Manager of Business Development-M&A/PE

New York, NY

Reports to: Senior Manager of Marketing and Business Development-Corporate 

Summary

The Manager of Business Development will be responsible for providing day-to-day support and strategic business development and marketing guidance to the M&A/Private Equity (PE) Group and other relevant transactional practices and initiatives. He/she will work closely with Practice Group Leaders, Marketing and BD senior management team, as well as Practice Group Directors/Managers and other administrative staff throughout the Firm to develop and execute on key initiatives and business plan objectives.

Relationships

Reports to the Senior Manager of Marketing and Business Development – Corporate and manages directly and indirectly junior staff members of the department. Must be able to work closely with Practice Group Leaders, members of the Marketing and Business Development Department and able to interact with all legal and administrative staff. 

Responsibilities

Business Development

• Project lead all business development and marketing activities for assigned practice/initiatives, including M&A/PE and leverage, as appropriate, resources across the Department and other constituents across the Firm to ensure consistently high-quality work product and on-deadline delivery.
• Work with various transactional Practice Group Managers/Directors on developing and executing business development plans, including identifying new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with partners, marketing and business development team and senior managers to identify and facilitate opportunities to cross-serve M&A and private equity clients across the Firm’s other relevant practice area capabilities and vice versa.
• Lead, enhance and initiate lead generation processes to support growth of the Firm’s M&A and private equity client base and revenue.
• Assist attorneys with major pitch meetings to clients and/or prospects, including:
  • Holding briefing discussions to understand the opportunity.
  • Conducting market, industry and client/prospect research.
  • Writing new business proposals and producing responses to requests for information/requests for proposals (RFIs/RFPs).
  • Preparing pitch materials, including visual aides and other leave-behind items.
  • Assisting in developing “best practice” proposal/pitch guidelines.
  • Supporting follow-up and debrief activities post-pitch.
  • Working on directory and other relevant submissions.
• Collaborate with research team to conduct ongoing market research and compile competitive intelligence relevant to specific practices.
• Work in partnership with the Communications and Events teams to identify and advance visibility efforts and opportunities. Compile and disseminate monthly activity reports on business development activities.
• Manager all facets of the directories submission process for relevant practice areas. 

Knowledge Management

• Develop and oversee maintenance of practice marketing materials, such as practice brochures, matter experience lists, practice descriptions, biographies and standard pitch decks.
• Manage and enhance the M&A league table collection and submission process; provide regular analysis of league table rankings to maximize rankings and visibility.
• Oversee maintenance of practice related information in proposal database and matter information database.
• Maintain online reporting system tracking proposals/pitches, including relevant documents, and evaluate progress by client/prospect, industry and type of services proposed.

Specifications

Education: 4-year College degree required, preferably in marketing, communications and/or liberal arts.

Experience: 6+ years’ experience in business development and marketing and/or in practice management, preferably within the marketing department of a law firm or another professional services firm. Minimum 3 years’ experience specifically supporting and guiding M&A professionals. 

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communications skills required. Must have excellent team and project management, organization and planning abilities. Must work collaboratively and promote teamwork, productivity and accountability within team. Must inspire enthusiasm, motivation, and positive attitude amongst team and with internal clients.
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of the M&A and private equity landscape, including an understanding of relevant transaction types, key players in the marketplace, industry trends and competitor law firms.
• Must have superb customer service and interpersonal skills and communicate effectively verbally and in writing with personnel at all levels – attorneys, management, peers and direct reports. Must be comfortable articulating and presenting strategic approaches with clarity and practicality.
• Must work with strong intellectual curiosity and resourcefulness. Must possess rigorous attention to process and detail, with overall pride of workmanship. Must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment working under pressure and prioritizing competing responsibilities within tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Must be self-motivated and act with integrity and in an equitable and professional manner. Must maintain confidentiality of materials and exercise sound judgment in resolving challenges as they arise. Ability to make appropriate hiring decisions.

Attendance

All positions require punctuality and regular attendance. 

Technological Skills

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite. Must have experience with certain M&A and private equity industry research tools. Experience with marketing-related databases preferred.