Program Development Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Vedder's Chicago office is seeking a Senior Marketing and Client Development Specialist. The Senior Marketing and Client Development Specialist will work closely with the Senior Marketing and Client Development Manager to develop and implement firm-wide and attorney-specific marketing and business development projects and initiatives for specific practice areas to be assigned. Working in close partnership with attorneys, practice group leaders and the broader marketing and practice development team, this role executes a wide range of initiatives including pitches and proposals, client events and programming, thought leadership content, blogs, digital and collateral development, directory submissions and competitive research. The Senior Specialist brings strong writing skills, project management expertise and a client-service orientation to every engagement.

As the Senior Marketing and Client Development Specialist, your job duties will include but not be limited to:

Business Development Support

• Support attorneys in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, including preparation of targeted outreach strategies and individual client development plans.
• Collaborate with attorneys to expand business development efforts, contributing to annual business plans and assisting with implementation, tracking of initiatives and measurement of outcomes.
• Keep abreast of trends and developments in assigned practice areas in order to help identify targets and support efforts to expand existing client relationships.
• Research prospective clients, industries and competitors to support attorney business development efforts and provide competitive intelligence.

Pitches, Proposals & RFPs

• Draft, coordinate and finalize customized pitch materials, RFP responses in collaboration with attorneys.
• Manage RFP timelines and internal workflows, coordinating attorney teams and tracking outcomes.
• Maintain and update practice group experience databases, attorney bios, and representative matter lists for the assigned practice areas.

Directories, Awards & Rankings

• Manage submissions and nominations to legal industry directories, including Chambers and Legal 500 US; draft and submit submissions and references.
• Leverage rankings and recognitions in business development materials and profile-raising efforts.
• Support the identification of sponsorships, speaking opportunities, and conference participation to raise the profile of litigation practice areas.

Content & Collateral

• Draft and coordinate publication of client alerts, practice group newsletters, thought leadership articles, blogs and other content in support of assigned attorneys.
• Develop and assemble practice group collateral materials, including one-off pieces, to support business development efforts.
• Support social media and digital marketing activities in collaboration with the Marketing Communications team.

Events

• Coordinate client seminars, webinars, receptions and internal firm events in collaboration with the Events Team, managing from concept through post-event follow-up.
• Coordinate logistics for sponsorships, conference participation, and attorney speaking engagements.
• Develop event materials, invitations, and post-event communications.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal relations, written and oral communication skills required.
• Highly motivated, creative and collaborative.
• Able to think broadly and demonstrate a high level of initiative.
• Must have the ability to organize and prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail is necessary.

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Minimum 5 to 7 years’ experience in a marketing/business development function within professional services required; law firm experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; major in Marketing or Business preferred.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), WordPress

Compensation Range: $75,000/yr. to $85,000/yr.

At Vedder, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Recruiting Team at recruiting@vedder.com.