Director of Business Development and Marketing

Bodman is seeking a Director of Business Development and Marketing to lead the firm-wide Business Development and Marketing Department and help drive implementation of the firm’s strategic plan related to business development. This hybrid role is based in Detroit, MI and centers on revenue and growth through coordinated BD, marketing, communications, and client-focused initiatives.

In this position, you will partner closely with Marketing Partners, the Marketing Committee, and the Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing departmental execution, advising attorneys on best practices, and strengthening brand visibility across key audiences.

Responsibilities

• Champion a business development mindset firm-wide, including building 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 how attorneys’ client relationships are evolving.
• Prepare and track the annual Marketing Budget, recommend major programs and upgrades, and ensure marketing technology acquisitions align with firmwide initiatives and budgets.
• Monitor the BD and Marketing Department structure and recommend staffing changes to enhance service output.
• Oversee the activities of BD and Marketing personnel, monitor significant project status, and mentor team members.
• Prepare or coordinate BD and Marketing management reports.
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors supporting firm BD efforts.
• Represent the firm professionally in interactions with participants in firm-sponsored activities and other business functions.
• Support business development activity across the firm that drives revenue and growth.
• Facilitate cross-selling initiatives to improve the client experience and expand relationships with existing clients, including leveraging referral sources and networks for new business opportunities.
• Write, evaluate, and edit proposals and RFP responses; advise attorneys on RFP best practices; recommend improvements to pitch team preparation and follow-up/debrief activities; track results and advise on pricing strategies and approvals.
• Create business development plan templates and help attorneys develop and implement their plans.
• Provide intelligence research on industries, companies, and competitors.
• Participate in formal and informal attorney coaching and strategy sessions.
• Monitor brand equity and competitive positioning, advising on activities that increase awareness among key audiences.
• Ensure public relations efforts align with firm goals and support positioning of the firm, practices, and attorneys as leaders in key industries.
• Direct client communication programs, digital marketing strategies including social media, and interactive campaigns.
• Establish processes to keep marketing collateral and website content current and easy to access.
• Participate in the new attorney onboarding process and maintain the onboarding checklist.
• Manage award and ranking submissions, including gathering data, assembling and editing materials, and seeking approvals.
• Draft or oversee drafting, editing, and dissemination of internal communications and newsletters.
• Lead media relations as the primary contact, vet and respond to inquiries in consultation with firm management and/or client relationship managers as appropriate, and draft and seek approval for media releases and external publications; recommend outside PR counsel as needed.
• Serve as a primary contact for incoming client and potential client inquiries.
• Develop content for and oversee maintenance of Bodman’s websites.
• Oversee operation and development of the firm’s CRM system.
• Oversee creation and editing of graphics and photographs for internal and external marketing projects.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in performance of duties, maintain good working relationships with firm personnel, and preserve confidentiality of client and firm information.

Requirements

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

Technologies

• Microsoft 365 Suite
• CRM system

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