Practice Development Manager-Project Finance & Real Estate

New York, NY 

Job Description

A global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world, is currently seeking a Practice Development Manager-Project Finance & Real Estate to join our winning team, located in New York. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation and collaboration.
As a Practice Development Manager-Project Finance & Real Estate you will support the firm by using your marketing and business development experience combined with your understanding of the competitive market landscape and knowledge of the internal workings of Firm’s Finance Department and its Practice Groups to contribute to the strategic planning and implementation of the goals and objectives of the global department.
The Practice Development Manager will work with the Business Development Director-Global Practice & Industry Groups (Director) to outline synergies, coordinate workflows and implement initiatives across the Global Industry Groups, Finance Practice groups and Local Offices in conjunction with the BD teams assigned to the aforementioned groups while accomplishing these and other critical functions: 

Management

• Managing the operations of, supervising, mentoring, and developing direct reports. Generating annual and formal performance evaluation for employees.
• Working with the Director, developing and approving new career development programs/trainings and associated budgets with local and global leadership.
• Acting as liaison between the global and local department leadership, BD team and office/regional BD teams.
• Coordinating with other areas/departments of the firm where overlap exists to ensure necessary procedures/communications for efficient processes and to satisfy various department needs.
• Completing special projects as assigned, promoting effective work practices, working as a team member, and showing respect for co-workers. 

Practice and Client Development

• Developing and maintaining in-depth knowledge of practice and industry expertise, client mix, matter experience, trade groups and media and operating as a marketing/business development strategic advisor to Department leadership, BD team members and local/regional BD teams.
• Advising and supporting Department and Practice Group leadership and BD team to identify, develop new and enhance existing client relationships.
• Assisting Department and Practice Group leadership vis-à-vis assigned BD team with the management of client retention and cross-selling programs. 

Strategic Planning

• In collaboration with the Director and the leadership of the Department and Practice Groups
• Outlining the overall strategies, goals, metrics and objectives in support of the practice, relevant industries, and/or clients as assigned.
• Creating and overseeing plans, programs and budgets in support thereof as approved by the Director.
• Driving the implementation of BD tactics and initiatives to support the strategic objectives of the practice, local office/region, relevant industry sector and/or clients as assigned.
• Working with Department and Practice Group leadership, client relationship partners and the BD team to develop and drive cross-selling strategies and internal communication plans, including coordinating with relevant leadership and BD teams for the Industry Groups and related Practice Groups.
• Utilizing research of markets, competition and conflicts for the Department.
• Utilizing research of markets, competition and conflicts for the Department to drive strategy. 

Marketing, Communications and Client Programs

• Identifying unique or compelling thought leadership opportunities (i.e. Client Alerts/publications, Webcasts/seminars, etc.), communicating these opportunities to relevant lawyers, BD team members and/or local BD team members, and overseeing implementation and execution as necessary.
• Coordinating with the Global Public Relations team to ensure BD and PR efforts are complementary. Ensuring that significant matters are publicized internally and externally in accordance with the firm’s public relations policy and resources.
• Overseeing maintenance and currency of all Marketing/Business Development forms/documents and web site content, including practice profiles, office resumes, and relevant experience lists, and identifying new opportunities for content based on market/client needs.
• Identifying opportunities gleaned from Practice Groups sponsoring conferences/organizations whereby complementary attendance passes for clients and/or lawyers exist and develop systematic and strategic approach for disseminating these passes.

As a Practice Development Manager, you will be expected to apply your organizational and communication skills while displaying a positive, high-energy attitude. The successful Practice Development Manager must have knowledge of core marketing principals, including internal communications, public relations, seminar/event planning, branding, market research, competitive intelligence, credentials and RFP response preparation. An ideal candidate will display excellent leadership skills (i.e., organizing, planning, problem-solving and decision-making) necessary for effective management and strong analytical skills, including synthesizing and presenting research data to attorneys and BD Department management. The Manager will possess the ability to perceive and analyze problems, and a make or recommend sound decisions, as well as the ability to undertake large, long-term projects, develop alternative methods to complete them, and implement solutions.
A Bachelor’s degree is required, as well as more than three (3) years of supervisory/management experience. More than eight (8) years of progressively responsible business development and marketing experience in legal/professional services is desired. Some travel is required of this position.