Senior Strategist - Financial Services Sector

Perkins Coie LLP is seeking a strategic, innovative leader to serve as Senior Practices & Sectors Strategist, supporting our Financial Services sector. This role is responsible for driving marketing and business development initiatives that strengthen client relationships, fuel revenue growth, and differentiate Perkins Coie in the marketplace.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep and demonstrable understanding of the financial services ecosystem, including traditional and emerging segments such as banking, fintech, blockchain/cryptocurrency, payments, investment management, and broader financial institutions.This includes familiarity with financial regulation, compliance frameworks, and the impact of regulatory change on market participants, along with the ability to interpret and integrate industry trends-such as digital transformation and evolving transaction models-into strategic planning and business development initiatives. Candidates should be able to speak credibly with industry stakeholders, translating financial concepts into actionable insights that support client needs and firm positioning.

• Lead the development and execution of strategic marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practice groups and industry sectors to drive revenue and strengthen client relationships.

• Act as a strategic advisor to assigned practice and sector leaders, identifying growth opportunities leveraging client-centric data and knowledge of market trends.

• Manage complex, cross-functional initiatives utilizing data, client insights, and market trends to inform planning and campaign development.

• Mentor and guide administrators and other team members to foster a high-performing, client-focused environment.

• Collaborate closely with senior members of the Marketing Leadership team and other business services teams to ensure integration, innovation, and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and lead annual marketing and business development plans including budgets for assigned practices/sectors, ensuring alignment with firmwide goals and a focus on revenue generation.

• Identify emerging client needs, legal market trends, and business risks to shape proactive campaign strategies and market positioning.

• Translate strategy into actionable initiatives with clear goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes, i.e., annual event plan priorities, alignment with target clients and prospects, etc.

• Serve as an advisor to practice and sector chairs, delivering insights and recommendations grounded in market intelligence and client feedback.

Campaigns & Revenue Generation

• Lead the conception and execution of high-impact, sector-focused campaigns, thought leadership, and client-focused programs, collaborating with teams across the marketing department to ensure fully leveraged programing.

• Identify, activate, and scale cross-practice and cross-sector opportunities to drive growth and differentiation. Guide pursuit strategy for assigned practices and sectors; advise and mobilize expertise and resources on strategic opportunities (pitches RFP/RFI responses).

• Deploy firmwide and practice & sector strategies to ensure participation in directory and award submissions in alignment with firm, practice, and sector goals and priorities.

Collaboration & Integration

• Foster collaboration across practices, sectors, and department verticals to encourage knowledge sharing and integrated approaches.

Market Intelligence & Client Insights

• Leverage data, analytics, and client feedback to monitor the competitive landscape and inform strategy.

• Integrate Voice of the Client and market insights into planning, execution, and continuous improvement.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Establish, track, and report on key metrics, ROI, and progress against strategic goals.

• Guide the team in turning insights into actionable plans that resonate with target audiences.

• Recommend adjustments to strategy based on data, feedback, and business outcomes.

Change Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the adoption of innovative tools, technologies, and processes to enhance efficiency and client value.

• Lead and recommend ideas to help with change management.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

• Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed, consistent with the firm's attendance expectations.

• Demonstrated success in leading strategic planning and execution for practice groups or industry sectors.

• Strong business acumen, analytical capabilities, and ability to synthesize complex information.

• Trusted advisor with excellent communication and influencing skills; able to navigate and build relationships across a matrixed environment.

• Proven leadership ability; skilled at managing and mentoring team members.

• Demonstrates flexibility, innovation, and a growth mindset in fast-paced, change-oriented environment.

• Significant experience (10-plus years) in legal or professional services marketing, business development, or strategy, with a track record of leadership and impact.

• Strong record of working with leadership and key stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD) preferred.

• Prior experience supporting and/or strong knowledge of Financial Services including, Fintech, Blockchain, and/or Cryptocurrency, Financial Regulation and/or Financial Institutions is strongly preferred.

• MS Office Suite

• Marketing technology including Salesforce, Foundation

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for and the California Fair Chance Act.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $171,520 to $271,170 annually

Colorado compensation range: $134,380 to $212,460 annually

Illinois compensation range: $141,820 to $224,220 annually

New York compensation range: $155,930 to $246,520 annually

Washington state compensation range: $141,750 to $224,110 annually

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $153,090 to $242,040 annually

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