Business Development Coordinator

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Business Development (BD) Coordinator to support the marketing and business development efforts of the Washington, D.C. office.

In this role, you will help provide attorneys with support across all areas of marketing and business development, including pitches and proposals, event planning, contact relationship management, branding, business/relationship intelligence and internal communications. Specific responsibilities include new business pitch preparation, marketing collateral development and maintenance, experience database data entry/management, assisting with events, general research and award submissions and directory nominations. You will also be responsible for administrative tasks associated with the business development function such as processing check requests and related administrative tasks.

We are looking for an exceptional communicator and critical thinker with a history of taking initiative and  genuine intellectual curiosity. You will possess excellent organizational and project management skills, outstanding editing and proofing skills, the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment,  strong attention to detail and a professional and polished demeanor. You will be oriented toward continuous improvement – of both your own work product and of the team as a whole.

While each week is unique in its demands, here is a sampling of recent tasks: prepared a pitch deck for an existing client, drafted a monthly e-newsletter, researched venues for an upcoming client event, organized a community outreach event and prepared research on potential clients.

You will report to the Washington, D.C. Business Development Director and work closely with the two additional staff members in the office. You will also communicate and collaborate daily with approximately 170 diverse problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader business development, marketing and communications efforts of the Firm. Our international business development team provides seamless service to our attorneys with a focus on quality, innovation and responsiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Assist in the overall implementation of business development plans and initiatives for the Washington, D.C. office, including maintaining systems to track initiatives.
• Assist in the production of bespoke, client-facing pitch materials, presentations and responses to RFPs – including compiling, proofreading, formatting, editing, printing, binding and delivery.
• Maintain accurate, updated marketing collateral including practice descriptions, brochures, PowerPoint templates, case summaries, accolade summaries and attorney biographies.
• Maintain data in the Firm’s contact relationship management (CRM) system by reviewing and curating targeted mailing lists for various marketing campaigns and client programming, recording activities such as client meetings, updating current contact information, conducting regular database audits and executing other meaningful back-end data entry projects.
• Provide logistical assistance in connection with the origination and execution of new business pitches and related client development meetings and activities, including setting up Zoom and other video/webinar platforms and booking meeting rooms.
• Assist with planning, execution and tracking of events, including seminars, receptions, industry conferences, charitable sponsorships, speaking engagements, client entertainment and other events related to the promotion of the Washington D.C. office and attorneys.
• Conduct research and prepare intelligence reports on clients, potential clients, competitors and target industries to understand market position, develop strategic plans and drive marketing efforts to maintain and grow the Washington, D.C. office and attorneys and our industry position.
• Coordinate with attorneys on biography updates and update attorney pitch and website bios accordingly.
• Help maintain and update content in our Firmwide experience database.
• Help with survey responses, award nominations and directory submissions as needed.
• Assist with general online and database research.
• Provide administrative assistance as needed – including budgeting, expense reporting, phone support, scheduling, travel, etc.

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

Required

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with high-level attorneys, clients, staff and guests of the Firm.
• Ability to take initiative, adapt to change and work independently in high-pressure, deadline-driven scenarios while exercising sound judgment and making intelligent, informed decisions.
• Excellent client service orientation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with various levels of personnel, internally and externally, including existing and potential clients.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and execute a diverse range of tasks with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to handle ambiguity, weigh options and find ways to move initiatives forward to meet critical deadlines and produce results.
• Collaborative approach to working within a team, including the ability to take direction and implement feedback.
• Meticulous data entry, writing and proofing skills and a general facility for learning new software.
• Ability to thrive in an electronic environment and utilize technology to deliver information. Proficiency in methods of information acquisition, including the use of online information databases, tools and resources.
• Ability to synthesize data, complex financial and legal concepts and accurately capture ideas and themes in a narrative.
• Solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint).
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred

• At least two years’ experience in the law firm/professional services environment.
• Experience with CRM/database software (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, ContentPilot, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Chrome River, Adobe Photoshop and other programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a corporate office environment. A professional appearance and demeanor is required. Evening and weekend work may be required.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

For applicants who are based in Washington D.C., visit the following link for pay range information: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/pages/DCJOBID7856

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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