Client Relations & Business Development (BD) Specialist

Overview Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, is currently looking for a Client Relations & Business Development (BD) Specialist to join the Client Relations & Marketing department in the Vancouver office.Reporting to the Senior Manager, Client Relations and Business Development, the Client Relations & BD Specialist works with members of the Vancouver office and assigned national practice and industry groups to acquire new clients and expand current client relationships in order to drive revenue. This position will assist with the development of short- and long-term business development plans and strategies and inspire lawyers to focus on business development initiatives. Responsibilities Primary responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:Work and Project Management – Contributing to the development of work and project plans and delivering on owned accountabilitiesDirectory and Award Submissions – Participating in table-setting conversations with assigned groups and preparing draft submissions for review and approval by the manager/director and accountable partnersEvents – Working in partnership with the Events team to ensure the successful preparation and delivery of events and provide onsite/logistical supportClient Programming – Assisting with the development and execution of educational programming, such as seminars/webinars, tailored CPD sessions and Women@Blakes programming Sponsorships – Assisting in planning, monitoring and executing sponsorships and industry association eventsNew Business RFPs and Pitches – Drafting information packages and other client-pitch and proposal materials for routine work for assigned groups; supporting the development of more complex RFPs in partnership with the Senior BD Manager and Proposals teamBusiness Development Budget – Assisting with creating and monitoring annual BD expense reports and budgetBusiness Planning – Working in collaboration with the relevant BD Director or Manager(s) to prepare agendas and all required materials for practice, industry group and client team meetings; taking the lead in initiating, framing and facilitating the delivery of business planning for assigned practice groupsBusiness Evaluation – Assessing marketing investments/expenditures to optimize value and impact; drafting business cases that assess options and provide recommendations, as requiredMarketing Materials – Working with the Marketing Communications team to develop and deliver updates or new digital and printed collateral, and provide ongoing review and revision, of both existing and new materialsResearch – Sourcing and providing summary analyses from multiple in-house and external sources to support planning and initiatives for assigned groups Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business/marketing or equivalent is requiredMinimum of three to five years of BD/marketing experience or similar roleExperience in the professional services industry is an asset Skills & Abilities Business Acumen – Understands the economic model and the operational flow and content of work in the Firm, and considers implications for the Firm’s business and assigned groupsCustomer-Service Orientation – Courteous, responsive and delivers with a sense of urgencyCommunication Skills – Strong verbal and written proficiency, and the ability to develop presentationsCoaching/Mentoring – Coaches others on work deliverables and is a mentor to junior members of the teamInterpersonal Skills – Strong interpersonal skills, supported by a foundation of patience, tact and confidenceAdaptability – Ability to adapt to multiple areas of law, practice areas and industriesCreative Thinking – Ability to share and embrace new ideas and consider creative solutions to challenges or barriersCollaboration – Demonstrates collaboration through actively learning from peers and employing best practices to improve consistency and effectiveness of BD deliveryJudgement – Identifies and raises red flags when an external or internal change or event could impact assigned groupsTechnology – Strong proficiency with technology, and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as required Compensation The anticipated salary for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. Salary levels will be determined commensurate with internal and market equity and experience. Other Relevant Applicant Information Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with shortlisting, screening, and evaluating applications. About Blakes At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.