Chief Marketing Officer

Vedder Price - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Executive

Chicago, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Vedder Price is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for driving all marketing activities, branding initiatives, and strategic planning for marketing growth. This role involves developing a business support culture, enhancing marketing operations, and standardizing communications to position Vedder Price as a leading legal services provider. The CMO will lead the global marketing team, oversee client relationship programs, and ensure the effective execution of marketing strategies to increase profitability and visibility in the legal industry.

Responsibilities

• Builds, develops, and leads a premier client support function and creates a culture of accountability to the Firm's Shareholders and strategic goals
• Provides direction to members of the Firm's various practice areas and practice groups for the development of marketing and practice development initiatives
• Attends and participates in the Firm's various practice area and group meetings to discuss marketing and practice development activities
• Collaborates with attorneys in preparing pitches, client presentations and responses to RFPs
• Collaborates with the attorneys and the Business Development Department to facilitate the planning, implementation and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities
• Oversees the implementation of key client programs and other service initiatives to deepen and further grow the Firm's key client relationships
• Collaborates with the attorneys and the Business Development Department to aid in the development of new business proposals, marketing materials and presentations
• Works with attorneys to update and maintain key databases (clients/contacts, transactions)
• Leads the distribution of Firm publications, including mailings for client updates, announcements and other client development-related materials
• Works with attorneys who join the Firm laterally to ensure a timely integration into the Firm
• Engineers an approach to promote the Firm through seminars, newsletters, advertising, event planning and Firm participation in community activities
• Leads the development, management, and stewardship of the Firm's brand through the use of marketing initiatives, events, media, social media, technology, and internal and external communication
• Meets established deadlines for all projects while overseeing flawless execution
• Ensures visibility of the marketing function and team within the Firm and legal industry, through direct contact with attorneys and clients, as well as participation in industry events, and providing thoughtful client relationship advancement analysis and recommendations
• Works with Firm leadership to develop, manage, and meet a Firm-wide marketing budget and ensure resource allocation is consistent with the Firm's strategic priorities
• Establishes and maintains a staffing structure to support the marketing efforts of the Firm, including regularly evaluating and assessing the capabilities of the team and making thoughtful changes when and where necessary, ensuring the management and development of the team

Requirements

• B.A. in marketing, communications or related business field; advanced degree a plus
• Expert, savvy understanding of social media and other new technologies and how they relate to marketing, branding, and contacts specifically in a law Firm
• 15+ years of marketing experience with a professional services Firm and a proven track record of success
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task
• Creative and innovative
• Exceptional project management skills
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal skills
• Ability to lead and direct a team
• Demonstratable success creating, articulating, developing, implementing, and tracking strategies geared to market and revenue growth
• Commitment to continuous development of best practices and innovation in all areas of marketing and practice development