Business Development Manager
The firm has an opening for a Business Development Manager in Chicago to support key markets across the U.S. Effective March 1, 2022, Schiff Hardin and Arent Fox will merge to become ArentFox Schiff. A new firm of more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals and serve as a destination for an international roster of corporations, governments, private individuals, and trade associations.
We are looking for an individual who is energetic and client-service oriented with strong writing, communication, problem solving, and organizational skills who has the ability to exercise sound independent judgment. The candidate must have a desire to work in a team environment while also being able to work independently and possess the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. Attention to detail, the willingness to stretch into new roles, and a positive attitude are critical to succeed in this role. The BD Manager will be required to handle ambiguity, influence stakeholders and colleagues, and find ways to move initiatives forward to meet deadlines and ensure favorable results while simultaneously driving business to the firm. Reporting to the Business Development Director, primary responsibilities include the following:
- Proactive BD & Strategy - Develop a deep knowledge of the firm's attorneys, clients, experience, and capabilities and translate this knowledge into compelling value propositions for new business generation. Work directly with lawyers to propose and lead strategic business development activities, and provide hands-on support to advance firm, Practice Group, and individual partner initiatives. Create, develop, and present new business development initiatives and opportunities.
- Business Development - Prepare standard and custom pitch materials; draft responses to RFPs and other intricate proposals; and assist with the development of business development presentations. Track outcomes.
- Collateral & Experience Database - Develop and maintain marketing materials, including practice group descriptions, brochures, lawyer biographies, presentations, case/transaction lists, intranet/website/blog content, and other collateral as needed. Maintain and regularly update the experience database; ensuring matters are well-written and appropriate permissions for use are in place. Update representative client lists and matter/deal descriptions.
- Legal Directories & Survey Submissions - Manage ranking and award submissions (Chambers, The Legal 500, and other key ranking directories), including drafting submissions, coordinating follow-up, and monitoring and reporting on results.
- Memberships, Sponsorships, and Conferences - Assist attorneys in developing strong relationships with industry and trade associations that will benefit the firm and practice groups.Coordinate the firm's participation in seminars, sponsorships, and conferences, including identifying opportunities, contract negotiation, implementing business development best practices, and project management.
- Events - Provide support for client events, including concept development, invitation creation, logistics, and follow-up.
- Strategic Research - In collaboration with the department analyst, coordinate competitive intelligence research on prospective targets, industries, markets, competition, and conflicts.
- Communications - Work with the Marketing Communications team on thought leadership opportunities for practice groups and individual attorneys. Develop and maintain segmented client and prospect mailing lists in the firm's CRM
- Integration - Support the integration of lateral lawyers, including collection and integration of experience into practice materials.
This position is resident in the firm's Chicago office. This is an exempt position and will require some work during evenings and weekends.
Schiff Hardin is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Requirements:
A Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field, along with 5-7 years of professional experience in business development and marketing are required. Previous law firm or professional services experience is highly desirable. Strong computer skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite. Proficiency with CRMs and email marketing software a plus.