Director of Business Development and Marketing

Bodman PLC; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodman PLC, a leading Michigan business law firm, seeks a Director of Business Development and Marketing in Detroit to guide the BD/Marketing department and execute the firm's strategic plan related to growth and client development.

You will collaborate with Marketing Partners, the Marketing Committee, and the Chief Strategy Officer, directing initiatives across practice groups and client teams, and mentoring BD/Marketing staff. This hybrid role emphasizes leadership and results.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree required in marketing, business, communications or a related field.
• Ten+ years in BD, marketing or communications/journalism with at least 3 years in a managerial role in a professional services setting.
• Superior oral and written communication skills including editing for content and style.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite and ability to learn new technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Adherence to general office rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Promote a BD mindset firm-wide and lead education/best practices sessions for attorneys.
• Stay current on market trends, landscape, and client relationships.
• Prepare and track the annual Marketing Budget; align investments with firm initiatives.
• Monitor BD/Marketing structure and staffing; enhance service output.
• Lead and mentor BD/Marketing personnel; oversee major projects.
• Prepare or coordinate BD/Marketing management reports.
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors supporting BD efforts.
• Represent the Firm professionally in all interactions at Firm activities.

Skills

BD leadership

Strategic marketing

Communication skills

Independence

Interpersonal skills

MS 365

Project management

Travel flexibility

Education

Four-year degree in marketing/business/communications or related field

Tools

CRM system

Job description

Bodman is looking for a Director of Business Development and Marketing who works with the Marketing Partners, Marketing Committee, and Chief Strategy Officer. Directs and manages all activities of the Business Development and Marketing Department and the implementation of the Firm's strategic plan as it related to business development. Generates new ideas and strategies relevant to the Firm's business development and marketing efforts. Works directly with individual attorneys, practice groups and client and industry teams, as necessary. Exercises independent judgment and discretion in performing all duties. Maintains good working relationships with all Firm personnel.

Preserves the confidentiality of client and Firm information.

Successful business development starts with firm leadership frequently emphasizing the importance of business development and rewarding business development success. Every Bodman attorney is expected to prioritize business development and work hard to nurture client relationships - both existing and prospective. Bodman's Director of Business Development and Marketing supports this objective.

Department Business Development/Marketing Employment Type Permanent - Full Time Location Detroit, MI Workplace type Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

Primary Duties-Administrative/Leadership/Training:

• Promote a business development mindset firm-wide, especially among attorneys, including developing a training calendar and participating in or leading education and best practices sessions for attorneys at all levels.
• Stay current on market and business trends, the competitive landscape, and the attorneys' experiences and client relationships.
• Prepare and track the annual Marketing Budget. Recommend major programs/upgrades and marketing technology acquisitions. Ensure that BD and marketing investments align with firm-wide initiatives and related budgets.
• Monitor the BD and Marketing Department structure and recommend staffing changes to enhance the department's service output.
• Monitor and generally manage the activities of all BD and Marketing personnel and monitor the status of significant projects. Develop and mentor BD and Marketing personnel.
• Prepare, or coordinate the preparation of, all BD and Marketing management reports.
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors that support Firm BD efforts.
• Represent the Firm in a professional manner in all interactions with participants in Firm-sponsored activities or other business functions.

Primary Duties-Business Development

• Promote a high level of activity and support throughout the Firm for business development efforts that drive revenue and growth.
• Facilitate cross-selling initiatives to enhance the client experience and grow relationships with existing clients. Leverage referral sources and networks for potential leads for new business.
• Write, evaluate, and/or edit proposals and RFP responses. Advise attorneys on best practices for RFP responses; recommend changes to improve the overall process including advising on preparing pitch teams and providing support for follow-up and debrief activities. Track results and advise on pricing strategies and necessary approvals.
• Create business development plan templates and assist attorneys in developing and implementing their plans.
• Provide intelligence research on industries, companies, and competitors.
• Participate in formal and informal attorney coaching/strategy sessions.

Primary Duties-Marketing And Communications

• Monitor the Firm's brand equity and competitive positioning and advise on activities that result in increased awareness among key audiences.
• Ensure public relations activities are aligned with Firm goals and help position the Firm, its practices, and its attorneys as leaders, particularly in key industries.
• Direct the development and execution of client communication programs, digital marketing strategies (including social media), and interactive campaigns.
• Establish processes to keep marketing collateral and web site content up to date and make it easily accessible.
• Participate in the new attorney onboarding process; maintain the onboarding checklist.
• Manage the award and ranking submission process. Gather data, assemble, edit, and seek approvals as necessary for all submissions.
• Draft, or oversee the drafting, editing and dissemination of, various internal communications and newsletters.
• Manage media relations. Serve as the primary media relations contact for the Firm. Vet and respond to media inquiries in consultation with Firm management and/or client relationship managers, as appropriate. Provide guidance on sensitive media relations issues. Recommend retaining outside PR counsel as needed. Draft, approve, and/or seek approval of media releases. Provide guidance as to content of all external firm releases and publications.
• Serve as a primary contact for incoming client and potential client inquiries.
• Develop content for and oversee the maintenance of Bodman's websites.
• Oversee the operation and development of the Firm's CRM system.
• Oversee the creation and editing of graphics and photographs related to internal and external marketing projects.

An Ideal Candidate Has:

• A four-year degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field OR a four-year degree in an unrelated field in conjunction with relevant work experience.
• Ten+ years of experience in BD, marketing, or communications/journalism with three years in a managerial role and prior experience in a professional services setting.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to edit written work for content, style, and consistency.
• Ability to work independently.
• Superior interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.
• Strong computer skills (including Microsoft 365 Suite) and the ability to learn and recommend new technologies.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and complete them on time.
• Ability to work when necessary and travel occasionally to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to adhere to all general office rules and procedures.

About Bodman PLC

Bodman PLC is one of Michigan’s leading business law firms with more than 170 lawyers. We have a diverse client base that includes individuals and businesses in a variety of industries, with an emphasis on financial services, automotive, real estate and construction, technology, manufacturing, health care, and other sectors.