The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.
The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.
The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Job Summary/General Purpose of Job The American Bar Association (ABA) is seeking an experienced Managing Director, Strategic Marketing to drive marketing excellence across key areas of the association. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role will be responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies for member groups, public service groups, philanthropy, and advocacy. The Managing Director will play a critical role in thought leadership initiatives, member acquisition, product marketing, and brand management while supporting the expansion of the ABA's influence and reach. This position requires close collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to advance the ABA's brand and mission.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities Strategic Marketing Execution • Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with the ABA's strategic plan and mission across member groups, public service groups, philanthropy, and advocacy. Ensure strategies are innovative, data-driven, and support organizational goals and priorities. Thought Leadership Support • Support thought leadership strategies for designated areas, with an initial focus on enhancing the Executive Director's brand and expanding to other senior staff members. Develop content, campaigns, and initiatives that promote membership value and the ABA's leadership position in the legal profession. Philanthropy and Advocacy Marketing • Implement marketing strategies supporting the ABA's philanthropic initiatives and advocacy efforts. Create campaigns showcasing the ABA's contributions to social justice, legal education, and advancement of the rule of law. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with the CMO and teams across the organization (including IT, product, email, communications, and business intelligence) to ensure integrated marketing approaches. Foster effective collaboration and alignment across all ABA departments. Performance Analytics • Leverage analytics and insights to measure marketing effectiveness and inform strategy refinement. Monitor key performance metrics and recommend adjustments to optimize outcomes for member growth and advocacy impact. Team Leadership • Lead and mentor marketing team members, providing professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment. Champion creativity, quality, integrity, accountability, efficiency, and excellence across all marketing initiatives.
Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field required • A minimum of 10 years of progressive marketing experience with proven success in strategy execution and member engagement • Demonstrated success in philanthropy marketing and/or advocacy campaigns • Track record of managing successful marketing initiatives and campaigns for ABA member or non-member entity group.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience • MBA or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field. • Experience in professional associations, membership organizations, or mission-driven entities.
Physical Requirements • Typical office work environment.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job • As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.
The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.
