Client Engagement Senior Manager

LLP•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Client Engagement Senior Manager is a recognized leader within the Marketing Department, serving as the primary marketing resource for a specific office or region. This role involves close collaboration with office/regional leaders to devise and implement client development strategies and manage targeted marketing activities that align with client needs and support business objectives. The Senior Manager is expected to gain a deep understanding of the service offerings, lawyers, and clients within their assigned region. They will oversee key programs and initiatives designed to enhance the Firm's market presence and create networking opportunities for lawyers. This position may also involve direct supervision of Specialist, Coordinator, and/or Assistant level professionals, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Leading by example, mentoring junior staff, and upholding high standards of service delivery are crucial. The role necessitates building strong relationships within the Marketing Department and with other professional business functions and lawyers across the Firm's global network.

Requirements

A minimum of ten (10) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
A minimum of four (4) years of direct personnel management experience.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, or related field.
Deep understanding of the local/regional market for legal services and the competitive landscape.
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to present to management and peers.
Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Marketing, business development, event planning, and/or other relevant experience in a law firm or other professional services organization.
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

Leverages market awareness and industry best practices to recommend and facilitate innovative marketing and business development solutions; this includes refining existing programs and establishing new initiatives as needs are identified.
Collaborates with office leaders and partners to develop and execute business development strategic plans.
Collaborates with regional practice/industry leaders and BD and Marketing liaisons on projects that support regional growth, including advising on marketing strategies and tactical means to achieve stated goals.
Facilitates introductions to key stakeholders in the market and proactively identifies, negotiates, and manages strategic sponsorships and partnerships.
Plans and manages Sidley-sponsored programs for clients and prospective clients; oversees all event logistics, including invitations, mailing lists, handout materials, site management, speakers, visual presentations, and follow-up.
Helps office leaders prepare and manage marketing budget(s) for the office/region, including evaluating the ROI of initiatives to recommend and plan future efforts.
Leads implementation and maintenance of the Firm’s CRM system in the office/region and leverages the system to connect lawyers, clients, and other contacts.
Leads preparation of submissions for office/regional rankings, awards, surveys, and other recognitions for the office and local lawyers and practices, coordinating with global practice and industry liaisons.
Works with office/regional lawyers and global practice liaisons on the creation, editing, and maintenance of external communications and marketing materials, including lawyer biographies, Sidley Updates, advertisements, invitations, website pages, and social media content.
Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct market research to aid in office/regional business development and marketing initiatives.
Works with the Communications and PR team to identify thought leadership topics and Sidley lawyers to engage in media commentary, article publication, podcasts, etc.
Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that will enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in the local market.
Identifies and supports projects that promote speaking and leadership opportunities with professional and trade organizations to elevate the Firm’s regional profile.
Onboards and integrates lateral lawyer arrivals to the office/region, working closely with the relevant global practice/industry liaison(s).
Coaches and trains lawyers in marketing and business development skills and best practices.
Attends and contributes to office and departmental leadership meetings.
Participates in hiring, managing, and developing business professionals; oversees daily operations and monitors team work product; manages professional development of team, including establishing goals and providing coaching and training; prepares annual performance appraisals and provides timely feedback on performance.
Delegates work efficiently and effectively to other team members.
Collaborates with other leaders and business professionals within and outside the Marketing department on projects that cross practices, regions, and/or functions.