Marketing & Business Development Manager, Transactional

Job ID: 9010

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Category: Marketing & Business Development

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About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Are you a strategic relationship builder who thrives at the intersection of client engagement, business development and market insight?

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Manager of Client Engagement Strategy to join the Firm’s Marketing & Business Development (MBD) Department in our Chicago office supporting our premier Private Equity/M&A practice.

Working closely with Firm leadership, relationship partners, and colleagues across MBD and our events production team, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, bringing together client intelligence, market insight and disciplined execution to advance the Private Equity/M&A practice's business development goals. You will oversee client programs and events from initial concept through execution, with a focus on strategic objectives, audience engagement and measurable outcomes.

You will contribute new ideas, help maintain a superior standard of service and proactively identify distinctive opportunities as they emerge in the market.

The MBD department operates from a team-first position and values collaboration, accountability, intellectual curiosity and open communication. You’ll have success in this role by bringing a proactive approach, strong business judgement and commitment to delivering exceptional service to attorneys, clients and colleagues.

You will report to the Associate Director of Practice Development in Chicago and collaborate regularly with an international team of problem-solvers and advisers dedicated to the broader business development, research, marketing and communications efforts of the Firm.

Shape Client Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute client engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships, create business development opportunities and enhance the Firm's market position.

Lead Signature Programs: Drive the Firm's premier Private Equity/M&A client programs from concept through execution, including audience strategy, content development, attorney collaboration, delivery and follow-up.

Create Meaningful Connections: Identify and develop distinctive engagement opportunities through sponsorships, thought leadership and invitation-only programs that connect attorneys and clients in differentiated ways.

Manage Strategic Partnerships: Evaluate and oversee strategic partnerships, sponsorships and related investments to maximize business impact and return on investment.

Analyze Performance & Insights: Measure engagement outcomes, identify trends and provide actionable recommendations to attorneys and MBD leadership.

Leverage Data & Technology: Utilize CRM systems and marketing technologies to capture engagement data, improve reporting and support informed decision-making.

Lead Through Collaboration: Partner with attorneys, team members and cross-functional colleagues across MBD, Travel, Meetings & Events and other Firm departments to deliver seamless client experiences.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree; 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, client development, marketing, strategic programs or a related discipline within a law firm, private equity firm, investment bank, consulting firm or other professional services environment.

Relationship Management & Client Service: Sophisticated client-service mindset with a track record of building trusted partnerships across seniority levels, functions, offices and geographies.

Communication, Professionalism & Executive Presence: Outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, coupled with the executive presence, business savvy, diplomacy and discretion necessary to influence senior stakeholders and represent the Firm professionally with clients and external partners.

Program & Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Research & Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical capabilities with experience interpreting client, market and engagement data to drive strategic recommendations and measurable outcomes.

Writing & Content Development: Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills with a commitment to quality, accuracy and audience-focused communication.

Initiative, Judgment & Adaptability: Solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, exercise sound judgment, manage sensitive matters and proactively drive initiatives forward.

Technology & Systems Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams and Copilot, as well as experience using CRM, event management, reporting and business intelligence platforms.

Industry Knowledge & Market Intelligence: Experience supporting Private Equity, M&A or other transactional practices; familiarity with sponsorships, executive-level client programs and market intelligence tools is highly desirable.

Strategic Client Development Expertise: Demonstrated success designing and executing client engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, enhance market positioning and advance business development goals.

Flexibility: Ability to travel occasionally and work outside standard business hours when needed to support client programs and Firm events.

If you’re excited to create innovative client experiences, develop strategic relationships and influence business development initiatives while working alongside some of the most accomplished legal and business professionals in the industry, we’d love to hear from you

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $133,000 - $166,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or

mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-CC

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in business development, client development, marketing, or related roles within law firms, private equity, investment banking, consulting, or professional services.
• Proven relationship management, communication, executive presence, and leadership skills to influence senior stakeholders and manage complex initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, CRM, event management, reporting, and business intelligence platforms; experience with Private Equity/M&A practices preferred.