Remote Community Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.  If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Business Development Specialist position, supporting our Real Estate, Development, and Construction (RDC) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This position may be filled in a hybrid capacity in any of our office locations (preferred), or in a remote capacity in our Link virtual office. 

The RDC group is a national team consisting of nearly 120 attorneys serving a wide variety of clients in transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters. Key practices include corporate real estate, data centers, affordable and multifamily housing, arena and stadium development, construction and construction litigation, public law, public-private partnerships (P3), real estate finance, self storage and telecommunications. 

The Business Development Specialist will work closely with the SBU’s Business Development Manager, Managing Director, and SBU Leader, as well as colleagues in the Business Development, Marketing, and Communications (BDMC) department to drive marketing and business development projects and initiatives for the SBU. Essential functions include:

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the group’s attorneys, client base, experience, and market capabilities, and effectively communicate the firm’s and the group’s value proposition and differentiators to a variety of audiences through clear, persuasive writing.

• Develop an understanding of the BDMC department’s operations and the specific roles and responsibilities of each segment.

• Collaborate with team members to contribute to and lead multi-team efforts.

• Collaborate with the firm’s research team to produce reports, distilling key findings into clear, concise summaries, and delivering actionable insights to attorneys in an efficient and timely manner.

• Support the planning and implementation of business development and marketing projects for the group, including deliverables and ROI analysis.

• Take ownership of an industry vertical within the group, driving related initiatives and reporting on progress.

• Both collaboratively and independently identify opportunities to cross-sell to existing clients of the firm and drive forward campaigns and initiatives to grow client relationships.

• Draft, revise, and produce high-quality marketing and client-facing materials—including pitches, RFPs, presentations, and informational sheets—tailored to support new business opportunities and showcase the group’s capabilities.

• Lead the collection, organization, and maintenance of data in business development databases (e.g., RFP/pitch database, representative experience, SBU budget requests, and ROI).

• Research profile-raising opportunities for partners and key practices. Coordinate and lead preparation efforts for opportunities, ensuring maximum benefit from sponsorships and speaking engagements.

• Collaborate with BDMC teams to raise the SBU's internal and external visibility and positioning in key markets through speaking engagements, sponsorships, advertisements, public relations, social media, and other activities, aiming to maximize visibility and impact.

• Assist with strategic planning and execution of SBU events and webinars, including analyzing attendee lists, preparing tailored materials to enhance engagement, and supporting attorney follow-up.

• Work collaboratively with BDMC colleagues—and partner with other departments as needed—to support and advance cross-functional initiatives and projects.

• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of business development activities.

• Bring forward innovative ideas to improve client service and business development outcomes.

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the SBU and firm-wide business development efforts.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required; focus in business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred. 3+ years of relevant experience, preferably in a law firm, professional services, or related environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to draft and produce compelling proposals, collateral, research reports, and client-facing presentation materials.
• High level of maturity and confidence necessary to interact with sophisticated internal and external clients.
• Ability to initiate, create, and lead short- and mid-term projects, reprioritize workflow as needed, and take day-to-day responsibility for project deliverables.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond promptly and professionally to requests and proactively communicate challenges or delays.
• Ability to contribute innovative ideas and support process improvements.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Internet research tools. Knowledge of InterAction and Foundation a plus.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively by crafting concise, executive-level messaging through written and verbal channels. E.g., using bullets/short points, optimizing emails for mobile by placing key information in the body, and using subject lines strategically.
• Professional and courteous demeanor with firm attorneys and colleagues; professional appearance required.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs.
• High attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, high-quality work efficiently.
• High level of professional integrity; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $70,000 - $142,000
• State of Colorado: $64,000 - $114,000
• State of Illinois: $63,000 - $122,000
• State of Massachusetts: $70,000 - $133,000
• State of Maryland: $68,000 - $102,000
• State of Minnesota: $70,000 - $115,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $76,000 - 137,000
• State of New York: $65,000 - $140,000
• State of Vermont: $69,000 - $132,000
• State of Washington: $68,000 - $128,000
• Washington, D.C.: $90,000 - $132,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus, however bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.

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