Chicago - Strategic Client Events & Regional Marketing Manager

A BOUT US

For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team.

Position Summary

The Strategic Client Events & Regional Marketing Manager (Chicago) is a client-facing, strategic leadership role that integrates business development, marketing, and high-impact event strategy and execution for the firm’s Chicago office, one of the firm’s largest offices.

Partnering closely with the Chicago Office Managing Partner (OMP), local business development team members, and practice and industry leadership, the Manager drives initiatives that elevate client engagement, strengthen relationships, and support business development growth. This role is responsible for leading the strategy and execution of complex, high-touch client experiences, including elevated hospitality-driven programs, multi-day events, high-value sponsorships, and key firmwide initiatives.

In addition to execution, the Manager plays a critical role in shaping and managing event-related processes across the team, contributing to a more consistent, data-driven, and scalable approach to client engagement. The Manager will also directly oversee a Strategic Client Events Specialist, requiring strong leadership in a decentralized team environment. The Manager reports to and works in close partnership with the Associate Director of Strategic Client Events, aligning Chicago-based initiatives with broader firmwide strategy, standards, and priorities.

Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Work closely with the Chicago OMP and local BD leadership to develop and execute office-specific strategic marketing and business development priorities aligned with firmwide goals.
• Support execution of office, practice, and industry strategic plans for the Chicago market, aligning programming and marketing priorities with business goals.
• Proactively identify new formats and pathways for client engagement beyond traditional events, aligning approach to audience, objective, and market positioning.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable campaigns, events, and client touchpoints; prepare post-initiative reports that analyze outcomes, learnings, and next steps.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Strategic Client Events to align Chicago initiatives with firmwide priorities, ensuring consistency in strategy, execution standards, and client experience.

Client Engagement and Events Leadership – Chicago Office:

• Partner early with attorneys and BD stakeholders to shape event strategy, advising on format, audience, objectives, and overall approach to ensure alignment with business development goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor, guiding stakeholders toward the most effective and appropriate client engagement solutions, not limited to traditional event formats.
• Lead strategy and end-to-end execution of high-profile client programs, including multi-day, multi-track events, conferences, seminars, and elevated client hospitality experiences.
• Design and deliver high-touch, VIP client experiences that reflect a strong hospitality mindset and align with firm positioning.
• Oversee all aspects of event execution, including concept development, venue sourcing, vendor negotiation, food and beverage, AV, invitation strategy, registration, and on-site management.
• Ensure all client-facing events and touchpoints align with the firm’s evolving brand standards, delivering a consistent, high-quality, and hospitality-driven client experience.
• Guide attorneys and BD stakeholders on event strategy, format, and audience targeting to maximize impact and engagement.
• Lead post-event evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, to inform future programming.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Strategic Client Events on high-profile and firmwide programs, contributing to concept development, execution strategy, and continuous improvement of client engagement approaches.
• On occasion, collaborate with other departments including Community & Special Events, Opportunity and Inclusion, Learning & Development, Pro Bono, and Alumni Relations on flagship programs and offsites.

Process Development and Operational Leadership:

• In partnership with the Associate Director of Strategic Client Events, help shape and manage core event team processes, including event intake and prioritization, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and resource allocation.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of ROI/Value on Investment measurement frameworks, including consistent post-event reporting and insights.
• Support vendor strategy and management, including evaluation and implementation of tools and partners that improve efficiency and client experience.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, and best practices to enhance consistency and scalability across the team.
• Oversee budgeting and financial tracking for Chicago-based events and initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Analyze spend and outcomes to provide data-informed recommendations on future investments.
• Support the rollout and adoption of firmwide standards, tools, and frameworks established by the Strategic Client Events leadership team.

Data, Systems, and Reporting:

• Drive a data-informed approach to events, ensuring integration with CRM and other firm systems to track engagement, participation, and outcomes.
• Produce regular reporting and dashboards that highlight activity, engagement trends, and business development impact.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Strategic Client Events to refine reporting frameworks, ensuring consistent data capture, measurement, and insights across offices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance data capture, reporting, and insights across event initiatives.

Talent, Collaboration, and Service Delivery:

• Directly manage and mentor a Strategic Client Events Specialist located in another office, fostering engagement and accountability within a decentralized team.
• Serve as a regional leader and collaborative partner across the broader Strategic Client Events team.
• Build strong relationships with attorneys, BD professionals, and firm leadership, establishing credibility as a trusted advisor
• Maintain strong alignment with the Client Events team through regular communication, feedback loops, and shared ownership of team priorities and performance.
• Model a high standard of client service, professionalism, and execution excellence.

Market and Office Support:

• Coordinate market-facing initiatives and office programs in Chicago, including sponsorship activations, conference booths, and on-/off-site events.
• Serve as a local resource for attorneys on business development best practices and event engagement.
• Research and maintain intelligence on local venues, vendors, and hospitality partners to ensure high-quality, cost-effective execution.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 6 + years of experience in events within a law firm or professional services environment required. Experience in a Business Development/Marketing team is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing or mentoring team members, is required.
• Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.

COMPETENCIES

• Flexibility to travel to support events as needed.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with CRM systems, content/experience databases, and event platforms; experience with Cvent, Nexl, or similar tools is preferred.
• Advanced event planning and execution expertise, including complex, high-visibility programs.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align events with business development goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong client-facing presence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and operate with confidence in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders, including providing thoughtful guidance and, when appropriate, constructive pushback.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative and service-oriented, with the ability to work independently and across teams.
• Analytical mindset with experience in budgeting, reporting, and performance evaluation.
• Professional presence suitable for representing the firm in high-level client and industry settings.
• Ability to work outside of standard business hours as needed to support events and team collaboration.
• Proactive, confident attitude and approach.

Benefits

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here .

SALARY

Illinois based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $147,000 - $167,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. To tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experien ces .