Senior BD and Marketing Manager - Global Life Sciences - Sidley Austin LLP

The Senior Business Development and Marketing Manager is a recognized leader within the Marketing Department and serves as a primary liaison to high-revenue practice and/or industry groups that are critical to the Firm’s success. Working directly with practice/industry leaders, the Senior Manager develops, leads, and executes clear strategies and business plans that support the overall business goals of the group(s).

The Senior Manager takes an active role in learning about the service offering, lawyers, and clients of the assigned groups and related practices. They develop and lead initiatives to deepen knowledge about our clients, their business needs, and relevant Sidley capabilities to foster cross-selling.

The Senior Manager may have direct supervisory responsibilities for Business Development and Marketing Manager, Specialist, and/or Coordinator level professionals. 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.

• Consults with practice/industry leaders and other partners to develop and execute marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers
• Ensures a coordinated, sustained level, and appropriate mix of marketing and business development activity in support of the group’s business objectives
• Leads, attends, and contributes to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessions
• Serves as project manager and key contributor for RFPs, pitches, and other business development projects, both for primary groups and others, as needed
• Manages, develops, and refines processes and procedures relating to the practice(s) business development “infrastructure” (e.g., written collateral; database/matter lists; contact lists; opportunity tracking; etc.); ensures processes are efficient and the best possible use is made of available technology and other resources
• Leverages market knowledge to drive strategy within service areas and identify ways to distinguish service offerings
• Facilitates the planning, implementation, and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities
• Advises on the business development and marketing budget for the practice, providing guidance and recommendations to the leaders of the group, including evaluating the return on investment of initiatives
• Leads the development of profile-raising activities for the practice, including the submission of rankings, surveys, league tables, and other recognitions, as well as sponsorships and programs
• Participates in hiring, managing, and developing staff; oversees daily operations and monitors staff work product; manages professional development of staff, 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
• Collaborates with other leaders and business professionals within and outside the Marketing Department on projects that cross practices, regions and/or functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below.  The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience
• A minimum of four (4) years of direct personnel management experience
• Deep market knowledge and understanding of the business and legal landscape in assigned practice areas/industries
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to present to management and peers
• Experience working with sensitive or confidential information
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook

Preferred:

• Marketing, business development, strategic planning, sales, and/or other relevant experience in a law firm or other professional services organization
• 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 relationship, 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 and prioritization skills for self and team
• 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

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.