Business Development & Marketing Manager

Responsibilities

The Business Development Manager develops and executes strategic marketing and growth initiatives to support the firm's practice groups and industry leaders. This role acts as a primary liaison to strengthen client relationships, manage marketing budgets, and oversee the production of high-quality business development materials.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of progressive experience in marketing or business development, preferably within a legal environment. Strong project management, communication, and CRM proficiency are essential for success in this role.

Skills

• Business development
• Marketing strategy
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Client relationship management
• CRM software
• Public relations
• Budget management
• Proposal writing
• Content creation
• Event coordination
• Market research
• Communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Basic life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Marketing and business development budget
• Bar license reimbursement
• Continuing legal education reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Hybrid work schedule

About this role

Description
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for developing and executing strategic business development and marketing initiatives that support the growth objectives of the Minneapolis office and its practice groups. Serving as the primary liaison between the Practice Group Chairs, Industry Leaders, and the Minneapolis Division Head, this role partners closely with attorneys and firm leadership to identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, increase market visibility, and support client retention efforts.

The BDM develops a comprehensive understanding of the firm's services, attorney capabilities, industry strengths, strategic priorities, key clients, and target prospects. This individual provides strategic guidance to attorneys on business development activities and ensures marketing initiatives align with the firm's overall business objectives.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Business Development Strategy & Execution
Serve as the primary business development and marketing liaison for assigned practice groups and industry teams.
Partner with Practice Group Chairs and Industry Leaders to develop and execute strategic business development plans that support revenue growth and client retention objectives.
Support attorneys in building and strengthening client relationships by identifying client needs and opportunities to expand services.
Coach attorneys on business development best practices, including cross-selling opportunities, market positioning, relationship management, and client development strategies.
Assist lateral attorneys with onboarding, client transition planning, and integration into the firm's practice and business development efforts.
Lead and manage responses to RFPs, proposals, and client pitches, coordinating with attorneys and administrative teams to ensure high-quality submissions.
Oversee directory and ranking submissions for assigned practice areas and industries.
Develop and implement strategic marketing programs, including events, thought leadership content, sponsorships, and profile-raising initiatives.
Identify market trends, competitive intelligence, business opportunities, and potential risks impacting assigned practice groups.
Promote and implement best practices in client relationship management, business development, and marketing effectiveness.
Support firmwide strategic initiatives, including client team programs, industry-focused growth strategies, database management, and other special projects.
Marketing Management & Budget Administration
Assist Practice Group Chairs and leadership with the development, management, and monitoring of division and practice group marketing budgets.
Create, edit, and distribute marketing and client-facing materials, including:
Website content
M|K branded merchandise
Blogs and thought leadership articles
Award and accolade submissions
Advertising materials
Directory listings
Pitch and presentation materials
Newsletters
Client alerts
Client communications
Firm announcements
Press releases
Maintain and update website content, attorney biographies, headshots, and social media channels.
Maintain and approve marketing expenses for the department and attorneys.
Manage targeted marketing and contact lists, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of CRM data.
Serve as a steward of marketing data and support ongoing CRM data maintenance and cleanup initiatives.
Coordinate and support client and prospect events, including invitation management, registration tracking, venue coordination, event logistics, materials preparation, and post-event follow-up.
Manage sponsorship activations and attorney speaking engagements, ensuring all commitments and deliverables are fulfilled.
Coordinate marketing activities related to attorney and employee onboarding, including business cards, photography, contact records, announcements, and promotional materials.
Coordinate marketing-related offboarding activities for departing employees.
Public Relations & Communications (5%)
Identify public relations, media, and profile-raising opportunities for attorneys, practice groups, and the firm.
Partner with firm leadership to implement firmwide and practice-specific public relations initiatives.
Coordinate press releases, media outreach, and public relations activities for the Minneapolis office and assigned practice areas.
Benefits
Messerli Kramer offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
Employer HSA contributions for employees enrolled in a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution after one year of service
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Company Holidays
Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Annual Marketing and Business Development budget
Bar license and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) reimbursement.
Cell phone reimbursement
Gym membership reimbursement
Hybrid work schedule
Additional Information
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at 612-672-3600 or recruiting@messerlikramer.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Messerli Kramer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals ...

About MESSERLI KRAMER P.A.

Law Practice · 201-500 employees · headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota · founded 1965