Business Development & Marketing Operations Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a preeminent, full-service law firm with offices around the world and a staff as diverse as the practice areas we support. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to medium and small corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms.  Known for our commitment to excellence, Kirkland strives to provide superior service to our clients as well as our fellow employees. From Information Technology to Human Resources, Paralegal Services to Business Development, Kirkland offers non-attorney professionals challenging careers in a variety of functional areas. Whether starting or growing your career, Kirkland can offer a performance-driven culture filled with bright and innovative teams of co-workers.

Essential Job Functions

We are seeking an experienced candidate to oversee the operations of our global Business Development & Marketing Department. Our Marketing Operations (Ops) team works directly with the CMO to ensure that budget/resource allocation, team dynamics, staff training/development and other internal marketing/engagement efforts are successful. As the Ops Manager, you will be the right hand to the Ops Director, supervising a team of three. You will serve as a key resource for the approximately 140 diverse problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader business development, marketing and communications activities of the Firm. Our international BD team provides seamless service to our attorneys with a focus on quality, innovation and responsiveness.

Ideally, you would be comfortable -- even thrive -- in a rapidly changing environment, have the ability to manage a diverse range of projects and prioritize effectively above all else. We need someone who can be three steps ahead; anticipating needs and providing thoughtful solutions, developed with truly creative mindset. A desire to be original in your approach and communications, along with a bit of unorthodox thinking is encouraged. We need you to have a passion for engaging and developing the team, as well as a commitment to enhancing our Firm culture through storytelling and heritage initiatives.

You must demonstrate outstanding judgment and the capacity to assess and navigate complex situations. Discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information is necessary. Having a strong network within the Firm and building relationships with peers in Accounting/Finance, Legal Recruiting & Development, Travel/Meetings/Events, IT, among other functions will be critical, as well as managing relationships with external vendors and contacts.

While each week is unique in its demands, here is a sampling of recent tasks: worked with outside production agency to capture multiple new lateral partner intro videos; produced high-level variance report for CFO on current budget actuals; presented to new PAs on department capabilities and attorney allowance policy/procedure; reviewed job descriptions for new BD roles; refined content for BDU Bootcamp with team stakeholders; developed thematic approach and outreach for new equity partner highlight/intro reel for upcoming partners’ meeting.

A bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience in law firm or professional service operations is preferred but we welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds.
 

Essential Functions: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

Work with Ops Director and CMO to oversee the department and global efforts, including but not limited to the following:

• Global BD Department Budget, which includes events, sponsorships, professional association memberships, networking events, marketing tools, consultants, as well as our Attorney BD & Entertainment allowances; advising attorneys and support staff on policy/best practices
• Department infrastructure and systems, including document management, expenses, research and marketing tools, team productivity and output reporting, space allocation/design, branded gifts inventory
• Storytelling/culture projects, as well as select Firmwide attorney staff/engagement efforts, such as internal profile series, lateral intro videos, annual trivia contest, Kirkland’s Got Talent, Veteran’s Day tribute
• Work with BD Committee Partner Chair to ensure Firm leadership is up-to-date on all marketing and BD activities, including providing regular productivity and budget reports, as well as developing content for our attorney marketing education programs
• General content development, planning committee oversight and multimedia presentations for annual Partners’ Meetings, including Chairman’s Update, Women’s Event and New Partner Welcome
• Firm archives and heritage management; create specialized reports and analysis as needed
• Staff meetings, retreats, development and engagement, plus information-sharing initiatives, including the BDU (Business Development University) content and programming
• Talent coordination, hiring and retention efforts and ensuring effective onboarding process
• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• A Bachelor’s degree is required and eight+ years’ experience is preferred, preferably in legal or professional services.
• This role requires sound judgment as you will serve as an adviser and counselor to global team, answering questions and serving as intermediary between team and Ops Director/CMO.
• Proven ability to organize and manage a diverse range of assignments/projects and prioritize multiple tasks. Must be able to think quickly in deadline situations, find appropriate avenues, both internally and externally, for resolution and be able to weigh options to achieve the best outcome.
• Excellent client service orientation, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to forge and maintain effective internal and external relationships and interact with various levels of personnel.
• The confidence and presence to work effectively at high levels and in high-stakes situations with senior partners and staff.
• Strong ability to adapt to change and thrive in fast-paced environment. A history of taking initiative and seeking new ways of doing things will make for a successful candidate.
• Proficiency in methods of information acquisition, including the use of online information databases, tools and resources.
• Production of department materials requires strong writing and proofing skills. Spelling and grammar are very important to maintain professional standards. 

Technologies/Software

• Must have solid command of MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Working knowledge of Chrome River, InterAction, Powtoon, Adobe and other programs are a plus.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

How to Apply

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

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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