Client Engagement Senior Manager

Sidley Austin•San Diego, CA

4d•$220,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Client Engagement Senior Manager is a recognized leader within the Marketing Department and serves as a go-to marketing resource for an office or region. The Senior Manager works directly with office and regional leaders to develop and execute client and business development strategies, and manages targeted marketing and business development activities that align with client needs and support office or regional business objectives. The role develops a deep understanding of the office or region’s services, lawyers, and clients. It contributes to signature programs and initiatives that strengthen the Firm’s market profile and create opportunities for lawyers to network and build relationships with key contacts. The Senior Manager may have direct or dotted-line supervisory responsibility for junior-level professionals and fosters a collaborative, high-performing team through example, mentoring, and high standards of service delivery. The position builds effective working relationships across the Marketing Department, other professional business functions, and the Firm’s global platform. The position also leads regional marketing and profile-raising efforts, supports business development planning, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, events, media and thought leadership opportunities, market research, and cross-office initiatives. It coaches lawyers in marketing and business development practices and may manage, develop, and oversee the work of business professionals.

Requirements

At least 10 years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
At least 4 years of direct personnel management experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related field.
Deep understanding of the local or regional legal-services market and competitive landscape.
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to present to management and peers.
Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical-thinking skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good judgment and 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, 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; an M.B.A. or J.D. 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 marketing and business development solutions based on market awareness and industry best practices, refining existing programs with the Client Engagement Manager and establishing new initiatives as needs arise.
Collaborate with office leaders, partners, regional practice and industry leaders, and Business Development liaisons on strategic plans and projects supporting regional growth; advise on marketing strategies and tactics.
Facilitate introductions to market stakeholders and identify, negotiate, manage, and evaluate the business impact and ROI of strategic sponsorships and partnerships.
Recommend lawyers’ involvement in professional and trade organizations and identify and support speaking and leadership opportunities that raise the visibility of lawyers and the Firm.
Oversee and attend Firm-sponsored client and prospective-client programs; collaborate on invitation lists, client outreach, event planning, and follow-up.
Develop an understanding of current client relationships and identify prospective clients to inform program and event outreach.
Identify local-market award and recognition opportunities and contribute insights and ideas for submissions.
Coordinate with the Market Intelligence team on research supporting office or regional marketing and business development initiatives.
Build relationships with the Firm’s PR team and media contacts; identify thought leadership and opportunities for media commentary, articles, podcasts, and other visibility activities.
Contribute to West Coast and California marketing and business development efforts to support cross-office collaboration and consistency.
Use Firm resources, including thought leadership, videos, media content, and social media, to increase market awareness and visibility.
Coordinate business development efforts for lateral lawyer arrivals with the office’s Business Development liaison.
Coach and train lawyers in marketing and business development skills and practices.
Attend and contribute to office and departmental leadership meetings.
As needed, participate in hiring, managing, and developing business professionals; oversee daily operations and work product; support team development through goals, coaching, and training; prepare annual performance appraisals and provide timely feedback.
Delegate work effectively to team members.
Collaborate with leaders and business professionals inside and outside the Marketing Department on projects spanning practices, regions, and functions.