Market Development Specialist

Job Overview At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place. Global law firm K&L Gates is seeking a Market Development Specialist (MDS) to join one of our West Coast offices. Working under the direction of a Senior Market Development Manager, the MDS will support and execute on local marketing and business development programs for multiple offices as well as other relevant initiatives. The position will be responsible for working with Senior Managers, Office Managing Partners, and other Client Growth team members, focusing on building brand awareness and community engagement, client development, and contributing to the office, practice, and industry growth goals. Candidates must be self-starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are strongly preferred. Key Relationships Global Strategic Growth Partner Office Managing Partners Market Development Directors Client Engagement Directors Senior Market Development Managers Other members of the Client Growth team Essential Duties Support Senior Manager in executing client growth pipeline initiatives for assigned multifaceted markets Support Senior Manager in collaboration efforts with Practice and Industry leads to help execute practice and industry initiatives in local markets Maintain a strong knowledge of the assigned local markets and key industries, including business trends and competitive landscape for legal services Coordinate local sponsorships, memberships, surveys, and firm participation in charitable and civic engagement events for assigned markets Client event engagement: Provide strategic support, and local execution when needed, for complex, high-profile events (e.g., K&L Gates programming, networking reception/dinners, CLEs, roundtables, client-facing third party events, private dinners, webinars, sporting event suites); provide feedback on vendors; oversee on-site market events; track event ROI follow‑up Collaborate closely with Senior Manager and other Client Growth teams, such as Pitches and Proposals, Events, Brand Marketing and Communications, Competitive and Strategic Intelligence, as well as practice and industry business development leaders to deliver meaningful programming to the market Collaborate with and support Senior Manager to drive partnerships with local organizations, develop entertainment and educational events to deliver value, visibility, and opportunity in the local market Assist in the development of local office PR and advertising as well as co‑lead local external relations efforts Identify business expansion opportunities and co‑develop initiatives with the Senior Manager by matching firm solutions to client needs within specific markets and/or industries Assist in orienting new lateral attorneys to the firm Measure and track initiatives and provide regular reporting Process vendor payments, credit card reconciliations, and help draft and submit firmwide business development spend approval requests Foster a culture of business development in the offices through office communications, individual support, trainings, and other efforts Undertake other projects as assigned Experience & Skills Required Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications with 3 to 5 years of experience in a professional services organization or closely related corporate environment Excellent oral and written communication skills Effectively manages and communicates confidential issues Strong people skills with demonstrated service orientation Demonstrated good judgment, decision-making, and follow‑through capabilities Persistence coupled with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization Excellent project management, organizational, and planning skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines Outstanding attention to detail, flexibility, and creativity Collaborative team player who is also self‑motivated Compensation Salary: $85,000 – $127,000. The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Benefits K&L Gates offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs. Depending on your eligibility, options for full‑time personnel include: Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature) Back‑up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge Dental Insurance Wellness Program Vision Insurance Pre‑tax Commuting Benefits 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing Business Travel Accident Insurance Short‑ and Long‑term Disability Protection Pet Insurance Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment) Health Advocacy Services Paid Time Off (25–30 days per year) Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short‑term disability may provide additional paid time off) Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service Paid Holidays (12) Addiction Resources Family Building Benefits Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services Flexible Spending Accounts Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements Employee Assistance Program Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities 529 Deductions Relocation Accident Insurance Employee Referral Program Critical Illness Insurance Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities Hospital Indemnity Insurance Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs Bereavement Leave All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law Equal Employment Opportunity The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr K&L Gates LLP