Chief Marketing Officer
UB Greensfelder is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead our marketing and business development efforts, ensuring that we effectively communicate our firm's value, enhance our brand reputation, and drive sustainable growth.
UB Greensfelder LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm dedicated to exceeding client expectations and delivering superior, customized legal solutions. The firm's attorneys advise regional, national, and global businesses on a wide range of sophisticated legal matters across more than 25 specialized practice and industry groups. Renowned for its best-in-class client service and litigation excellence, UBG was named "2025 Ohio and Missouri Firm of the Year" by Benchmark Litigation and consistently earns top-tier accolades from Chambers and Partners. Established in 2024 through the merger of Ulmer & Berne LLP and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., UB Greensfelder has quickly emerged as a super-regional powerhouse firm in the Midwest and in top-tier business centers. For more information, please visit www.ubglaw.com. Our Business Begins With You®
Position Overview:
The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) will be responsible for the overall marketing, business development, and communications strategy for the firm. The CMO will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and leadership team to align marketing efforts with the firm’s goals and client needs. This role requires an in-depth understanding of the legal industry, client acquisition strategies, and branding, with the ability to oversee a range of marketing initiatives, including content development, digital marketing, events, public relations, and client relations programs.
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong leadership, creativity, and analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of how marketing and business development contribute to the growth of a law firm.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Marketing Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and Execute Marketing Strategy: Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with the firm’s business objectives and target client base.
- Market Positioning & Brand Development: Position the firm as a thought leader in key practice areas, ensuring that brand messaging and marketing communications reflect the firm's expertise and values.
- Competitor & Market Analysis: Conduct competitive analysis and industry research to inform marketing strategy and positioning. Identify trends and adjust tactics to ensure the firm remains competitive in the legal industry.
2. Business Development & Client Engagement
- Client Relationship Building: Oversee client engagement strategies to strengthen existing relationships and attract new clients. Lead efforts to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
- Lead Generation & Conversion: Collaborate with attorneys and practice groups to develop business development strategies, including targeting prospective clients, cross-selling services, and pursuing new matters.
- Client Retention Programs: Develop programs to maintain strong relationships with clients, including thought leadership content, newsletters, and events. Ensure client feedback loops are established to continuously improve service delivery.
3. Digital Marketing & Communications
- Digital Strategy: Lead digital marketing efforts, including SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing, and website optimization, to increase the firm’s visibility and attract relevant traffic.
- Website & Content Development: Oversee the development of engaging, client-focused content (e.g., blogs, articles, case studies, white papers) and ensure that the firm’s website is optimized to showcase services and expertise.
- Social Media & Public Relations: Manage the firm’s presence on key social media platforms and ensure that PR efforts reflect the firm’s leadership in the legal sector. Work with media outlets to position the firm as an expert voice in the legal industry.
4. Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement
- Content Strategy: Develop and execute a content strategy that showcases the firm’s legal expertise and thought leadership through blogs, webinars, case studies, whitepapers, and speaking engagements.
- Events & Conferences: Oversee the planning and execution of key industry events, client seminars, and conferences. Ensure the firm is represented at relevant legal and business forums.
- Speaking Opportunities & Publications: Work with attorneys to identify speaking engagements, media opportunities, and publications that enhance the firm’s reputation and market presence.
5. Team Leadership & Development
- Marketing Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing and business development team. Provide guidance on best practices and encourage professional growth and innovation within the department.
- Collaboration with Lawyers & Practice Groups: Work closely with lawyers and practice groups to ensure marketing and business development efforts are aligned with the firm’s practice areas and client objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments, such as HR, IT, and Finance, to ensure alignment in firm-wide communications and branding.
6. Budgeting and Financial Management
- Marketing Budget Oversight: Manage and allocate the marketing department's budget effectively, ensuring a high return on investment for all marketing and business development initiatives.
- Track ROI: Continuously monitor the performance of marketing campaigns and initiatives, adjusting strategies and tactics based on measurable outcomes and firm objectives.
7. Marketing Analytics & Reporting
- Data-Driven Marketing: Use marketing analytics and KPIs to track campaign performance, client acquisition, and brand impact. Regularly report on results to the Managing Partner and leadership team.
- Client Feedback & Market Trends: Gather and analyze client feedback and market trends to refine marketing strategies and better meet client expectations.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, JD, or similar) is a plus.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 10+ years of marketing leadership experience, preferably in the legal industry.
- Proven success in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive business growth and brand awareness.
- Experience in digital marketing, public relations, content creation, and event planning within a law firm or similar professional services environment.
- Skills & Expertise:
- Strong understanding of the legal industry, market dynamics, and client acquisition.
- Leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of creativity and results.
- Expertise in digital marketing channels, including SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing.
- Ability to analyze marketing data and adjust strategies to meet firm objectives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with senior leadership and attorneys.
Personal Attributes:
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Highly adaptable and innovative, with a strong understanding of emerging marketing technologies.
- Proactive, self-starter, and a problem solver with exceptional organizational skills.
UB Greensfelder recognizes the importance of forming inclusive teams of attorneys and staff to foster an environment where creative solutions are made for our clients, and all have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We encourage candidates from a variety of backgrounds to apply to be a part of our team.