Mayer Brown LLP
Assistant Director: Business Development
Mayer Brown LLP, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do. We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm. If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Business Development and Marketing department in our Chicago office, as an Assistant Director: Business Development.
The Assistant Director: Business Development – Products is a growth catalyst for the firm’s Transactional practices, with a primary focus on Corporate and Real Estate. In close partnership with practice group leaders and the Director of Business Development, this role designs and executes high-impact strategies and market-facing initiatives that accelerate revenue, deepen client relationships, and elevate the firm’s competitive position. Centered on proactive, data-informed cross-selling and client expansion, the Assistant Director leads product and practice growth programs, drives client development plans from strategy through execution, and builds industry-specific campaigns that enhance engagement and unlock new opportunities. This is a visible, outcomes-oriented role that translates market insight into measurable growth and positions the firm for sustained success.
Responsibilities Essential Functions:
Business Plans & Infrastructure
Leads the development and implementation of annual business development & marketing business plan development focused on priorities outlined by firm leaders and/or assigned teams, including thought leadership platforms, communications, and client outreach
Collaborates with Business Development & Marketing department leadership and group leaders to develop and regularly review annual budgets to support initiatives outlined in business plan(s) or as outlined by leadership, including specifying key strategic and tactical objectives and means to achieve annual goals
Oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the team to ensure that assignments and projects are properly managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that service to clients is exceptional
Provides tactical input and direction on the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers
Business Development & Profile Raising Initiatives
Leads the development and implementation of key BD initiatives, including priority client targeting and campaigns, client satisfaction, client seminars and networking events, as well as other initiatives to enhance business development efforts
Develop and lead the approach to research and analysis and competitive intelligence-gathering
Directs the collection and maintenance of CRM-based contact and other data for marketing planning and for mailing lists
Directs the collection and reporting of matter experience
Manages BD&M colleagues to facilitate best completion of directory submissions; regional surveys; league table/industry survey content; specific lawyer and practice awards and accolades; and other profile-raising initiatives on behalf of the industry group
Assists in the strategic approach and implementation of business development training for lawyers
Pitches, Proposals & Marketing Materials
Provides sophisticated strategy and support for responses to RFPs, and pitch, presentation, and other opportunities via the development of written proposal and presentation materials for the industry group and liaise with others when relevant
Develop new marketing brochures and edit and refine existing ones; maintain practice descriptions in BD&M-shared systems
Periodically review and consult with lawyers regarding their bios and practice descriptions to ensure that they are current
Local Office Support
When relevant, provide support for seminars, sponsorships, and other events and initiatives pursued by the firm in your local office
When relevant, support the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers
Other
Supervises and mentor staff that provides strategic and tactical marketing support to product/practice groups and key client initiatives
Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives
Qualifications Education/Training/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
A secondary degree (e.g., a Masters degree, a Ph.D., an M.B.A., or a J.D.) is preferred
Professional Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success in a marketing and/or business development-related position, either in the professional services arena (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position(s) in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
Performance Traits:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated good judgment, a team-first orientation, and stamina
Strong written and oral communication skills
Organized, diligent, and follows through with commitments
Strong presence; capable of engaging credibly and effectively with partners internationally
Able to effectively manage numerous competing priorities
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment
Assertive, self-motivated and able to operate with limited day-to-day direction
Management Accountabilities:
Manages processes for direct reports regarding performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
Operational budget analysis and recommendations
Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner
Analysis of staffing levels and requests for assistance
Physical Requirements:
May require travel to other offices as needed
The typical pay scale for this position is between $181,000 and $240,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please emailuslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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The Assistant Director: Business Development – Products is a growth catalyst for the firm’s Transactional practices, with a primary focus on Corporate and Real Estate. In close partnership with practice group leaders and the Director of Business Development, this role designs and executes high-impact strategies and market-facing initiatives that accelerate revenue, deepen client relationships, and elevate the firm’s competitive position. Centered on proactive, data-informed cross-selling and client expansion, the Assistant Director leads product and practice growth programs, drives client development plans from strategy through execution, and builds industry-specific campaigns that enhance engagement and unlock new opportunities. This is a visible, outcomes-oriented role that translates market insight into measurable growth and positions the firm for sustained success.
Responsibilities Essential Functions:
Business Plans & Infrastructure
Leads the development and implementation of annual business development & marketing business plan development focused on priorities outlined by firm leaders and/or assigned teams, including thought leadership platforms, communications, and client outreach
Collaborates with Business Development & Marketing department leadership and group leaders to develop and regularly review annual budgets to support initiatives outlined in business plan(s) or as outlined by leadership, including specifying key strategic and tactical objectives and means to achieve annual goals
Oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the team to ensure that assignments and projects are properly managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that service to clients is exceptional
Provides tactical input and direction on the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers
Business Development & Profile Raising Initiatives
Leads the development and implementation of key BD initiatives, including priority client targeting and campaigns, client satisfaction, client seminars and networking events, as well as other initiatives to enhance business development efforts
Develop and lead the approach to research and analysis and competitive intelligence-gathering
Directs the collection and maintenance of CRM-based contact and other data for marketing planning and for mailing lists
Directs the collection and reporting of matter experience
Manages BD&M colleagues to facilitate best completion of directory submissions; regional surveys; league table/industry survey content; specific lawyer and practice awards and accolades; and other profile-raising initiatives on behalf of the industry group
Assists in the strategic approach and implementation of business development training for lawyers
Pitches, Proposals & Marketing Materials
Provides sophisticated strategy and support for responses to RFPs, and pitch, presentation, and other opportunities via the development of written proposal and presentation materials for the industry group and liaise with others when relevant
Develop new marketing brochures and edit and refine existing ones; maintain practice descriptions in BD&M-shared systems
Periodically review and consult with lawyers regarding their bios and practice descriptions to ensure that they are current
Local Office Support
When relevant, provide support for seminars, sponsorships, and other events and initiatives pursued by the firm in your local office
When relevant, support the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers
Other
Supervises and mentor staff that provides strategic and tactical marketing support to product/practice groups and key client initiatives
Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives
Qualifications Education/Training/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
A secondary degree (e.g., a Masters degree, a Ph.D., an M.B.A., or a J.D.) is preferred
Professional Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated success in a marketing and/or business development-related position, either in the professional services arena (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position(s) in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
Performance Traits:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated good judgment, a team-first orientation, and stamina
Strong written and oral communication skills
Organized, diligent, and follows through with commitments
Strong presence; capable of engaging credibly and effectively with partners internationally
Able to effectively manage numerous competing priorities
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment
Assertive, self-motivated and able to operate with limited day-to-day direction
Management Accountabilities:
Manages processes for direct reports regarding performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
Operational budget analysis and recommendations
Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner
Analysis of staffing levels and requests for assistance
Physical Requirements:
May require travel to other offices as needed
The typical pay scale for this position is between $181,000 and $240,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please emailuslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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