Schuler Shook is seeking a Director of Marketing and Business Development. The full-time position is an integral part of our team, working closely with Partners and Principals and leading the marketing team across multiple offices. The Director is responsible for developing and executing the firm’s overall marketing strategy and annual plan to increase brand awareness and help build the business. The Director leads efforts across marketing, business development, communications, and public relations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic marketing, brand management, and lead generation, with a proven track record in theatre consulting, lighting design, AV design, architecture, or other related industry.

The Director may work from the Chicago office or the Dallas office, and Schuler Shook practices a hybrid home/office work environment. 

The Director will work as a member of the marketing team and oversee the team as well. 

Foundational Skills:

• Self-starter
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills
• Passionate about our clients and pursuits
• Strong research skills
• Understand digital and production delivery
• Able to see the big picture
• Work well under pressure
• Possess a sense of ownership 

Marketing Responsibilities:

• Get to know the people behind the brand and become a part of the team

• Be responsible for firm’s overall marketing program

• Develop comprehensive annual business and marketing plans, including targets and metrics, based on strategic planning by Partners and Principals

• Develop marketing strategies and serve as primary strategy advisor to Partners and Principals

• Establish and maintain marketing policies and procedures

• Ensure a client account management plan for our offices, supporting a seller/doer model

• Influence other aspects of firm direction and operations, such as finance, administration, and human resources

• Represent the firm to clients, peer organizations, and business associates

• Confirm commitments to project pursuits and teamings on behalf of the firm

• If a design professional, may devote some time to project-related functions

• Work with Partners, Principals, and Project Leaders to develop proposals, scopes of work, and fee estimates

• Plan and schedule marketing support activities to ensure that goals are accomplished and deadlines are met 

• Edit, organize, and proof various marketing collateral to ensure content is comprehensive, competitive, and client-specific, as well as in accordance with Schuler Shook’s brand standards.

• Train marketing staff and design staff on marketing-related issues

• Decide when and why to use specialized consultants, such as advertising, public relations, or graphic design firms 

• Lead weekly marketing staff meetings and monthly companywide marketing meetings to align ideas, production, and timeline

• Attend bi-monthly all-staff meetings

• Track production of proposals/qualifications packages and assist in production efforts to meet deadlines 

• Research clients, market trends, and background information to contribute to fully understanding the local competitive landscape

• Review social media accounts and direct website content updates

• Manage project and client data in firmwide files

• Initiate strategy behind the collateral content

• Keep open and clear communication

• Use storytelling to enhance marketing strategy

• Proactively ask questions and express curiosity about the industry at large 

• Willingness to travel to Schuler Shook’s regional offices as needed

Marketing Skill Set:

• Thorough understanding of A/E/C industry terminology and procedures

• Professional demeanor that enables you to interact with the highest levels both inside and outside the firm

• Excellent leadership/managerial and mentoring/teaching skills

• Basic business management skills

• Thorough knowledge of marketing principles

• By example, sets a standard of professional competence

• Thorough knowledge of marketing databases and proposal resources files

• Good organizational skills

• Ability to work without close supervision and in a team environment

• Persistent

• Good time-management skills; able to prioritize activities

Business Development Responsibilities:

• Seek business opportunities for the firm

• Organize, plan, schedule, and manage the firm’s sales efforts in concert with Partners

• Work with Partners to determine sales objectives to meet firmwide goals

• Spend time making contacts and ensuring a client account management plan for our offices, supporting a seller/doer model

• Track BD opportunities via existing internal systems

• Research and gather information on potential clients and projects

• Represent the firm at informational meetings for potential projects 

• Schedule meetings with new/existing clients to discover project information

• Develop and maintain strong business network

• Participate in client organizations

Business Development Skill Set:

• Comprehensive knowledge of firm’s practice, clientele, goals, policies, and procedures

• Basic understanding of A/E/C industry terminology and delivery methods

• Excellent organizational skills

• Persistent

• Follow through in a consistent manner

Software 

• Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)

• Hootsuite

• Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint)

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years’ experience in marketing

• Without a degree, a minimum of 10 years’ A/E/C marketing experience

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING

This is a position with healthcare benefits, paid vacation, 401k, profit sharing, bonuses,  commuter plan with employer contribution, hybrid office/home work environment, cultural enrichment allowance, and the chance to work in a  collaborative, team environment filled with folks who support each other as we create.

Schuler Shook is proud to provide equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. Our goal is to be a diverse team that is representative of the cities where we work. We will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Salary will be commensurate with your ability and experience.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and a cover letter. In the cover letter, please also answer these questions:

1. How would you describe your marketing philosophy in one sentence?

2. Describe your favorite performing arts experience.