Business Development Manager

A powerhouse firm with the heart of a boutique, is seeking a Business Development Manager to work with the Real Estate, Environmental, and State Attorneys General practice groups. This individual will collaborate with practice group leaders, partners, and other internal teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support client development and new business pursuits. This role can be in our New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., or Texas offices.

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of creativity, strategic insight, and analytical skills, coupled with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on client service and the ability to proactively support entrepreneurial attorneys, this position offers an exciting opportunity to work with lawyers recognized at the forefront of their fields and to contribute to the firm’s overall success and innovation. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Planning : Help design and execute business development plans and budgets for the practice groups and individual attorneys that will increase the firm’s visibility and brand recognition. Work closely with practice group leaders and partners to adjust plans proactively as market conditions change to ensure that activities deliver results as defined by strategic priorities.

Business and Client Development : Identify strategies and actionable steps to maximize new business opportunities and relationship expansion by staying informed about present and emerging legal needs of clients, targets, and related industry trends. Bring new ideas and proven approaches to support client retention and expansion. Manage RFP responses and produce client-centric and data-driven new business presentations and pitches that reflect a clear understanding of the opportunity articulated with relevant experience and firm offerings. Collaborate with other BDMs, marcom colleagues, administrative departments, and lawyers on cross-practice opportunities. Provide structure and support to cross-selling initiatives, including through internal communications that promote the practices’ successes and areas of expertise.

Research and Knowledge Management : Understand the service needs of clients in the practice groups by assessing the competitive legal landscape. Manage research efforts concerning new business targets, industries, and competitors. Identify potential opportunities for expansion and formulate outreach strategies. Become proficient in using the firm’s CRM to manage relationships with clients, prospects, and referrals, and track matter experience lists and business development activity.

Project and Performance Management: Manage deadlines and details concerning the groups’ business development pursuits and marketing initiatives, and how the various components fit into the overarching strategic plans. Maintain a pipeline of business development opportunities in the firm’s CRM. Track and report on results of pitches, proposals and referrals.

Training and Coaching: Support lawyers at different levels of tenure in learning and executing business development best practices. Provide timely ideas and proactive guidance to ensure consistent progress towards achieving goals.

Marketing Communications and Events : Devise multi-faceted strategies to raise the profiles of the practice and key attorneys, such as through speaking, sponsorship, and writing opportunities. Coordinate with and delegate to the marketing and communications team to implement events and execute on content marketing strategy.

Directory Submissions: Work with attorney leaders to develop strategic and compelling award submissions, such as to Chambers and Legal 500 and other industry recognitions.

New Attorney Integration: Work with new lateral attorneys on their integration into the firm, including developing initial business development plan, transitioning existing clients to Kelley Drye, pitching prospective clients, and connecting laterals with colleagues around the firm from complementary practices.

Key Skills and Experience Required

The ideal candidate will be client service-oriented with the drive to support an entrepreneurial group of lawyers. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, persuasive, priority-driven, and collaborative. This position requires a marketing professional who is proactive and detail-oriented, with at least an undergraduate degree and, a minimum of 5 years of marketing or business development experience. Outstanding writing, project management, research, organizational and inter-personal communications skills are required.

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in Washington D.C., New Jersey or New York City if selected for the role. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and certifications (e.g., JD/technology) for example. Washington D.C., New Jersey, or New York City Salary Range: Low: $150,000 High: $200,000.