Client Engagement Senior Manager

The Client Engagement Senior Manager is a recognized leader within the Marketing Department. The Senior Manager serves as the go-to marketing resource for the office/region. They work directly with office/regional leaders to develop and execute client development strategies and manage a range of targeted marketing activities that align with client needs and support the business objectives of the office/region.

The Senior Manager takes an active role in learning about the service offering, lawyers, and clients of the office/region. They oversee signature programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the profile of the Firm in the market and creating opportunities for Sidley lawyers to network and build relationships with key contacts.

The Senior Manager may have direct supervisory responsibility for Specialist, Coordinator, and/or Assistant level professionals and is responsible for fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. Additionally, they are expected to lead by example, mentor junior members of the team, and embody the highest standards of service delivery. The role requires the development of strong and effective working relationships within the Marketing Department, as well as with other professional business functions, and lawyers, across the Firm’s global platform.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Regional Marketing and Profile-raising Activities

• 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

Employee Management

• 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

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• 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

Preferred:

• 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

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Good judgment

• Strong interpersonal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills

• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others

• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion

• Able to work under pressure

• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

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The target salary range for this role is:

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [email protected] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.