Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer - Phoenix ::

Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer

Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, a 250-lawyer, 10-office firm, is seeking a Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer (“CMBDO”). The CMBDO is an experienced marketing and business development professional who provides both strategic leadership and support to the Firm’s Managing Partner, Practice Group Leaders, office leaders, marketing professionals and others in establishing and achieving their business development goals. The position is responsible for all aspects of the firm’s business development, marketing communications and events efforts. The CMBDO will lead a team of approximately 15 business development and marketing professionals. The CMBDO is ultimately responsible for creating and implementing innovative business development and marketing strategies that will build the Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie brand—leading to increased awareness, relevance and respect with their target markets—and drive revenue growth. The position is based in the firm’s Phoenix office and reports to the Firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer.

•    Lead the firm’s marketing and business development efforts including the development of a differentiation (brand) strategy.  Align the department resources to implement the Firm’s Strategic Plan and practice group business plans with strong bias to action and results. 
•    Provide lawyer training on effective business development strategies appropriate for their level of experience. 
•    Create a center of marketing and business development excellence within the Firm, setting group priorities, service level expectations, quality control measures and internal performance feedback mechanisms.
•    Manage, develop and refine processes and procedures relating to the business development and marketing "infrastructure.”  Ensure quality review and controls are in place.
•    Manage systems and processes to track, measure and report business development and marketing initiatives.
•    Manage the priorities of the marketing and business development department on a day-to-day basis.  Ensure their activities are aligned with the firm’s and practice groups’ priorities. 
•    Provide input and guidance to the business development directors/managers in the formulation and implementation of business development plans for their respective practice groups, industry teams and lawyers in their groups. 
•    Foster the lawyers’ pursuit of expanded and new client relationships through effective networking opportunities, branding, thought leadership, growth planning, media relations, sponsorships and other integrated marketing initiatives.
•    Implement measurable integrated marketing strategies that will drive revenue goals and increase awareness in the markets the Firm serves.  Drive such opportunities from concept to execution.
•    Increase the firm’s visibility in targeted industries and practice areas, as defined in the Firm’s strategic plan. 
•    Collaborate with practice groups and offices to develop consistent client-focused marketing and communication strategies. 
•    Assist in identifying and capitalizing on cross-selling opportunities.
•    Manage the Firm’s client satisfaction initiative. 
•    Develop and manage the marketing budgets and track expenses to meet budget goals.
•    Oversee the selection and implementation of a CRM system.  Introduce the technology in phases, first to marketing and then to the lawyers.
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 15 years of experience—preferably in a law firm or professional services organization—with demonstrated ability to motivate and develop a large marketing team.  Bachelor’s Degree required; graduate-level degree preferred. The candidate should have:

•    Ability to win the respect and confidence of the Firm’s lawyers, staff, colleagues, clients and vendors.  Operate at a peer level with the partners, practice group leaders and other leaders of the firm.
•    Management experience in assessing and leading an effective department, with a record of recruiting, retaining, nurturing and motivating a talented team of professionals.
•    Extensive knowledge of creating and executing integrated marketing communications plans including, but not limited to: brand development, marketing planning, social media, traditional media, advertising, PR, design, event planning, sponsorships and other critical aspects to marketing and business development. 
•    Ability to develop ideas and partnerships with attorneys to help them reach the highest business development functionality.
•    Demonstrated strength as an innovative, entrepreneurial and creative leader, able to approach difficult problems from multiple directions to promote new ideas.  An innovative thinker and collaborator.
•    Working knowledge of a wide range of marketing disciplines including brand management, advertising, database marketing, market research and competitive intelligence, and public relations/communications.
•    Ability to respond effectively to market direction, client needs, major competitor positions and new product/service offering; ability to effectively incorporate this information into broad-based strategic and tactical marketing initiatives.
•    Technologically savvy and comfortable working with the IT department in devising and implementing new strategies and systems.  Experience with SharePoint and CRM systems desired.  Proficiency with the Microsoft suite of products required.
•    The demonstrated ability to manage outside vendors and negotiate favorable pricing and contracts.
•    History of exercising good business judgment and diplomacy in complex situations, handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and working under urgent time constraints.
•    A team player who is responsive to the views, attitudes and values of others.
•    Perceptive and agile, able to assess a situation quickly and generate insights.
•    Highly motivated to excel and set rising standards of performance.
•    Trustworthy; operates with the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior.
•    Demonstrated ability to develop, communicate, and manage marketing expenditures against business plans and budgets.
•    Strong consultative, project management, organizational, research, analytical and problem-solving skills.  
•    Frequent travel required.

Schmidt Marketing has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should e-mail their resume, in strictest confidence, to Ryan Kovich.

Schmidt Marketing, Inc.
P.O. Box 24198
Edina, Minnesota 55424