Senior Business Development Manager (Corporate)

About the Role

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, a leading international law firm with over 900 lawyers across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive the strategic growth of the firm’s Corporate practice, with an emphasis on M&A and Private Equity groups. This hybrid role is based in New York and reports to the Director of Business Development.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Corporate practice’s growth strategy, particularly for the M&A and Private Equity practices.
• Oversee the process for all pitches, RFPs, proposals, and client presentations, including related research and follow-through.
• Research, analyze, and drive strategy for client growth opportunities in collaboration with the firm’s research team and market intelligence analyst.
• Manage client targeting initiatives from strategy to execution.
• Oversee lateral partner strategy and integration for M&A and Private Equity partners joining the firm.
• Stay apprised of market, client, and competitor trends, and disseminate actionable insights.
• Manage and develop junior business development team members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment.
• Write and maintain marketing collateral, including web content, pitch books, attorney biographies, and other assets.
• Drive high-profile client event strategy.
• Manage the M&A and Private Equity deal database, including ongoing matter collection and reporting.
• Contribute to league tables and respond to industry awards and directories.
• Evaluate and coordinate speaking and other visibility efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a marketing-related field. Advanced degree, JD, or MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience with 3 years of management experience in the legal or professional services industry.
• Prior experience working with transactional advisors.
• Strong financial and research capability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong writing and editing.
• Strong work ethic and service orientation.
• Strong critical thinking and discretion.
• Strong project management skills.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload, work independently and as part of a team, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Poise, tact, and professionalism in interactions with internal and external contacts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position in New York is $200,000 to $230,000. The actual salary offered will be based on factors including relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications, job-related knowledge and skills, business needs, and location. Total compensation may also include health and insurance benefits, financial benefits (e.g., 401(k) eligibility), a discretionary bonus, and paid time off.