Client Engagement Senior Manager

The Client Engagement Senior Manager is a recognized leader within the Marketing Department. The Senior Manager serves as a go-to marketing resource for the office/region. They work directly with office/regional leaders to develop and execute client and business development strategies and manage a range of targeted marketing and business development activities that align with client needs and support the business objectives of the office/region.

The Senior Manager takes an active role in developing a deep understanding of the services, lawyers, and clients of the office/region. They contribute to signature programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the profile of the Firm in the market and creating opportunities for Sidley lawyers to network and build relationships with key contacts.

The Senior Manager may have direct or dotted-line supervisory responsibility for junior-level professionals 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Regional Marketing and Profile-raising Activities

• Leverages market awareness and industry best practices to recommend and facilitate innovative marketing and business development solutions; this includes refining existing programs, in collaboration with the Client Engagement Manager, and establishing new initiatives as needs are identified
• Collaborates with office leaders, partners, regional practice/industry leaders, and Business Development liaisons to develop and execute business development strategic plans and projects that support regional growth, including advising on marketing strategies and tactical means to achieve stated goals
• Facilitates introductions to key stakeholders in the market and proactively identifies, negotiates, manages, and evaluates the business impact/ROI of strategic sponsorships and partnerships
• Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional and trade organizations, and identifies and supports speaking and leadership opportunities that enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in the local market
• Oversees and attends Sidley-sponsored programs for clients and prospective clients and collaborates with the Client Engagement Manager on invitation lists, client outreach, and other event planning and follow-up
• Develops an understanding of current client relationships and identifies prospective clients to inform program and event outreach
• Identifies opportunities for local market awards and recognition and contributes insights and ideas to support related submissions
• Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct market research to aid in office/regional business development and marketing initiatives
• Establishes relationships with the Firm’s PR team and media contacts to raise the profile of the office and its lawyers, including identifying thought leadership topics and opportunities for media commentary, article publication, podcasts, and other activities
• Contributes to larger West Coast/California marketing and business development efforts to ensure cross-office collaboration and consistency
• Leverages Firm resources including thought leadership, videos and media content, and social media, to drive awareness and visibility within the market
• Coordinates business development efforts for lateral lawyer arrivals to the office/region in partnership with the office’s Business Development liaison
• Coaches and trains lawyers in marketing and business development skills and best practices
• Attends and contributes to office and departmental leadership meetings

Employee Management

• As needed, participates in hiring, managing, and developing business professionals; oversees daily operations and monitors team work product; manages the professional development of the team, including establishing goals and providing 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 spanning practices, regions, and functions

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• 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
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related field
• Deep understanding of the local/regional market for legal services and the competitive landscape
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to present to management and peers
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook

Preferred:

• Marketing, business development 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 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

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The target salary range for this role is:

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above 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 [email protected] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.