Business Development Manager

Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP ("K&L Gates") — the January 1, 2007 combination of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham ("K&LNG") and Preston Gates & Ellis ("PGE") — comprises approximately 1,500 lawyers with 24 offices in cities throughout the world.  K&L Gates represents capital markets participants and leading global corporations, growth and middle-market companies, and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities.  We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager for the Newark, New Jersey office.

This business development professional will have responsibility for developing and executing marketing and business development programs to support lawyers based in the firms’ Newark office.  The Manager will collaborate with office, practice and industry group leadership and individual partners to help plan, focus and direct business development activity.  The Manager will also lead marketing and business development staff to ensure local office initiatives are executed efficiently and effectively. The position reports to the Director of Client Development, with dotted line reporting to the Newark Administrative Partner and applicable practice/industry group coordinating lawyers.

 

Responsibilities:

 

§ Co-develop and implement market- and practice/industry-centric business development strategies and plans with Newark office and applicable practice/industry leadership consistent with the firm’s strategic initiatives;

§ Co-develop annual Newark office and applicable practice/industry group marketing and business development budgets with office leadership and practice/industry group coordinators;

§ Collaborate with lawyers to execute business development activities and plans, using resources across the firm’s marketing network, for support as appropriate;

§ Work closely with lawyers, marketing staff and firm wide personnel to prepare RFP responses, write proposals, and create presentations for new business;

§ Manage business development process and pipeline on behalf of office and practice/industry group leadership;

§ Plan seminars, conferences and other firm-sponsored events.  Take primary responsibility for program planning, audience development and directing lead follow-up.  Seek opportunities for strategic collaboration with outside organizations;

§ Maintain a strong knowledge of the Newark and greaterNew Jersey market including business trends and competitive landscape.  Develop and maintain personal connections in the business community to help in lead generation;

§ Support group and individual lawyers’ business development efforts by identifying potential leads, collecting and sharing market and industry intelligence, representing the firm at networking events, tracking business development activity, identifying professional and trade associations with which the office should affiliate;

§ Collaborate with firm wide Marketing staff to assure integrity of the firm brand;

§ Coach lawyers as they prepare for marketing- and business development-related presentations.  Follow up with lawyers on outcomes and conduct client debriefings as assigned;

§ Identify potential press opportunities, and collaborate with office and firm wide marketing staff to turn those opportunities into media exposure.  Identify attorneys to be sources with key media contacts;

§ Assist in orienting new lateral attorneys to the department, office and firm.  This can include communicating Marketing department structure and capabilities, assisting in the creation of press releases and announcements, collaborating with related practice/industry group-oriented Business Development Managers, and helping with initial business development activities; 

§ Assist in the mentoring, training and ongoing development of local business development and marketing staff;

§ Serve as a member of K&L Gates’ firm wide marketing team.  Execute firm wide initiatives as assigned.  Participate in special projects at the behest of the CMO;

§ Undertake other projects as assigned.

 

Candidates are expected to have a minimum of six (6) years of marketing experience (including substantial business development/sales experience) in a professional services firm or closely related work environment.  An MBA or similar graduate-level degree is preferred, and previous experience in a law firm will be favorably considered.  The role requires outstanding communication and diplomacy skills, a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels and to influence senior professionals and help them succeed in meeting their business development objectives.  Candidates should be team players with an independent working style and outstanding project management skills, as well as the ability to juggle competing, shifting priorities and consistently meet deadlines.

 

K&L Gates offers excellent benefits, salary commensurate with experience, and a great work environment.  If you are up to this challenge, please apply on-line or send your resume to:  nresumes@klgates.com .

 

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