Business Development & Marketing Manager

MESSERLI KRAMER P.A. • Minneapolis, MN

1d • $125,000 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Development & Marketing Manager develops and executes strategic business development and marketing initiatives to support the growth of the Minneapolis office and its practice groups. The role serves as the primary liaison among Practice Group Chairs, Industry Leaders, and the Minneapolis Division Head, partnering with attorneys and firm leadership to identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, increase market visibility, and support client retention.

The manager develops a comprehensive understanding of the firm's services, attorney capabilities, industry strengths, strategic priorities, key clients, and target prospects. The role provides strategic guidance to attorneys on business development and ensures marketing initiatives align with the firm's overall business objectives.

The position also manages marketing budgets, materials, CRM data, events, sponsorships, attorney speaking engagements, and public relations activities. It operates in a professional office environment and may involve occasional attendance at client events, firm functions, and business development activities outside normal business hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, and business development, preferably in a professional services or legal environment.
• Demonstrated success influencing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including attorneys, clients, and internal teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with CRM platforms, website content management systems, email marketing tools, social media platforms, Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop), and other marketing technology solutions.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strategic thinking and demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Client-focused approach and commitment to high-quality service.
• Strong initiative, accountability, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to collaborate with, mentor, motivate, and educate attorneys.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Active or inactive Juris Doctor (J.D.), preferred but not required.
• Previous legal experience is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary business development and marketing liaison for assigned practice groups and industry teams.
• Partner with Practice Group Chairs and Industry Leaders to develop and execute strategic business development plans supporting revenue growth and client retention.
• Help attorneys build and strengthen client relationships by identifying client needs and opportunities to expand services.
• Coach attorneys on business development best practices, including cross-selling, market positioning, relationship management, and client development.
• Assist lateral attorneys with onboarding, client transition planning, and integration into the firm's practice and business development efforts.
• Lead and manage RFP, proposal, and client pitch responses, coordinating with attorneys and administrative teams.
• Oversee directory and ranking submissions for assigned practice areas and industries.
• Develop and implement marketing programs, including events, thought leadership, sponsorships, and profile-raising initiatives.
• Identify market trends, competitive intelligence, business opportunities, and potential risks affecting assigned practice groups.
• Promote best practices in client relationship management, business development, and marketing effectiveness.
• Support firmwide strategic initiatives, including client team programs, industry-focused growth strategies, database management, and special projects.
• Assist with developing, managing, and monitoring division and practice group marketing budgets.
• Create, edit, and distribute marketing and client-facing materials, including website content, branded merchandise, blogs, thought leadership articles, award submissions, advertising, directory listings, pitch materials, newsletters, client alerts, client communications, firm announcements, and press releases.
• Maintain website content, attorney biographies, headshots, and social media channels.
• Maintain and approve marketing expenses for the department and attorneys.
• Manage targeted marketing and contact lists and ensure CRM data accuracy, completeness, and integrity.
• Support CRM data maintenance and cleanup initiatives.
• Coordinate client and prospect events, including invitations, registration, venue coordination, logistics, materials, and follow-up.
• Manage sponsorship activations and attorney speaking engagements and ensure commitments and deliverables are fulfilled.
• Coordinate marketing activities related to attorney and employee onboarding, including business cards, photography, contact records, announcements, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate marketing-related offboarding activities for departing employees.
• Identify public relations, media, and profile-raising opportunities for attorneys, practice groups, and the firm.
• Partner with firm leadership on firmwide and practice-specific public relations initiatives.
• Coordinate press releases, media outreach, and public relations activities for the Minneapolis office and assigned practice areas.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employer HSA contributions for employees enrolled in a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution after one year of service
• Generous paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Marketing and Business Development budget
• Bar license reimbursement
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Hybrid work schedule

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior