Associate Director, Client Engagement Strategy & Events

New Allen Matkins Website Template•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Associate Director, Client Engagement Strategy & Events leads the development and execution of Allen Matkins’ firmwide client engagement strategy, creating experiences, events, sponsorships, and relationship-building programs that strengthen client relationships and support firm growth. Reporting to the Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, the Associate Director advises firm leadership and attorneys and partners with Business Development and Marketing & Communications to develop engagement opportunities aligned with firm, practice, and client priorities. The role combines strategic leadership, creativity, business acumen, and hands-on event management. The Associate Director oversees the events and sponsorship portfolio, leads the Client Engagement Strategy & Events team, and directly plans, manages, and executes client events and programs. Allen Matkins is a law firm with over 300 attorneys. Founded with roots in real estate, the firm has developed prominent litigation, corporate, tax, labor and employment, land use, and environmental practices, serving clients across industries and markets. The firm describes its values as prioritizing its people, committing to quality work, and working collaboratively with colleagues and clients. The role requires significant travel to support firmwide events, client engagement programs, and initiatives across Allen Matkins offices and other locations. The Associate Director must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed for client programs and events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Approximately 10 or more years of progressive experience in client engagement, business development, events, marketing, client experience, or a related discipline.
Significant experience developing and leading sophisticated client engagement, events, sponsorships, and relationship-building strategies and programs.
Ability to serve as both a strategic advisor and hands-on leader, translating business priorities into innovative programs, exceptional client experiences, and measurable outcomes.
Strong business acumen and judgment, including aligning client engagement strategies and investments with relationship development, business development priorities, and firm growth.
Significant experience planning and executing sophisticated client events and programs, managing complex logistics, and delivering exceptional experiences.
Exceptional executive presence, communication, and relationship-building skills, including credibility to advise and influence senior attorneys, firm leaders, clients, and stakeholders.
Experience managing substantial budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and using data and insights to guide investment decisions and improve outcomes.
Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented culture.
Strong project management and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives, anticipate needs, and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable approach, with the ability to work across Business Development, Marketing & Communications, and other firm functions.
Availability for significant travel and evening and weekend work as needed to support events and client programs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or relevant professional qualification.
Experience in a law firm or other professional services environment.
Creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with a track record of developing differentiated client experiences and bringing new ideas to life.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the firm’s client engagement strategy in partnership with the Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, ensuring programs and investments support firm growth.
Advise firm leadership and attorneys, influence engagement decisions, and identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships and drive business growth.
Partner with Business Development to develop targeted engagement strategies for priority clients, prospects, and practice groups.
Identify innovative ways to engage clients, elevate their experience, and differentiate Allen Matkins in the marketplace.
Plan, manage, and execute client events and programs while providing strategic leadership and oversight of the firm’s events, sponsorships, conferences, and client engagement initiatives.
Develop client experiences such as executive gatherings, roundtables, thought leadership programs, and other targeted engagements.
Evaluate and prioritize events and sponsorships based on business objectives, relationship opportunities, and anticipated impact.
Oversee the firm’s alumni engagement program to strengthen relationships and create referral and business development opportunities.
Oversee the client engagement and events budget and align investments with firm priorities and value.
Partner with attorneys and Business Development to establish objectives, engagement strategies, and follow-up plans for key initiatives.
Measure engagement program success through relationship development, new business opportunities, and return on investment.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Client Engagement Strategy & Events team, fostering creativity, collaboration, accountability, and exceptional service.
Provide strategic direction while actively participating in event planning, problem-solving, and on-site execution.
Build and continuously improve the firm’s client engagement function, establishing best practices and a consistent approach across offices and practices.
Collaborate with Business Development, Marketing & Communications, and firm leadership to coordinate client engagement.
Travel to support firmwide events and programs, and work evenings and weekends as needed for event planning, coordination, and execution.