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 with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position and to participate in the employment process.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, scanners, copiers, and other office technology. The role may require occasional attendance at client events, firm functions, and business development activities outside of normal business hours.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical requirements include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, or lifting office materials.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to work on a computer screen for extended periods.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Client-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
• Strong initiative, accountability, and ability to work independently.
• Collaborator who effectively mentors, motivates, and educates attorneys. 
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field.
• J. D (Juris Doctor) active/inactive preferred but not required. 
• Previous legal experience helpful. 
• 5+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, and business development, preferably within a professional service or legal environment.
• Demonstrated success influencing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including attorneys, clients, and internal teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with CRM platforms, website content management systems, email marketing tools, social media platforms, Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop), and other marketing technology solutions.