Client Engagement Manager

Sidley Austin•Washington, DC

2d•$135,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Client Engagement Manager is a key member of the Marketing department and serves as the go-to marketing resource for an office or region. The Manager works with office and regional leaders to develop and execute client engagement strategies and manage targeted marketing activities aligned with client needs and office or regional business objectives. The role requires learning about the office or region’s services, lawyers, and clients, and overseeing signature programs that strengthen the Firm’s market profile and create networking and relationship-building opportunities for Sidley lawyers. The Manager may directly supervise Specialist-, Coordinator-, and/or Assistant-level professionals. They foster a collaborative, high-performing team, mentor junior colleagues, and maintain high standards of service delivery. The position also requires effective working relationships across the Marketing department, other business functions, and lawyers throughout the Firm’s global platform. Responsibilities include developing marketing solutions; planning and managing client and prospective-client programs and their logistics; helping manage office or regional marketing budgets and evaluate initiative ROI; leading local CRM implementation and use; coordinating rankings and awards submissions; creating and maintaining marketing communications and materials; conducting market research with the Market Intelligence team; identifying thought leadership and media opportunities with Communications and PR; supporting lawyer involvement in professional organizations; onboarding lateral lawyers; and participating in leadership meetings. The Manager also hires, manages, develops, and coaches business professionals, oversees team operations and work product, delegates work, and collaborates on cross-practice, cross-region, and cross-functional projects. The target salary range is $135,000–$170,000 for a position located in Washington, D.C. Salary varies by location and other factors. The compensation package includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

At least eight years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, or a related field.
Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good judgment.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Nice To Haves

Marketing, business development, event planning, or other relevant experience in a law firm or professional services organization.
Understanding of the local or regional legal services market and competitive landscape.
Supervisory, managerial, or project management experience.
Advanced degree in a related area such as marketing, law, business, or communications; an MBA or JD is a considerable plus.
Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, Salesforce, or Foundation.
Familiarity with relevant company and market research tools, law firm rankings, awards, and league table publications.

Responsibilities

Recommend and facilitate innovative marketing solutions based on market awareness and industry best practices, including refining existing programs and establishing new initiatives.
Plan and manage Firm-sponsored programs for clients and prospective clients, including event logistics such as invitations, mailing lists, materials, site management, speakers, presentations, and follow-up.
Help office leaders prepare and manage office or regional marketing budgets, evaluate initiative ROI, and recommend future efforts.
Lead implementation and maintenance of the Firm’s CRM system in the office or region and use it to connect lawyers, clients, and other contacts.
Lead preparation of office and regional submissions for rankings, awards, surveys, and other recognitions, coordinating with global practice liaisons.
Work with lawyers and global practice liaisons to create, edit, and maintain external communications and marketing materials, including biographies, updates, advertisements, invitations, website pages, and social media content.
Coordinate market research with the Market Intelligence team to support office and regional business development and marketing initiatives.
Work with Communications and PR to identify thought leadership topics and lawyers for media commentary, articles, podcasts, and other opportunities.
Recommend and facilitate lawyer involvement in professional organizations that enhance the visibility of lawyers and the Firm in the local market.
Onboard and integrate lateral lawyer arrivals, working with relevant global practice or industry liaisons.
Attend and contribute to office and departmental leadership meetings.
Participate in hiring, managing, and developing business professionals; oversee daily operations and team work product; manage professional development through goals, coaching, and training; prepare annual performance appraisals and provide timely feedback.
Delegate work efficiently and effectively to team members.
Collaborate with leaders and business professionals inside and outside Marketing on projects spanning practices, regions, or functions.