Director of Marketing, Communications & Business Development Operations at McDermott Will & Emery
McDermott Will & Emery · Chicago, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Senior
- Office in Chicago
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.
At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.
With us, you’ll find:
A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.
Job Description:
The Director of Marketing, Communications & Business Development (MCBD) Operations is a strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, advancing firmwide MCBD priorities, and enabling scale across a global platform. Partnering directly with the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer (CMBDO), this role ensures the effective execution of strategic initiatives, reporting, budgeting, team communications, and professional development. The Director will collaborate extensively with functional leaders, serve as a catalyst for innovation and change, and manage one direct report.Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
Partner with the CMBDO to operationalize the firm’s MCBD strategy through people, process, technology, and governance
Identify and drive strategic processes/projects focusing on efficiencies and enablement that evolve MCBD operations for the future, including pinpointing critical intersection points where teams can work more effectively together to deliver greater client value, accelerate growth, and maximize revenue impact
Work closely with team leads to develop, refine and measure the annual enterprise MCBD plan incorporating change management strategies for firmwide alignment
Build scalable solutions that enhance resource allocation, global adoption, and cross-functional collaboration
Performance Management
Lead the design and evolution of KPIs, dashboards, and forecasting tools to measure impact and guide decision-making
Deliver reporting and analysis on firmwide initiatives, including partner integration, brand visibility, marketing campaigns, events, lead generation, and other strategic MCBD activities
Operational Excellence
Partner with teams to streamline workflows and implement project management automation that drives efficiency and scalability
Lead project management for strategic initiatives across brand, communications, business development and cross-functional campaigns
Ensure that the teams’ development of AI assistants and tools are aligned to the right projects and delivering efficiencies
Planning & Budgeting
Oversee the MCBD department’s budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking processes, ensuring compliance and alignment with firm policies
Monitor adherence to allocations and provide leadership with clear financial reporting to support strategic planning
Talent Development & Engagement
Drive initiatives that foster team engagement, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration
Lead talent mapping, career planning, and training programs in partnership with managers to develop our world-class MCBD team
Own internal communications, including monthly team meetings, leadership updates, and key cycle communications (e.g., budget season, engagement surveys)
Develop leadership presentation materials for Management Committee, Executive Committee, practice groups, and Town Halls
Manage the MCBD Operations Specialist, providing mentorship and oversight
Lead the analysis and action planning from engagement surveys to strengthen team performance and morale
Oversee onboarding programs, professional development events, retreats, and departmental training
Curate and maintain content strategy for internal portals and collaboration tools (e.g., MCBD Teams)
Champion firm culture through mentoring programs, team-building activities, and recognition initiatives
Job Specifications:
Bachelor’s degree
At least fifteen (15) years of related work experience
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
Knowledge of client relationship management (CRM) software
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational, leadership and analytical skills
Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
Ability to travel and work flexible and/or fluctuating work hours
Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative
Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
Target Hiring Range $244,000 - $348,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
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Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds
Work Environment:
Typical indoor office environment
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
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