Senior Business Development Manager

Summary
The Senior Business Development Manager will take a visionary leadership role in shaping the strategic direction and execution of business development initiatives for attorneys, assigned industry teams and key practices at AGG. This individual will collaborate closely with the CMO, practice group leaders, industry team chairs, and individual attorneys to design and implement forward-thinking business development systems and strategies that align with the firm’s long-term goals. Beyond tactical execution, the Senior BD Manager will build internal trust to facilitate collaboration across teams and ensure business development strategies are impactful, effective, and aligned with the firm’s broader vision.

As a strategic leader and firmwide connector, this role requires a deep understanding of the legal services AGG offers, the market landscape, and the critical interpersonal relationships needed to drive success. The Senior BD Manager will play an integral role in mentoring junior team members and fostering strong relationships with key attorneys, helping to build the business development function from the ground up, and cultivating a culture of trust and mutual respect within the firm.

Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Partner with the CMO, select industry team leaders and practice group chairs to drive the development of business development strategies that align with AGG’s strategic plan, positioning the firm as a market leader in key areas of growth.
• Building BD Infrastructure: Establish and oversee systems to track, measure, and report on the effectiveness of business development initiatives, ensuring alignment with firmwide goals and a strong ROI.
• Sponsorship & Industry Engagement: Oversee assigned industry team sponsorships, memberships, and investments in key industry organizations and conferences, optimizing these partnerships for maximum impact.
• Cross-Team Collaboration & Influence: Serve as a connector and facilitator within the firm to foster collaboration, encourage cross-marketing, and identify opportunities for business growth across practice and industry areas. Build trusted relationships with attorneys to establish credibility and ensure successful execution of BD strategies.
• Proposal & Pitch Management: Lead the firm’s response to major pitches, proposals, and RFPs, ensuring tailored, high-quality submissions that align with firm priorities and highlight AGG’s unique strengths.
• Lead and Manage the CRM: Ensure the CRM becomes an integral part of the BD strategy and actively utilized by attorneys for tracking and nurturing relationships and referrals and enhancing pipeline visibility.
• Coaching & Training: Work with the CMO to develop and lead business development training programs that mentor both junior and senior attorneys, empowering them to effectively build and cultivate their own client relationships and practice strategies.
• Client & Market Intelligence: Conduct in-depth research on clients, prospects, industry trends, and competitor activities to inform targeted business development efforts, identifying opportunities for AGG to expand its influence in strategic sectors.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Manage and mentor the firm’s BD coordinator and support staff, fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and collaboration across the marketing and BD team.

Skills and Qualities
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with at least 7-10 years of business development experience, ideally in a law firm or professional services environment. A proven track record of successfully building and executing high-level BD strategies is essential. Candidates should also possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility and trust with partners and attorneys across the firm.

Key characteristics of the successful candidate include:

• A visionary mindset with the ability to think long-term, innovate, and implement business development strategies that support the firm’s growth trajectory.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, lead, and manage multiple business development projects independently with minimal oversight, while ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to create trust across diverse groups of stakeholders, including attorneys, professional staff, and external partners.
• A high degree of emotional intelligence and adaptability, with the capacity to influence change while respecting the firm’s culture.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and strategies clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges, with a strong drive for excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality work.
• Deep understanding of CRM systems (ideally Legal360 by HSO or similar) and the ability to leverage it as a comprehensive BD pipeline tool.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field is required.
• 7-10 years of experience in business development, marketing, or a related field, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.

Position Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-Time