Freelance Practice Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Business Development Manager will serve as a dedicated liaison to one or more practice groups within the Global Litigation Practice. They work directly with the group leaders and other partners to develop and execute strategies and business plans and manage an aligned range of business development and marketing initiatives.

Projects may include: securing panel and other appointments through the submission of written proposals/pitches; managing and assisting with the maintenance of business development and marketing collateral for the group (including experience databases); working with the practice leaders to monitor progress against planned priorities; preparing and supervising directory submissions, awards and other activities to improve the profile of the practices; and developing strategies for participation in or planning of major client programs. They take an active role in learning about these and other practices and developing the groups' and the Firm's internal knowledge about its clients and business in order to foster cross-selling.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Practice and Client Development

• Consults with practice/industry leaders and other partners on development and coordination of marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers.

• Attends and contributes to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessions.

• Tracks and analyzes practice initiatives and how those initiatives impact the practice's budget, and provides evaluation of past initiatives to determine if there is sufficient ROI to repeat those initiatives.

• Identifies and recommends business development opportunities and trends using data analytics, competitive intelligence, industry trends, market analyses and similar resources.

• Evaluates the development of business prospects and cross-marketing efforts and makes recommendations to practice/industry leaders.

• Manages, develops and refines processes and procedures relating to the practice's business development "infrastructure" (e.g., written collateral, experience database/matter lists, contact lists, opportunity tracking, etc.). Maintains an acute level of quality control to ensure that all marketing collateral, communications, and thought leadership content are consistent, error-free, and up to date. Ensures processes are efficient and the best possible use is made of available technology and other resources.

• Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry and client research to aid in practice development initiatives.

• Facilitates the planning, implementation, and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities.

Proposals and Pitches

• Serves as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches, both for the primary practices and other groups, as necessary.

• Spearheads briefing discussions to propose and/or understand the opportunity.

• Writes new business proposals and produces targeted, tailored responses to RFIs/ RFPs.

• Serves as advisor in preparing and rehearsing pitch teams.

• Supports follow-up and debrief activities post-pitch and reports them back to Firm leaders.

Other Marketing and Profile-raising Activities

• Leads preparation of submissions for practice/industry rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other ratings information.

• Works with Regional Marketing teams to shape Sidley-hosted or sponsored programs and events.

• Coordinates with the Communications team on PR opportunities.

• Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that will enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in global and industry platforms.

Practice and Operations Management

• Assists with practice/industry team meeting planning, including formulating agendas and developing engaging content.

• Assists with coordinating budgets.

• Supports agenda development and coordination of Business Development and Marketing team meetings.

Employee Management

• Participates in hiring, managing, and developing junior members of the team.

• Oversees daily operations and reviews staff work.

• Manages professional development of staff goal setting, coaching, and training.

• Prepares annual performance appraisals and provides timely feedback on performance.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, business/finance, or related field

• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook

Preferred:

• Professional marketing or business development experience and/or strategic planning, sales, market assessment, or positioning in a law firm or other professional services organization

• Experience and knowledge of the business/legal landscape in securitization and leveraged finance.

• Supervisory, managerial, and/or project management experience

• M.B.A. or J.D. a considerable plus

• Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, OnePlace, and/or Foundation

• Familiarity with company/market research tools and league tables such as CapitalIQ, Mergermarket, Bloomberg, Refinitiv, etc.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational and prioritization 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

#LI-Hybrid

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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 sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.