Chief Marketing Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and drive a cohesive, short-term and long-term marketing and business development strategy that aligns with the firm's overall business objectives, revenue and profitability goals.
• Outline the strategy in a detailed annual plan for key stakeholders and oversee the execution of the plan.
• Consistently provide optionality to C Suite leaders on a range of levers to engage to support marketing efficacy and efficiency.
• Partners with CEO and CFO on adjustments to plan, based on market conditions, revenue goals and vendor updates.
• Partner with C-suite executives on vendor selection. Oversee the development and optimization of specific metrics and dashboards on vendor performance; hold vendors accountable for agreed upon services.
• Partner with key stakeholders on the recommendation of vendor updates and changes.
• Define and maintain a consistent brand image and voice across all communication channels, managing the firm's public image, media relations, and reputation.
• Partner closely with the CEO and other C Suite leaders on brand evolution and updates.
• Oversee the firm's digital presence, including the website, SEO/PPC campaigns, content creation (blogs, newsletters), and social media strategy, to ensure high-quality lead generation and client engagement.
• Ensures traditional marketing (e.g., tv and radio) efforts are on plan and optimized.
• Oversee the development of internal analytics and dashboards to optimize the information into insightful, actionable initiatives. Educate other key stakeholders in analytics and their applicability to firm goals.
• Conduct detailed analysis of market trends, competitor activities, and client behavior to identify new opportunities, inform decision-making, and ensure the firm achieves revenue and profitability goals.
• Partner closely with Operations leadership on the development of client journey programs to enhance client experience, retention and referrals.
• Partner with C suite leadership on the development of internal programs to drive referrals and external recognition, such as 5 Star Google Reviews. Provide firm wide updates and serve as the internal champion on internal initiatives.
• Partner closely with CFO on the design, and review of marketing budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources to maximize return on investment. Partner closely with CFO recommended changes throughout the annual marketing plan to ensure accuracy and accountability to the budget.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing marketing and business development team, promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Build KPIs for the team which tie to organizational goals, and coach to consistently fulfill established KPIs. Build specific development plans to uplift the capability of marketing talent to support growth and succession planning.
• Ensure the firm’s Core Values and culture initiatives are instilled into the fiber of the team and actively supported.
• Support the annual plan and initiatives of the office of the Chief Community Officer with a range of marketing and creative services; actively participate in community events across markets.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the internal operations of law firms with centralized shared services. Networks externally in non-competitive spaces for innovative and best practices.
• Partner with C Suite executives on plans for new offices and locations; has ownership for the marketing aspects in the project plan for successful launch, brand recognition and ROI in new locations.
• Ensure all marketing and advertising initiatives strictly comply with the relevant ethical and legal standards for the legal profession or other applicable standards, including the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in mid-level to senior marketing leadership roles, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing strategies, preferably within a law firm, professional services environment, or other applicable consumer services.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Skills: Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and metrics to make informed, data-driven decisions. Experience in selecting and driving the growth through the effective management of a broad range of vendors. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with a range of personalities at all levels of the firm. Outstanding influencing skills. Deep understanding of digital marketing tools and platforms, including CRM systems, marketing automation, SEO, and social media. Advanced understanding of an organization’s technology stack and how the investments are optimized to support marketing and business development efforts. Financial acumen to manage budgets effectively and link marketing efforts to revenue generation and firm profitability. Ability to act as a poised and confident public representative of the firm in various forums. Able to speak to the firm’s commitment to an outstanding client experience, as well as the broad range of community initiatives and investments. Demonstrated experience in serving on a senior leadership team and building and maintaining effective, collaborative peer relationships. Demonstrated leadership in building, inspiring and developing a highly effective and efficient marketing team with a drive for results.