Marketing & Business Development Manager

Thompson Hine LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm regularly recognized for our commitment to Innovation and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is currently seeking a Marketing & Business Development Manager. This candidate will provide high-level marketing and business development in our Columbus, OH Office. This individual will drive the marketing efforts of the firm, office, practice groups, firmwide and office client service teams and individual lawyers in order to expand relationships with existing clients and obtain new business for the firm, while delivering exemplary client service.

In addition, the Marketing & Business Development Manager will focus on strengthening the firm’s regional market position and local business base. Assist lawyers and staff with business development needs as the onsite go-to Marketing & Strategy resource. Utilize tools, resources, knowledge and experience to contribute to the overall success of the firm and its attorneys. Assume leadership role for one or more firmwide department initiatives, which may include practice group related support as needed. Serve as the thought leader, catalyst for action, project manager and execution lead for the effort within the department across the Firm.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as proactive catalyst, resource and point-of-contact for lawyers and staff for the firm's business development activities.

2. Work with office leadership and the lawyers to prepare annual regional marketing plan and budget, as well as drive execution, monitor results and track associated budget.

3. Develop strategies focusing on regional market position and top line growth and drive the execution of those strategies working with office leadership and the lawyers.

4. Conduct research and analysis to enhance understanding of the market and opportunities, as well as support client development. Understand regional competitors, the local client base, and regional prospects to proactively help drive expanded work for existing clients and targeting of prospective clients.

5. Assist lawyers with proposals and RFPs, provide background in support of understanding client needs, firm differentiators, and tailor accordingly, as well as work with the Finance Department on determining appropriate pricing strategies, including value-pricing when appropriate.

6. Identify and facilitate promotional opportunities including regional distinction and recognition submissions, public speaking, publishing, newsworthy topics, events, sponsorships, etc.

7. Develop and maintain office marketing collateral and provide updates to office pages on firm website.

8. Identify organizations that are a good fit for the office and lawyers, cultivating relationships with professional and trade organizations, industry associations and educational institutions. Cultivate regional networking and referral sources that can contribute to business growth.

9. Manage regional events, seminars (including CLE), sponsorships and conferences.

10. Lead and manage one or more firmwide Marketing & Strategy area of responsibility and participate in other initiatives as needed.

11. Assist with efforts related to the firmwide initiatives including SmartPaTH, LPM, value-pricing, client service excellence and other client-facing areas the firm is leveraging to strengthen client relationships.

12. Provide business development support for the office Spotlight on Women™ and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.

13. Work with library resources to prepare background information on prospective clients including demographic, marketing and client research.

14. Be a catalyst and provide business development support and guidance for the offices’ sales/cross-selling initiatives and office Client Service Teams.

15. Maintain an inventory of marketing collateral and brochures in the office.

16. Share best practices with Marketing & Strategy peers and participate actively as a member of that team and a collaborator with all in the group.

17. Write and arrange for distribution of new hire local announcements and other miscellaneous press releases, working closely with the firm’s Media Relations Manager. Identify newsworthy ideas and develop a pipeline for the firm’s Media Relations Manager to pitch to the press.

18. Handle Marketing & Strategy orientation for all new lawyer hires and work with the lawyer and others in the department to make sure all initial business development materials/tools are in place upon arrival (examples, depending on the level of lawyer, include bio, announcement mailing and mailing list, identification of distinctions that should be retained in new materials, matters to be added to the database, etc.). Serve as on-site resource to ensure lawyers and staff are appropriately trained in marketing and business development tools and resources so they know what is available and how to access what is available.

19. Assist attorneys with the creation and regular updating of their biographies.

20. Assist attorneys with the creation and regular updating of their individual business development plans.

21. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

• Minimum of 4-7 years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience ideally in the professional services industry, preferably legal.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in marketing, public relations, communications, business or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).

2. Demonstrated strength in interacting and communicating with all levels of the firm.

3. Proficient in all Microsoft Office software (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); capable of creating and maintaining PC directories and files of marketing documents.

4. Willing to take responsibility for establishing and accomplishing performance objectives related to job description.

5. Understanding of marketing and business development concepts and the needs and expectations of law firms.

6. Attention to detail and ability to prioritize and see projects through from concept to completion.

7. Continuously look for ways to improve efficiencies through new processes, procedures or tools.

8. Team player.

9. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential function of this job.

10. Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette are mandatory.

11. Possesses interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively with a diverse group of employees.

12. Ability to handle tasks under pressure.

13. Ability to adjust work schedule to work other hours, as required.

14. This position requires the employee to work at a specified location and hours determined by the Manager for the benefit of the department and firm. Changes to the location and/or scheduled hours must be approved by the Manager.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of social media and how to apply social media in business development efforts is a plus.
• Organizing and planning techniques; marketing principles and methods; ability to present a positive image to the public; and develop creative ways to solve problems.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures; word processing, spreadsheet and database software; correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Thompson Hine LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that offers competitive wages, a robust benefit package, and employee discounts.