Assistant Director: Business Development (Corporate/Transactions)

Mayer Brown•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mayer Brown is an international law firm that represents major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in complex transactions and disputes. The firm prides itself on being strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to excellence. This role is for an Assistant Director: Business Development within the Business Development and Marketing department in the Chicago office. The Assistant Director is a growth catalyst for the firm’s Transactional practices, focusing on Corporate and Real Estate. This role involves designing and executing high-impact strategies and market-facing initiatives to accelerate revenue, deepen client relationships, and enhance the firm’s competitive position. The focus is on proactive, data-informed cross-selling and client expansion, leading product and practice growth programs, driving client development plans, and building industry-specific campaigns. This is a visible, outcomes-oriented role that translates market insight into measurable growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job.
A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success in a marketing and/or business development-related position, either in the professional services arena (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position(s) in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors.
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative.
Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects.
Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated good judgment, a team-first orientation, and stamina.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Organized, diligent, and follows through with commitments.
Strong presence; capable of engaging credibly and effectively with partners internationally.
Able to effectively manage numerous competing priorities.
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
Assertive, self-motivated and able to operate with limited day-to-day direction.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
Operational budget analysis and recommendations.
Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process.
Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies.
Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills.
Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner.
Analysis of staffing levels and requests for assistance.

Nice To Haves

A secondary degree (e.g., a Masters degree, a Ph.D., an M.B.A., or a J.D.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads the development and implementation of annual business development & marketing business plans focused on priorities outlined by firm leaders and/or assigned teams, including thought leadership platforms, communications, and client outreach.
Collaborates with Business Development & Marketing department leadership and group leaders to develop and regularly review annual budgets to support initiatives outlined in business plans or as outlined by leadership, including specifying key strategic and tactical objectives and means to achieve annual goals.
Oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the team to ensure that assignments and projects are properly managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that service to clients is exceptional.
Provides tactical input and direction on the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers.
Leads the development and implementation of key BD initiatives, including priority client targeting and campaigns, client satisfaction, client seminars and networking events, as well as other initiatives to enhance business development efforts.
Develop and lead the approach to research and analysis and competitive intelligence-gathering.
Directs the collection and maintenance of CRM-based contact and other data for marketing planning and for mailing lists.
Directs the collection and reporting of matter experience.
Manages BD&M colleagues to facilitate best completion of directory submissions; regional surveys; league table/industry survey content; specific lawyer and practice awards and accolades; and other profile-raising initiatives on behalf of the industry group.
Assists in the strategic approach and implementation of business development training for lawyers.
Provides sophisticated strategy and support for responses to RFPs, and pitch, presentation, and other opportunities via the development of written proposal and presentation materials for the industry group and liaise with others when relevant.
Develop new marketing brochures and edit and refine existing ones; maintain practice descriptions in BD&M-shared systems.
Periodically review and consult with lawyers regarding their bios and practice descriptions to ensure that they are current.
When relevant, provide support for seminars, sponsorships, and other events and initiatives pursued by the firm in your local office.
When relevant, support the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers.
Supervises and mentor staff that provides strategic and tactical marketing support to product/practice groups and key client initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.