Associate Director of Brand Strategy (San Diego)

Associate Director of Brand StrategyCooley is seeking an Associate Director of Brand Strategy to join the Marketing and Client Development team.Position summary: This role is part of the Strategy, Transformation & Growth Team, which acts as the firm’s central nervous system, building the scalable infrastructure and data-backed frameworks that allow Marketing & Client Development to move from reactive execution to proactive, high-impact strategy. It ensures that strategic choices and unique brand differentiating experiences (spanning high-end events to targeted digital channels) are translated into repeatable, optimized market performance that makes the firm stand out in market. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Position responsibilities: Brand Strategy & Positioning: Lead the development and evolution of the firm’s brand strategy to align with core priorities and achieve measurable business outcomes. Narrative Development: Translate complex business strategies into clear, differentiated brand narratives across all practice groups, global markets, and specific industries. Brand Stewardship: Serve as the primary brand steward, ensuring strict governance and consistent application of visual identity, messaging, and standards across every touchpoint. Integrated Campaigns: Develop and oversee high-impact firmwide campaigns, integrating digital, content, events, and business development to drive global market visibility. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Client Development, and technical teams to ensure all client-facing experiences authentically reflect the firm’s brand position. Performance Metrics & Reporting: Define and track key brand performance indicators, reporting actionable insights and strategic impact directly to executive leadership. Market Intelligence: Leverage market research, competitive intelligence, and client listening to inform strategy and monitor overall brand health. Alumni Program Leadership: Build and lead a strategic Alumni program designed to strengthen long-term advocacy and generate new business development and referral opportunities. Agency Management: Manage and direct relationships with external agencies to ensure high-quality execution and alignment with firm goals. People Leader: Serve as direct supervisor and mentor to direct reports Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies. Manage staffing coverage, review and process time logs/time off requests Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities In collaboration with immediate supervisor and central HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events All other duties as assigned or required Skills and experience: Required: After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required Ability to travel, as required 8+ years of applicable experience in the field (e.g., marketing or business development, preferably with an emphasis working in a strategy, transformation, or growth function), with 4+ years management experience (some at the senior level preferred) Must have professional services industry experience and/or B2B marketing experience Demonstrated experience with brand health studies Must have CRM experience Experience with enterprise-wide campaigns related to brand Bachelor’s Degree Preferred: Prior legal industry experience Competencies: Entrepreneurial by nature Excellent attention to detail Approaches tasks through a lens of quality and consistency Approaches tasks through a digital first lens Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to facilitate and solve problems Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple activities often under tight timelines Takes a consultative approach to set goals, drive projects, and achieve outcomes Strong judgment Team-player with collaborative spirit Unwavering ability to handle and maintain confidentiality regarding firm information, projects, client data High level of professionalism at all times Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and develop talent Proactive, analytical mindset Effective presentation skills Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $185,000 - $225,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate. We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 25 days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.SummaryLocation: San Francisco; New York; Santa Monica; Los Angeles; Palo Alto; Chicago; Washington DC; Boston; Colorado; Seattle; San Diego; RestonType: Full time