Business Development and Marketing Manager

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Business Development and Marketing Manager to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Palo Alto, California office (hybrid). The Business Development and Marketing Manager (BDMM) is responsible for propelling business growth and amplifying market presence for select practices across the Northern California market. In this role, the BDMM will report to the Assistant Director (Palo Alto), office, practice and department leaders, relevant partners and work closely with the U.S. and global Business Development and Marketing (BDM) Department. The primary responsibility of this role is to proactively fortify and nurture existing client relationships while strategically acquiring and cultivating new client partnerships.

Business Development:

• Develops and implements proactive, organized marketing and business development initiatives for select  practices, including client targeting programs and pursuit teams for the Northern California market.

• Drafts and prepares high-quality pitches, capability statements and BD presentations, working closely with relevant partners, the BDM AD, and supported by Skadden’s global functional teams, where relevant.

• Understands the sales cycle and advises attorneys on lead development, pitching, and follow-up.

• Manages sales pipeline processes for assigned practices and partners across regions.

• Takes ownership for pitch/presentation content, drafts tailored copy to convey Skadden's credentials, its differentiators, and its value proposition to potential clients.

• Oversees collection of practice experience for the Firm’s database for accurate profiling (with experience team support).

• Identifies and supports cross-practice and cross-region opportunities and collaborates with attorneys and marketing colleagues to align strategies, measure targeting progress, and drive overall business development plans to leverage those opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Analysis:

• Works with partners and Assistant Director to develop strategic plans for practice segments, execute tactics, report progress, and align resources with strategy.

• Collaborates with Strategic Intelligence and Client Accounting teams to utilize firm data and tech platforms for informed sales and client development activities.

Profile-Raising Activities, Content and Thought Leadership:

• Drives tactics and programs that raise the practices’ internal and external visibility and positioning in key markets through speaking events, sponsorships, PR (with global PR team), and social media.

• Manages legal directory, award, and ranking opportunities, leading the drafting of regional practice submissions.

• Assesses the value and benefits of profile-raising opportunities, ensuring maximum benefit from sponsorships and speaking roles.

• Supports thought leadership by monitoring trends and collaborates with attorneys and the editorial team on related client mailing and articles.

Event and Engagement Management:

• Leads strategic planning and execution of client events and speaking engagements (in collaboration with BD and Marketing Coordinator and global events team).

• Analyzes attendee lists and prepares tailored materials to enhance engagement.

• Supports attorney follow-up and tracks outcomes and activities in the CRM system to ensure effective event management and client interaction.

Operational Efficiency and Communication:

• Follows recommended guidelines and practices to enhance efficiency, customer service, and employee relations, aligning with the Firm's Core Values.

• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures, ensuring accurate and timely responses to service requests.

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective work relationships.

• Regular and reliable physical presence to work as part of a team and meet with internal clients.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., InDesign, InterAction, MS Office including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel) with the ability to learn new software and operating systems)

• Maintains current knowledge of industry best practices, trends and techniques

• Demonstrates exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing

• Demonstrates strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities/deadlines and stay productive in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates precise attention to details, with superior proofreading and fact checking skills

• Demonstrates a professional demeanor, high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity and ability to interact effectively with all levels

• Demonstrates an ability to continuously improve and innovate (e.g. regularly improve existing content and design of pitch and proposal materials)  

• Ability to develop a deep understanding of the Firm’s business

• Ability to develop relationships and collaborate with stakeholders

• Ability to lead and supervise others

• Ability to learn new software, systems, databases, and procedures quickly

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in hybrid team environments

• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality

• Ability to organize and prioritize work and delegate effectively

• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment

• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment

• Flexibility to travel and attend key events and meetings on occasion

• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree

• 6 years’ business development and marketing experience in a law firm/professional services environment

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.

• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.

• Generous paid time off.

• Paid leave options, including parental.

• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.

• Robust well-being classes and programs.

• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Disability/Vet/other protected categories). For more information, please visit Skadden.com/careers.

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

In accordance with the Transparency in Coverage Rule,

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.