Sr Business Development Mgr

Position summary

The business development senior manager provides business development support and strategic project leadership to attorneys in the Financial Industry Group, interacting with practice group leadership, partners and associates, and business development and marketing resources across the firm.

In partnership with the senior business development manager for the Financial Industry Group and the broader business development team, this role is responsible for managing and executing the full range of business development and marketing activities for the group. This includes leading business development efforts for the practice group while also supporting additional subgroup areas and geographies.

This role is responsible for developing and executing holistic business development strategies, including driving firmwide collaboration across practice groups. Success in this position requires the ability to strategically evaluate client development opportunities based on market trends and the firm's competitive advantage, and to lead initiatives through completion to ensure optimal return on investment.

The role requires strategic and creative thinking on global issues impacting the group, as well as the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with attorneys. Strong organizational skills, time management, initiative, collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure are essential.

This position is part of a growing and dynamic firmwide marketing and business development team.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of the Financial Industry Group's services, revenue priorities, clients, and prospects. Serve as a firm resource on collective and individual experience, industry organizations, legal and business trends, practice-specific materials, and media. Stay current on industry developments and significant client and matter activity.
• Collaborate with firm resources to prepare analyses of industry competition, market trends, internal financial data, business opportunities, and pitch activity.
• Partner with practice group leadership and firmwide business development leadership to support development and execution of the annual marketing strategy and strategic plan. Contribute to the development of a global strategic framework and execution of key objectives. Support client relationship leaders in developing strategic plans for key clients and assist with practice development budget analysis.
• Support attorneys in identifying business development opportunities with new and existing clients and executing individual marketing plans.
• Develop tailored pitches and proposal materials. Contribute to global proposals and multi-practice pitches as a subject matter resource. Partner with legal, business development, and marketing teams to develop presentations and related materials.
• Maintain and enhance standard practice materials, including capability statements, practice group profiles, matter lists, case studies, and bios.
• Utilize experience tracking tools to ensure matters are accurately maintained.
• Maintain contact and key data within the firm's CRM system.
• Partner with firm resources and practice group leadership on directory submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500), including strategy development and submission preparation.
• Collaborate with branding and public relations teams to develop and implement thought leadership and campaigns that elevate the practice group's profile internally and externally.
• Develop and execute thought leadership strategies across multiple platforms, including client alerts, blogs, podcasts, and social media.
• Support onboarding and integration of lateral hires into the practice group.
• Plan and execute strategic events, including seminars, webinars, sponsorships, and conferences. Manage logistics, vendor coordination, and contracts to maximize return on investment.
• Develop and execute internal communications, including newsletters and firm updates highlighting business development successes.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Ensure high-quality work product and timely delivery across all responsibilities.
• Travel as required for meetings and events.
• Job duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify duties at any time.

Requirements

Education: bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred. JD and/or MBA strongly preferred.

Experience: 7–10 years of relevant experience in a marketing or business development role, preferably within a large law firm or professional services environment. Strong business development acumen and foundational legal knowledge required. Minimum of 3 years of management experience, including supervising, developing, and evaluating staff.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently across all levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively to partners and clients.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and collaboration skills.
• Strong client service orientation, with sensitivity to diverse perspectives and working styles.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

Other

Supervisory responsibilities: this position may include supervisory responsibilities.

Equipment to be used: personal computer and standard office equipment such as telephone, copier, and scanner.

Essential job functions:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged computer use.
• Ability to use digital tools and systems to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, analyze complex information, and apply sound judgment to strategic decisions.
• Ability to travel for meetings and training as required.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands.
• Flexibility to adjust working hours, including early start times, to support collaboration with international stakeholders.

Pay range

This represents the anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on factors including location and experience.

Pittsburgh/Miami/Dallas/Houston/Denver/Atlanta: $176,000 – $215,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

401(k) retirement plan
Medical insurance
Health savings account (HSA)
Virtual health services
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Accident insurance
Hospital indemnity insurance
Critical illness insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Lyra Health employee assistance program (EAP)
Paid family leave (for eligible exempt and non-exempt staff)
Transportation benefit
Back-up child care services
College coach program
Pet insurance
Paid sick time (for exempt staff)
Paid time off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code, and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an equal opportunity employer with core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork & respect, innovation, and impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.