Director of Business Development and Marketing

Lead the firm-wide strategy for business development and marketing in a Detroit, MI onsite role.

Responsibilities

• Promote a business development mindset across the firm, with a focus on attorneys, including building a training calendar and leading or participating in education and best-practices sessions for attorneys at all levels
• Stay current on market and business trends, the competitive landscape, and attorneys’ experiences and client relationships
• Prepare and track the annual Marketing Budget; recommend major programs, upgrades, and marketing technology acquisitions; ensure BD and marketing investments align with firm-wide initiatives and related budgets
• Monitor the BD and Marketing Department structure and recommend staffing changes to increase department service output
• Manage and monitor BD and Marketing personnel activities, oversee significant project status, and provide mentoring to BD and Marketing staff
• Prepare or coordinate BD and Marketing management reports
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors supporting firm BD efforts
• Represent the firm professionally in interactions with participants in firm-sponsored activities and other business functions
• Drive firm-wide activity and support for business development efforts that drive revenue and growth
• Facilitate cross-selling initiatives to improve client experience and grow relationships with existing clients; leverage referral sources and networks for new business leads
• Write, evaluate, and/or edit proposals and RFP responses; advise attorneys on best practices, including improving the process and supporting pitch teams and follow-up/debrief activities
• Track proposal/RFP results and advise on pricing strategies and necessary approvals
• Create business development plan templates and assist 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; recommend activities that increase awareness among key audiences
• Ensure public relations activities align with firm goals and help position the firm, its practices, and attorneys as leaders in key industries
• Direct development and execution of client communication programs, digital marketing strategies (including social media), and interactive campaigns
• Establish processes to keep marketing collateral and website content up to date and easy to access
• Participate in new attorney onboarding; maintain the onboarding checklist
• Manage award and ranking submission processes, including gathering data, assembling, editing, and obtaining approvals
• Draft or oversee drafting, editing, and dissemination of internal communications and newsletters
• Lead media relations as the primary media contact; vet and respond to media inquiries in consultation with firm management and/or client relationship managers; guide on sensitive issues; recommend retaining outside PR counsel as needed
• Draft, approve, and/or seek approval of media releases; provide guidance on external firm release and publication content
• 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 firm’s CRM system
• Oversee creation and editing of graphics and photographs for internal and external marketing projects
• Work with Marketing Partners, Marketing Committee, and the Chief Strategy Officer
• Direct and manage all activities of the Business Development and Marketing Department and support implementation of the firm’s strategic plan related to business development
• Generate new ideas and strategies for the firm’s BD and marketing efforts
• Work directly with individual attorneys, practice groups, and client and industry teams as necessary
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion; maintain good working relationships across the firm
• Preserve confidentiality of client and firm information
• Support the expectation that every Bodman attorney prioritizes business development and nurtures client relationships for both existing and prospective clients

Requirements

• Four-year degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field OR a four-year degree in an unrelated field with relevant work experience
• 10+ years of experience in BD, marketing, or communications/journalism, including 3 years in a managerial role, plus prior experience in a professional services setting
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including editing written work for content, style, and consistency
• Ability to work independently
• Superior interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft 365 Suite, and ability to learn and recommend new technologies
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and complete them on time
• Ability to work as necessary and travel occasionally to perform essential duties
• Ability to adhere to all general office rules and procedures

Technologies

• Microsoft 365 Suite
• CRM system
• Social media

Location: Detroit, MI (onsite)