Market Development Specialist

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Global law firm K&L Gates is seeking a Market Development Specialist (MDS) to join our New York office. Working under the direction of a Senior Market Development Manager, the MDS will support and execute on local marketing and business development programs for multiple offices as well as other relevant initiatives. The position will be responsible for working with Senior Managers, Office Managing Partners, and other Client Growth team members, focusing on building brand awareness and community engagement, client development, and contributing to the office, practice, and industry growth goals.

Candidates must be self‑starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are strongly preferred.

Global Strategic Growth Partner, Office Managing Partners, Market Development Directors, Client Engagement Directors, Senior Market Development Managers, and other members of the Client Growth team.

• Support Senior Manager in executing client growth pipeline initiatives for assigned multifaceted markets
• Support Senior Manager in collaboration efforts with Practice and Industry leads to help execute practice and industry initiatives in local markets
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the assigned local markets and key industries, including business trends and competitive landscape for legal services
• Coordinate local sponsor ships, memberships, surveys, and firm participation in charitable and civic engagement events for assigned markets
• Client event engagement: provide strategic support and local execution when needed for complex, high‑profile events (e.g., K&L Gates programming, networking reception/dinners, CLEs, round tables, client‑facing third‑party events, private dinners, webinars, sporting event suites); provide feedback on vendors; oversee on‑site market events; track event ROI follow‑up
• Collaborate closely with Senior Manager and other Client Growth teams, such as Pitches and Proposals, Events, Brand Marketing and Communications, Competitive and Strategic Intelligence, as well as practice and industry business development leaders to deliver meaningful programming to the market
• Collaborate with and support Senior Manager to drive partnerships with local organizations, develop entertainment and educational events to deliver value, visibility, and opportunity in the local market
• Assist in the development of local office PR and advertising as well as co‑lead local external relations efforts
• Identify business expansion opportunities and co‑develop initiatives with the Senior Manager by matching firm solutions to client needs within specific markets and/or industries
• Assist in orienting new lateral attorneys to the firm
• Measure and track initiatives and provide regular reporting
• Process vendor payments, credit card reconciliations, and help draft and submit firmwide business development spend approval requests
• Foster a culture of business development in the offices through office communications, individual support, trainings, and other efforts
• Undertake other projects as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications with 3 to 5 years of experience in a professional services organization or closely related corporate environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effectively manages and communicates confidential issues
• Strong people skills with demonstrated service orientation
• Demonstrated good judgment, decision‑making, and follow‑through capabilities
• Persistence coupled with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Excellent project management, organizational, and planning skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines
• Outstanding attention to detail, flexibility, and creativity
• Collaborative team player who is also self‑motivated
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Internet research tools essential
Knowledge of CRM software is a…