Director of Business Development

A prestigious global Am Law firm is seeking a Director of Business Development to support their Transactional Department. This role can sit in NYC, D.C., or Chicago.

The Director will partner with Department and Practice Group leadership to drive strategic initiatives, identify growth opportunities, and provide comprehensive business development, branding, and marketing support within the Transactional Department (Corporate, Financial Services, and Tax). This role acts as a strategic business advisor to department and practice group leadership, contributing to the firm’s success in client retention, expansion, and market visibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Acts as a trusted advisor to Department Chairs and Practice Group leaders, driving the development and execution of group strategies and objectives.
• Fosters a culture of business development within assigned practice groups, overseeing initiatives to expand client relationships, attract new clients, and support cross-selling opportunities.
• Provides strategic leadership to Business Development professionals, ensuring exemplary client service and effective collaboration within practice groups.
• Partners with group leaders to create and execute annual business development plans, leveraging market insights to identify growth opportunities and enhance brand visibility.
• Guides the creation of client-focused materials, including proposals, pitches, and marketing collateral, while managing knowledge resources to keep materials current.
• Oversees research on clients, competitors, and market trends to inform business strategies and support growth initiatives.
• Leads efforts to integrate lateral partner hires and enhance their market presence, while collaborating on messaging for recruiting and branding.
• Develops thought leadership content, supports client service teams, and ensures timely preparation of submissions for rankings and recognition.
• Mentors and trains BD professionals to build a high-performing team aligned with strategic priorities and revenue goals.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; JD, MBA, or other advanced degrees preferred
• 10 years of progressive business development experience, ideally within a transactional or corporate environment, with a proven track record of expanding client relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
• Strong business acumen, leveraging financial and market intelligence to support strategic growth initiatives and go-to-market strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, managing and mentoring business development teams to drive results and align with strategic goals.
• Proficient in knowledge management systems, including CRM tools, to optimize client engagement and business development efforts.