Director of Business Development and Marketing

Grow revenue and strengthen the firm’s market position as Director of Business Development and Marketing at Bodman. This hybrid role in Detroit, MI leads the Business Development and Marketing Department and helps implement the firm’s strategic plan through marketing, communications, and BD initiatives. You will partner closely with Marketing Partners, the Marketing Committee, and the Chief Strategy Officer, with a focus on business development and growth.

What you’ll deliver

• Build a business development mindset firm-wide, especially with attorneys, including developing a training calendar and participating in or leading education and best practices sessions across all levels.
• Stay current on market and business trends, the competitive landscape, and attorneys’ experiences and client relationships.
• Oversee the annual Marketing Budget, tracking spend, recommending major programs and upgrades, and evaluating marketing technology acquisitions to ensure alignment with firm-wide priorities and budgets.
• Monitor departmental structure and recommend staffing changes to improve service output.
• Manage and mentor BD and Marketing personnel, overseeing progress on significant projects and ensuring accountability through management reporting.
• Manage vendor and consultant relationships that support firm BD efforts.
• Represent the firm professionally in interactions with participants in firm-sponsored activities and other business functions.
• Drive high levels of firm-wide support for business development activities that contribute to revenue and growth.
• Facilitate cross-selling to enhance the client experience and grow relationships, leveraging referral sources and networks for new business leads.

Marketing, communications, and client growth

• Write, evaluate, edit, and advise on proposals and RFP responses, including pitch team preparation and support for follow-up and debrief activities; track results and advise on pricing strategies and approvals.
• Create BD plan templates and support attorneys in developing and implementing their plans.
• Provide intelligence research on industries, companies, and competitors.
• Participate in formal and informal attorney coaching and strategy sessions.
• Monitor brand equity and competitive positioning, advising on actions that increase awareness among key audiences.
• Ensure public relations activities align with firm goals and position the firm, practices, and attorneys as leaders, particularly in key industries.
• Direct client communication programs, digital marketing strategies (including social media), and interactive campaigns.
• Maintain up-to-date marketing collateral and web content, with processes that keep materials accessible.
• Support new attorney onboarding by maintaining the onboarding checklist.
• Manage award and ranking submissions, including gathering data, assembling, editing, and securing approvals.
• Draft or oversee drafting, editing, and dissemination of internal communications and newsletters.

Media relations and systems oversight

• Serve as the primary media relations contact, vetting and responding to media inquiries in consultation with firm management and/or client relationship managers, as appropriate.
• Provide guidance on sensitive media issues, recommend outside PR counsel when needed, and draft, approve, and/or seek approval of media releases.
• Serve as a primary contact for incoming client and potential client inquiries.
• Develop content for and oversee maintenance of Bodman’s websites.
• Oversee operation and development of the CRM system, and manage graphics and photographic support for internal and external marketing projects.

Requirements

• A four-year degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field OR a four-year degree in an unrelated field in conjunction with relevant work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in BD, marketing, or communications/journalism, including three years in a managerial role, and prior experience in a professional services setting.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to edit content for style and consistency.
• Ability to work independently.
• Superior interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft 365 Suite, and the ability to learn and recommend new technologies.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and complete them on time.
• Ability to work when necessary and travel occasionally to perform essential duties.
• Ability to adhere to office rules and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion, maintain confidentiality of client and firm information, and preserve good working relationships across the firm.

Department, type, and tools

• Department: Business Development/Marketing
• Employment type: Permanent, Full Time
• Workplace type: Hybrid
• Location: Detroit, MI
• Technologies: Microsoft 365 Suite, CRM system