Business Development Senior Specialist

The Business Development Senior Specialist is a key team member within the Marketing Department. The Specialist serves as a liaison to assigned practice and/or industry groups. They work directly with BD and Marketing colleagues and partners in the groups (across various offices) to develop and execute clear strategies and business plans, and manage an aligned range of business development pursuits, marketing campaigns and communications, client events and sponsorships, and key account activity.The Senior Specialist takes an active role in learning about the service offering, lawyers, and clients of the assigned groups and related practices. They help develop and lead initiatives to enhance the groups’ knowledge about our clients, their business needs, and relevant Sidley capabilities to foster cross-selling.Duties and Responsibilities: Proposals and PitchesServes as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches, both for the assigned groups and others, as neededSpearheads briefing discussions to propose and/or understand the opportunityWrites new business proposals, conducts matter research, and produces targeted, tailored responses to RFIs/RFPsSupports follow-up, debriefs activities post-pitch, and reports resultsPractice and Client DevelopmentSupports practice/industry team leadership and other partners on development and coordination of marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyersAttends and contributes to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessionsDevelops and refines the groups’ business development “infrastructure” (e.g., written collateral, experience database/matter lists, contact lists, opportunity tracking, etc.), exercising an acute level of quality control to ensure that all marketing collateral, communications, matter lists, and other materials are consistent, error-free, and up to date; ensures processes are efficient and the best possible use is made of available technology and other resourcesHelps group leaders prepare and manage the group’s BD budget; tracks and analyzes practice/industry initiatives, evaluating the ROI of activities to recommend and plan future effortsCoordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry, client, and competitive research to support practice development initiativesFacilitates the planning, implementation, and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunitiesMarketing and Profile-raising ActivitiesLeads the drafting and submission of rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other recognitions for assigned groupsWorks with Regional BD and Marketing team members to plan client programs and Sidley-sponsored eventsWorks with the Communications and PR team to identify thought leadership topics and Sidley lawyers to engage in media commentary, article publication, podcasts, etc.Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that will enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in relevant practice/industry platformsEducation and/or Experience: Required:A Bachelor's degree from an accredited universityA minimum of five (5) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experienceSupports follow-up, debriefs activities post-pitch, and reports resultsProficiency in Microsoft Office and OutlookPreferred:Marketing, business development, or related experience in a law firm or other professional services organizationWorking knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, Salesforce, and/or FoundationFamiliarity with relevant company/market research tools, as well as law firm rankings, awards, and league table publicationsOther Skills and Abilities:The following will also be required of the successful candidate:Strong organizational skillsStrong attention to detailGood judgmentStrong interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAble to work harmoniously and effectively with othersAble to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretionAble to work under pressureAble to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities#LI-GK1#LI-HybridThe target salary range for this role is:$90,000 - $125,000 if located in NewYork, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles or ChicagoSalaries 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 View email address on click.appcast.io (current employees should contact Human Resources).Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.SummaryLocation: Chicago; New York; Los Angeles; Washington D.C.Type: Full time