Our client is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with experience in professional services business development to join our New York office and lead the business development activities for the Firm’s M&A practice.  As one of the largest and strategically important practices, this individual will work directly with partners in NY, LA, Boston and London to develop, plan and implement marketing and client strategies.

The candidate will be part of the global business development team and work in conjunction with the dedicated M&A practice analyst and the broader client development department (including media relations, digital communications, new business and research, client events) to support the practice in its efforts.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Develop a thorough understanding of the Firm’s M&A practice and platform, including its client-base, attorney-base and skill-set and help identify market and client opportunities where we have competitive advantage
• Track and report intelligence on key clients and prospects and develop client action plans for developing/expanding business
• Work with our lawyers to develop compelling new business pitch presentations
• Develop marketing campaigns around hot/trending topics and ensure that we are nimble in developing thoughtful, business-savvy and targeted content
• Benchmark our activities against those of competitors
• Create plans for increasing external visibility of the practice in its key markets and our individual attorneys.  Recommend client communication topics and execute distribution through various channels including client events, client alerts, webcasts, podcasts, video etc.
• Create practice-specific marketing collateral, lawyer biographies, practice area descriptions and other collateral to more effectively “sell” the practice, its people and its client offerings
• Ensure pitch database is up-to-date with client and attorney feedback on opportunities and that we are sharing best practice and continuing to improve our track record; participate in pitch debriefs, monitor wins/losses, track and report client feedback; build and maintain a flow of relevant information within practices regarding business development activity to encourage internal communication and sharing of client intelligence
• Manage promotional activities, including evaluating and selecting advertising and sponsorship opportunities, within approved budgets
• Manage and mentor other team members
• In partnership with the senior team and practice leadership, execute annual marketing plans and budgets for the practices

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 7-10 years’ experience in a Professional Services environment.  Practical experience in professional business development, marketing or communications function is required
• Preferred knowledge of and affinity for transactional practices, experience and/or familiarity with M&A and a high degree of drive and personal initiative to raise the Firm’s profile and generate business
• Strong strategic business development skillset with knowledge of core marketing principles
• Robust project management skills; flexibility to adjust work schedule according to workload demands; ability to deal with complex material and concepts and manage multiple concurrent projects; establish and manage deadlines and prioritize appropriately
• Ability to maintain professional composure and confidentiality in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment
• Established comfort level in working with all levels of management; capacity to work in a team environment
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills