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 Chicago office (hybrid). The Business Development and Marketing Manager (BDMM) is responsible for propelling business growth and amplifying market presence for the transactional practices across the Midwest market. In this role, the BDMM will report to the Associate Director (Chicago), 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 is to proactively fortify and nurture existing client relationships while strategically acquiring and cultivating new client partnerships.

Business Development:

• Develops and implement proactive, organized marketing and business development initiatives for the select transactional practices, including client targeting programs and pursuit teams for the Midwest market.

• Drafts and prepares high quality pitches, capability statements, placemats and BD presentations, working closely with relevant partners, the BDM AD and supported by a BDM Coordinator, where relevant.

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

• 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.

• Oversees collection of practice experience for the firm’s database for accurate profiling (with experience team and coordinator 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 Associate 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 practice submissions.

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

• 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