Business Development Specialist

Job Description:

Business Development Specialist

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as primary project lead for select lawyers for all marketing services including events, design, technology, alumni and overall business development support.
• Manage assigned projects from inception to implementation with clear communication throughout the process to a variety of internal stakeholders, including partners.
• Produce pitches/RFPs, matter lists and other marketing materials & collateral for potential and existing clients. This includes drafting original content regarding qualifications; drafting and compiling value proposition statements; producing financial proposals, budgets and timelines for opportunities (in collaboration with our Pricing Support colleagues); gathering input from lawyers and other sources of information; project management; providing pitch preparation; and coaching the lawyers on strategy and follow-up.
• Help lawyers analyze new business opportunities for existing and prospective clients and data - across companies, individuals, markets and competitors - to inform strategy and approach.  This includes collaborating with other business development and practice management staff globally to identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Support lawyers and work closely with practice managers in compiling and disseminating internal group BD updates and priorities, acting as principal BD team contact in these meetings.
• Handle competitive intelligence exercises for research projects, including identifying potential business development opportunities and synergies with existing activities being conducted throughout the firm.
• Proactively work with partners to develop ideas for targeted event activities and liaise with relevant marketing services teams to execute.
• Oversee, and actively engage in, substantive training for junior members of the Business Development team to assist with pitches, new business initiatives and other projects.
• Work collaboratively with the firm’s Communications function to develop content that can inform ongoing proactive prominence-enhancing activities.
• Manage legal directory and (working alongside Comms team) awards submissions, including drafting and editing submissions, scheduling/prepping for/sitting in interviews, and conducting competitor analyses of key rankings & results.
• Contribute to matter management and league table processes and content strategy with respect to keeping matter experience data current for purposes of pitches, proposals, lawyer biographies, directory/award submissions and rankings.

Job Requirements:

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively with lawyers and staff at all levels within the organization, and from time to time with clients and third parties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail is critical and must be demonstrated.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter; ability to work efficiently and effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Proactive approach and can-do attitude with problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work flexibly to accommodate occasional early morning, evening and weekend needs of the lawyers.
• Advanced skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• InterAction/CRM experience is a plus.
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Preferred Qualifications:

• Majors in Business Administration, Political Science, English, History, Finance or other relevant areas preferred.
• Experience with a business development function within a law firm or professional services organization is preferred.
• At least 6 years of employment in a law firm/legal services is preferred.