Marketing Operations Manager

JOB TITLE: Marketing Operations Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SCHEDULE: M-F, 40 hrs./week

LOCATION: Any Spencer Fane Location (Hybrid work environment)

REPORTS TO: Chief Marketing Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Marketing Operations Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Marketing & Client Development function, including attorney onboarding and integration, management of client development budgets, and oversight of the department’s processes and policies. This role ensures effective execution of financial plans, consistent application of departmental policies, and alignment of marketing and client development efforts across the firm. In close partnership with the Chief Marketing Officer and cross-functional stakeholders, the role supports the successful onboarding and integration of attorneys, teams, and acquired firms while also serving as an advocate for the department’s operational efficiency and financial stewardship.

COMPENSATION: At Spencer Fane, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to location, skillset, experience, training, licenses, certifications and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. We expect the starting yearly salary for this position to be between $108,500 - $140,000.

BENEFITS: Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k, Life, Disability.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Attorney Onboarding and Integration

• Represent the department as a stakeholder in firmwide integration efforts, supporting onboarding of lateral attorneys, teams, and acquired firms.
• Coordinate with client development, marketing communications, and events teams to execute successful onboarding efforts across the firm.
• Ensure a consistent and effective onboarding experience that accelerates integration, visibility, and long-term success of attorneys and teams joining the firm.

Budget Oversight and Financial Management

• Oversee individual attorney, practice group, office, and market team budgets in partnership with budget owners and client development department stakeholders.
• Evaluate with department leadership ways to effectively measure return on investment for various client development activities.
• Collaborate with Accounting to enhance financial reporting, monitor expenditures, and identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Establish and communicate budget guidelines, governance processes, and spending expectations.
• Support evaluation and refinement of funding strategies for client development initiatives.

Process and Policy Management

• Develop and standardize departmental procedures and policies in collaboration with the Chief Marketing Officer and key stakeholders within the department and across the firm.
• Document, maintain, and update processes to improve operational efficiency, clarity, and cross-functional alignment.
• Serve as a central resource for marketing policies, ensuring consistent adoption and adherence across the department.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field required.
• Advanced degree or relevant certification in legal marketing or professional services environment preferred.

Professional Experience

• 8+ years of experience in legal marketing, business development, or professional services marketing.
• Experience within partnership-based or professional services environments, preferably with AmLaw 200 firms.

Marketing Operations and Execution

• Operational experience within a marketing and client development function, including involvement in coordinating activities across teams, managing priorities, and supporting alignment of resources within a professional services environment.
• Familiarity with practice group and market-based structures and the ability to support consistent execution across teams.

Budget Oversight and Financial Management

• Hands-on involvement with budget administration, including planning, tracking, and governance across multiple stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of financial reporting, spend monitoring, and return on investment analysis, with exposure to implementing controls and partnering with accounting or finance functions.

Onboarding and Integration

• Demonstrated expertise in supporting onboarding and integration initiatives for lateral hires, teams, and acquisitions.
• Experience proactively engaging professionals with the purpose of initiating and sustaining ongoing client development efforts.
• Proven ability to develop and implement structured processes, align stakeholders, and standardize materials and workflows to enable consistent and effective transitions.

Process Development and Policy Implementation

• Practical experience contributing to the design, documentation, and standardization of processes and policies.
• Understanding of how to implement and maintain workflows that improve efficiency, ensure clarity, and support adherence to established guidelines across teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Track record of working with senior stakeholders, attorneys, and cross-functional partners in a professional services or partnership-based environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in building alignment, navigating competing priorities, and influencing outcomes without direct authority.

Operational Problem Solving and Execution

• Demonstrated expertise in applying analytical and organizational skills to evaluate processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement practical, scalable solutions.
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and execution quality.

Communication and Professional Effectiveness

• Advanced proficiency in developing and delivering written and verbal communications, including translating complex or detailed information into clear, concise messaging for diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information and competing priorities.

Travel

• Ability to travel to various marketing/firm events/meetings 20% of the time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Requirements: Position is generally sedentary in nature; involves sitting most of the time but may involve the need for inter-office mobility for brief periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally or routinely lift up to 10-20 lbs.
• Communication: Ability to efficiently communicate.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to perform repetitive motions required.
• Visual Requirements: Ability to see and read PC screens, detect color coding, read fine print, and/or normal size print.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.