Job DescriptionThe global law firm of K&L Gates is seeking a Market Development Specialist to join one of its following offices: Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, New York, or Washington, D.C. 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.
Working under the direction of a Senior Market Development Manager or Director level, the Market Development Specialist (MDS) will support and execute marketing and business development programs and initiatives for firmwide practice areas, industry groups and/or offices. The MDS will have significant interaction with lawyers, office and practice managers and firm administration. Successful candidates will possess superior written and oral communications skills, project management abilities and will be able to implement strategic directives and coordinate marketing functions. The MDS will see projects through from concept to delivery, sometimes with limited or no oversight from a manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES- Produce customized marketing packages, pitches, slide decks, letters, and invitations, and serve as the primary contact for their production. Support the marcomm and pitch teams on industry webpages, brochures, and pitch content. Track business development activity in the proposal tracking system.
- Develop quarterly industry newsletters, client thought leadership, electronic alerts, and lawyer bios (first drafts with an industry lens). Draft social media and promotional copy for events, conferences, and campaigns.
- Ensure thought leadership is properly industry-tagged on the firm's website, and flag outdated or missing content.
- Monitor trends, challenges, and news affecting key clients and markets, and summarize what matters for the team. Prepare competitive intelligence and marketing research reports on competing firms' campaigns, thought leadership, and rankings, using research tools and library resources.
- Create and maintain practice area and lawyer experience lists and develop qualified prospect lists for marketing initiatives.
- Prepare agendas and follow-up notes for regular calls from industry leads and lawyers. Track engagement opportunities and action items from those calls and follow up on their status.
- Gather matter descriptions, experience lists, and client references for Legal 500, Chambers, and other submissions. Maintain a tracker for deadlines, submission status, and results, and assemble materials for ranking wins and announcements.
- Coordinate budgeting requests, logistics, collateral, mailing lists, and on-site support for industry, and office events, roundtables, and webinars, and support follow-up business development. Compile conference and speaking opportunities, track attendance and speaking commitments, and gather budget and attendance data for ROI follow-up, while working with the events team.
- Support office and practice public relations. Coordinate trade association memberships and renewals, and participate in relevant conferences, seminars, and associations. Secure reprint permissions and stock for future marketing use.
- Serve on the firmwide marketing team and execute assigned initiatives. Take on special projects to support designated subsector initiatives. Handle other projects as assigned.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write and produce compelling proposals, collateral, research reports and client-facing presentation materials.
- Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated service orientation.
- High level of maturity and confidence is necessary to interact with sophisticated internal and external clients.
- Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Internet research tools essential. Knowledge of CRM software, a plus.
- Demonstrated good judgment, decision-making and follow-through capabilities. Persistence coupled with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals, orally and in writing, 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.
- Team player who is also self-motivated and can work independently with minimum supervision.
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED- Mobility within the office includes movement from floor to floor.
- Effectively manages and communicates confidential issues.
- This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend and stand on a stool may also be required.
Compensation Salary $85,280 - $159,915
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.
BENEFITSK&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. 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
- Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
- Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
- Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
- Paid Time Off (25-30 days per year)
- Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
- Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 12 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)
- Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service
- 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
- Employee Referral Program
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
- All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law
