Senior Brand Manager

Seyfarth Shaw LLP•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Brand Manager is a strategic creative leader responsible for advancing the firm's visual brand, creative direction, and design capabilities across channels. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Marketing, this role sets creative standards, oversees high-quality visual solutions for web, social media, digital campaigns, client materials, presentations, events, and business development initiatives, and drives continued evolution of the firm's design function. The ideal candidate is both a strong hands-on designer and a forward-thinking leader who can modernize design processes, introduce new tools—including AI-enabled technologies—and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. A balance of strategic vision and operational excellence is essential. An online portfolio is required. Candidates should be able to articulate creative strategy, design decisions, and measurable outcomes for featured work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Brand Design, Marketing, or related field preferred.
8+ years in brand management, graphic design, creative services, or a related field
3+ years providing creative direction or team leadership to designers, contractors, or vendors
Demonstrated experience across print, digital, presentation, campaign, and brand applications
Proven ability to lead projects from concept through delivery, including stakeholder intake, design development, review, and production
Experience leading or transforming a design, creative services, or brand function
Background in a law firm, professional services firm, agency, or complex matrixed environment
Experience developing brand guidelines, design systems, template libraries, or creative workflow processes
Familiarity with project management, DAM, proofing, or creative operations platforms
Experience with executive communications, client pitches, thought leadership, and integrated marketing programs

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the firm's design function
Evolve the firm's visual brand expression while maintaining consistency, professionalism, and credibility
Develop and maintain brand standards, design systems, templates, asset libraries, and creative guidelines
Provide creative direction and quality control across print, digital, web, social, presentations, events, proposals, and firmwide campaigns
Design and produce high-impact visual assets including collateral, reports, infographics, digital ads, and event materials
Lead modernization of firm templates (PowerPoint, Word, email, digital graphics)
Partner with marketing, BD, communications, events, practice groups, attorneys, and leadership to translate business objectives into visual solutions
Apply a digital-first mindset, ensuring materials are optimized for the channels where they will be used
Identify opportunities to improve design workflows, intake processes, file management, and production standards
Evaluate and introduce new tools and technologies, including AI-enabled and automation-supported workflows
Lead, coach, and develop design team members; foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture
Oversee external vendors, freelancers, and production partners for quality, brand alignment, and timely delivery
Support high-priority firm initiatives including campaigns, events, sponsorships, recruiting, DEI, and pro bono
Establish and monitor quality standards for accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and production readiness
Stay current on design trends, digital engagement, AI tools, and professional services marketing best practices
Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Perform other duties as assigned