BD and Marketing Manager - Special Projects

Sidley Austin LLP • Chicago, IL

5d • $124,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Business Development and Marketing Manager – Special Projects is a key member of Sidley’s Marketing and Business Development Department who provides flexible, hands-on support across offices, practices, and industries. This position is designed to offer strategic execution support for a variety of marketing, business development, and client engagement initiatives — including gap coverage, special projects, and firmwide priorities — as needs arise throughout the year. Rather than being assigned to a specific practice or office, the Floating Manager will collaborate closely with practice/industry liaisons, client engagement managers, lawyers, and senior leadership to help implement and coordinate marketing and BD activities. These may include events, client outreach, content and credential development, submissions, research, and project management efforts. This individual will serve as a resourceful and agile team player, capable of stepping into different teams to provide consistent, high-quality execution and continuity of support. The role offers a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure to Sidley’s practices, markets, and firmwide initiatives, and to contribute to the success of diverse projects that advance the Firm’s overall business objectives. The Floating Manager ensures continuity, consistency, and execution excellence across marketing and BD functions, helping to maintain momentum during times of transition or increased workload.

Requirements

• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, business/finance, or related field
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Strong organizational and prioritization 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

Nice To Haves

• Marketing, business development, strategic planning, sales, and/or other relevant experience in a law firm or other professional services organization
• Experience and knowledge of the business/legal landscape in assigned practice areas/industries
• Supervisory, managerial, and/or project management experience
• 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

Responsibilities

• Step into projects or teams on an interim basis to ensure continuity of support during leaves, transitions, or new business initiatives.
• Partner with practice, industry, and client engagement teams to implement marketing and business development initiatives that support client relationship goals and firm priorities.
• Assist in the planning and execution of client programs, sponsorships, and Sidley-hosted events, including managing invitations, logistics, materials, and post-event follow-up.
• Support pitch and proposal efforts by drafting or tailoring materials, coordinating input from lawyers and colleagues, and ensuring high-quality, timely deliverables.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of marketing collateral, credentials, lawyer biographies, website pages, and other client-facing materials.
• Collaborate with colleagues on award and ranking submissions, ensuring information is accurate, current, and aligned with firm positioning.
• Support the use of the firm’s CRM and experience management systems, helping teams update contacts, experience lists, and other business development resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees