and the needs and expectations of law firms.
- Attention to detail and ability to prioritize and see projects through from concept to completion.
- Continuously look for ways to improve efficiencies through new processes, procedures or tools.
- Team player.
- Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette are mandatory.
- Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job.
- Possesses interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively with a diverse group of employees.
- Ability to adjust work schedule to work other hours, as required.
- This position requires the employee to work at a specified location and hours determined by the Manager for the benefit of the department and firm. Changes to the location and/or scheduled hours must be approved by the Manager.
- Knowledge of office practices and procedures; word processing, spreadsheet and database software; correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling; organizing and planning techniques; marketing principles and methods; ability to present a positive image to the public; and develop creative ways to solve problems.
Compensation is determined upon the market in which the position is located, the responsibilities of the position, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other job-related factors. The starting salary range for this Chicago position is $85,000 to $160,000.
Thompson Hine LLP is an equal opportunity employer that offers competitive wages and a robust benefits package. Benefit offerings include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as paid time off (PTO).
Job Tags
Work at office,