BD and Marketing Manager - Emerging Companies/Venture ...

SummarySidleys northern California offices, and its emerging companies and venture capital practice in particular, is embarked on a strategic expansion characterized by rapid growth in attorneys, clients, matters and prestige. This position is mission critical for the region and the firm, as the successful applicant with work directly with the firms highly motivated partners and will have regular contact with clients and prospects. Creativity, energy, and a desire to play a key role in building an important practice at an Amlaw 10 firm are essential attributes.The Business Development (BD) and Marketing Manager (Manager) serves as the primary liaison to the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital (ECVC) Practice Area Team (PAT), and is a critical part of the Bay Area marketing team supporting Northern California marketing efforts. We are looking for an ambitious and energetic Manager to help us expand our market position and drive growth through the support and facilitation of targeted BD and marketing activities aimed at strengthening the profile of the Firm in the market, and creating opportunities for Sidley lawyers to network and build relationships with key contacts. They will work directly with the lawyers in the PAT and the office to develop and execute clear strategies and business plans, and manage an aligned range of marketing campaigns/programs, events, communications and activities. Additionally, this individual will work closely with the PAT leader to coordinate internal PAT engagement activities, assist in facilitating discussions and meetings of the practice with other PAT leaders within the Global Practice Group and across the firm, and support other practice management activities as necessary. The Manager reports to the Director of Business Development and Marketing, and collaborates with marketing colleagues across the transactional, regulatory and litigation practices as well as the Bay Area on a day-to-day basis. Projects may include: securing panel and other appointments through the submission of written proposals/pitches; assisting in the maintenance of business development and marketing collateral for the group (including experience databases); monitoring progress against planned priorities; preparing directory submissions; improving the profile of the practices and the office; managing industry associations local to the Bay Area and which support the local practices; and, developing strategy for participation in or planning of major events, and supporting local events. They take an active role in learning about the practices and closely related practices. They help develop projects to enhance the groups and the Firms internal knowledge about its clients and business in order to foster cross-selling. The Manager will have direct supervisory responsibilities for the BD and Marketing Specialist and is responsible for fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. The Manager is expected to take a leadership role in helping develop the ECVC marketing strategy and proactively executing on that strategy.Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Practice and Client Development Consults with Practice Area Team (PAT) leader and key partners on development and coordination of marketing and client development plans for the practice and individual lawyers within the PAT. Attends and contributes to PAT meetings and planning sessions. Tracks and analyzes practice initiatives and how those initiatives impact the practices budget and provides evaluation of past initiatives to determine if there is sufficient ROI to repeat those initiatives. Evaluates the viability and probability of the development of business prospects and cross-marketing efforts of the practices. Manages, develops and refines processes and procedures relating to the practice''s business development ''infrastructure (e.g., written collateral; database/matter lists; contact lists; opportunity tracking; etc.). Maintains an acute level of quality control to ensure that all marketing collateral, communications, deal lists, etc. are consistent, error-free, and up to date. Ensures processes are efficient and the best possible use is made of available technology and other resources. Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry and client research to aid in practice development initiatives. Facilitates the planning, implementation and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities, including reviewing current market trends and client needs and designing plans and activities to build a business development strategy focused on client growth. Leads practice areas submission of rankings, surveys, league tables and other ratings information. Coordinates with Communication team on PR opportunities. Recommends and facilitates the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that will enhance the visibility of the lawyers and the Firm in global and industry platforms. Coordinates practice development activities within the PAT and with other practices within the Global Practice Group and firm, which may include internal lawyer training programs and activities, assisting with PAT steering committee calls, planning practice group meetings, and managing reports and presentations to PAT lawyers and firm leadership.Proposals and Pitches Serves as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches (primarily in PowerPoint format), both for the primary practices and other, related groups, as necessary. Spearheads briefing discussions to propose and/or understand the opportunity, and develop the strategy for response. Writes new business proposals, conducts matters research and produces targeted, tailored responses to RFIs/RFPs. Supports follow-up, debrief activities post-pitch, and reports them back to Firm.Bay Area Marketing Support In conjunction with the Marketing Programs team, supports Bay Area events that raise the profile of the firm. This includes refining existing programs and establishing new initiatives such as community involvement, event programs, pro bono activities and other activities aligned with the business goals of the office. Identifies and manages industry association memberships that are critical for office visibility, including strategic speaking and authorship opportunities, sponsorships and other profile-enhancing benefits. Supports local key client programming, including marquee roundtable series.Employee Management Participates in hiring, managing, and developing junior members of their team, as appropriate. Oversees daily operations and reviews staff work. Manages professional development of staff goal setting, coaching and training. Prepares annual performance appraisals and provides timely feedback on performance. QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below 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 [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] (current employees should contact Human Resources). Education and/or Experience: Required: A minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development or other relevant experience Overall understanding of key industries in the Bay Area, including technology and/or life sciences, including local companies spanning life cycle from startups to mature public companies and both VC and PE investors A Bachelor''s degree from an accredited four year college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, business/finance or related field Excellent writing, proofreading, critical thinking and inter-personal skills Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including PowerPoint, Word and Excel Professional marketing or business development experience and/or strategic planning, sales, market assessment or positioning in a law firm or other professional services industry Demonstrated ability to manage a project from start to finish independentlyPreferred: Supervisory, managerial and/or project management experience M.B.A. or J.D. a plus Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, SalesForce, and/or Foundation Familiarity with company/market research tools and league tables such as CapitalIQ, Mergermarket, Bloomberg, Refinitiv, etcOther Skills and Abilities:The following will also be required of the successful candidate: Strong organizational skills Strong attention to detail Strong writing skills Good judgment Strong interpersonal communication skills Strong analytical and problem solving skills Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others across all levels Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion Able to work under pressure Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and prioritiesSidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Created: 2025-10-04