Business Development & Marketing Manager

Messerli & Kramer•Minneapolis, MN

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Development & Marketing Manager develops and executes strategic business development and marketing initiatives that support the growth objectives of Messerli Kramer’s Minneapolis office and its practice groups. The manager serves as the primary liaison between 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 role requires a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s services, attorney capabilities, industry strengths, strategic priorities, key clients, and target prospects. The manager provides strategic guidance to attorneys on business development and aligns marketing initiatives with the firm’s overall business objectives. The position leads business development planning and execution, attorney coaching, client relationship and retention efforts, RFPs and pitches, directory submissions, marketing programs, and competitive intelligence. It also manages marketing budgets, materials, CRM data, events, sponsorships, speaking engagements, onboarding and offboarding marketing activities, and public relations for the Minneapolis office and assigned practice areas. The position operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. It may require occasional attendance at client events, firm functions, and business development activities outside normal business hours. Physical requirements include prolonged sitting and computer use; frequent typing and use of office equipment; effective speaking and hearing; occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, or lifting; and lifting up to 10 pounds regularly and 25 pounds occasionally.

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.
Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
Strategic thinking, 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, mentor, motivate, and educate attorneys.
Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Regular and predictable attendance.
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.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (J.D.), active or inactive.
Previous legal experience.

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 strengthen client relationships by identifying client needs and opportunities to expand services.
Coach attorneys on business development practices, cross-selling, market positioning, relationship management, and client development.
Support lateral attorneys’ 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 risks affecting assigned practice groups.
Promote and implement 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 Practice Group Chairs and leadership 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 and presentation materials, newsletters, client alerts and communications, firm announcements, and press releases.
Maintain website content, attorney biographies and 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.
Steward marketing data and support ongoing CRM maintenance and cleanup.
Coordinate client and prospect events, including invitations, registration, venues, logistics, materials, and follow-up.
Manage sponsorship activations and attorney speaking engagements, ensuring commitments and deliverables are fulfilled.
Coordinate marketing activities for 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, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and 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 (PTO).
Paid company holidays.
Company-paid basic life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Annual marketing and business development budget.
Bar license and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) reimbursement.
Cell phone reimbursement.
Gym membership reimbursement.
Hybrid work schedule.