Business Development Manager (DEI & Alumni Relations)

The Business Development Manager for DEI and Alumni Relations will focus on enhancing client relationships through DEI initiatives and creatively engaging the firm’s robust alumni network through various means of outreach. Working closely with the national Business Development, DEI, Creative, and Regional Marketing teams, this position will plan and execute dynamic programs to connect with firm clients on DEI issues and strengthen alumni connections.

Responsibilities:
DEI Engagement & Client Development

Develop and implement strategic projects, events and campaigns to connect with clients on DEI topics and issues.

Become familiar with DEI goals of clients in Key Account Program and other top firm clients, and develop strategies to recognize and support these efforts.

Support the business development and marketing initiatives of the firm’s Equity Advisory Council, a subcommittee of the firm’s managing body that is focused on supporting the success and inclusion of the firm’s diverse populations.

Collaborate with DEI team to track emerging DEI topics and issues to inform client activities, internal client teams, and Business Development Managers.

Identify opportunities with individual clients and connect appropriate firm lawyers to pursue these opportunities.

Collaborate with other Business Development and Key Account team members to assure coordinated approaches for clients on DEI efforts.

Maintain up to date and compelling pitch and RFP materials on the firm’s DEI program, and develop tailored language as needed for individual client opportunities.

Analyze market and industry data to proactively identify new opportunities, client expectations and ways to connect.

Collaborate with the DEI team to strengthen and develop external relationships with diversity-related organizations, thought leaders and vendors.

Manage and maintain metrics to track key DEI metrics relating to business development and pitch activity.

Alumni Relations

Collaborate with the Director of Business Development and Strategic Marketing and the attorney Chair of the Alumni Program to drive the continued advancement of the overall program strategy and implementation.

Collaborate with the Business Development team to strategically leverage alumni relationships for increased firm visibility, brand ambassadorship and business development opportunities.

Produce and coordinate distribution of the Firm’s quarterly alumni newsletter. Work cross-departmentally to put together engaging, cohesive messaging that excites the alumni community.

Promote news about alumni and the Firm’s global alumni network through the firm’s social media and other communication channels.

Register existing data and develop new data to measure the effectiveness of the alumni program and overarching alumni engagement. Establish measurements of success for alumni events and outreach.

Foster strong relationships with alumni members. Conduct discussions with alumni and use intel to identify creative ways to optimize the program.

Organize targeted alumni events (i.e. regional or office specific alumni only events) and networking opportunities. Incorporate alumni into firm seminars and other firm events. Propose ideas to creatively engage alumni through these events.

Assist with the onboarding and exit process, in collaboration with the firm’s Attorney Development and Business Development teams.

Work with the Marketing Technology team in establishing best practices for maintaining/updating alumni data.

Exhibit flexibility and willingness to assume additional responsibilities as requested.

This role requires 60% in office presence; remote work is permissible 40% of the time.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher. MBA a plus.

7+ years experience in marketing, sales or business development in a professional services environment.

Previous experience advocating for or working with DEI issues, trends, and best practices is highly desirable.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations for attention to detail and quality of work product.

Outstanding client service mentality.

The ability to develop advisory relationships with attorneys including the ability to influence.

Ability to see the big picture and operationalize a plan that includes attention to detail and ability to execute through to completion.

Strong analytical abilities when it comes to studying industry and market trends, data analytics, client financials.

The ability to contribute to the growth and development of our Business Development team by: collaborating with colleagues at all levels; facilitating teamwork; and identifying opportunities to develop new processes/infrastructure.

Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to influence others.

Ability to function in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment, prioritize multiple projects on a daily basis, and adjust to shifting priorities.

Strong planning, project management and organizational skills.

Strong sense of urgency.

Facility analyzing, working with and presenting data.

Ability to collaborate and gain the respect, trust, and confidence of the Firm’s attorneys and professional staff.

Possess a “hands-on” tactical approach.

Creative and proactive approach to problem solving.

Facilitate teamwork and identify opportunities to develop new processes/infrastructure.

Demonstrated ability to grasp and implement new concepts quickly.

Strong analytical abilities, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive and positive style that fosters collaborative working relationships.

Outstanding sense of customer service.

Deep personal commitment to integrity, excellent judgment, and the highest standards of ethics.

Must display the highest level of diplomacy, tact and discretion, with comfort in handling and maintaining confidential information.

Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in using CRM, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.  Ability to quickly get up to speed and master new applications and software is critical.

Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and attorneys to carry out the Firm’s goals.