Director of Business Development
Locations: St. Louis * Kansas City * Chicago
Work Model: Hybrid (4 days/week onsite)
A leading national law firm is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive firmwide revenue growth, client development, and strategic market positioning. This is a key senior leadership role overseeing the Business Development function across multiple U.S. offices and partnering closely with firm leadership.
About the Opportunity
This is an ideal role for a seasoned BD leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, attorney coaching, team leadership, and cross-practice collaboration. The firm offers a long-established platform, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and high-quality client service.
The Director will translate the firm's strategic priorities into actionable business development initiatives across practice areas, industry teams, and key client portfolios.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead firmwide business development strategy in alignment with enterprise goals.
- Convert strategic priorities into measurable initiatives with clear accountability.
- Advise firm leadership on market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities.
Growth & Opportunity Development
- Identify and pursue opportunities across practices, industries, and key client accounts.
- Recommend strategies to grow revenue, strengthen client relationships, and drive cross-practice collaboration.
Client, Industry & Account Planning
- Oversee client team strategy, goal-setting, and execution of business development plans.
- Facilitate client-planning sessions, post-pitch debriefs, and relationship reviews.
Proposals, Pitches & RFP Management
- Direct the creation of client-centric proposals and RFPs.
- Establish best practices to improve win rates and strengthen value articulation.
Attorney Coaching & Practice Development
- Guide attorneys in developing tailored BD plans and strengthening relationship-development skills.
- Support practice and industry groups with strategic planning and execution.
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a high-performing Business Development team.
- Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture focused on excellence and accountability.
Marketing & Brand Integration
- Partner with marketing leadership on visibility, branding, and thought-leadership initiatives.
Data, Technology & Analytics
- Leverage CRM and related tools to track pipeline activity, client engagement, and performance metrics.
- Deliver reporting and insights to inform firm leadership and investment decisions.
Research, Intelligence & Change Leadership
- Oversee market research and competitive intelligence.
- Champion adoption of new tools, technologies, and process improvements.
- Support integration of lateral hires and new practice areas.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, etc.) preferred.
- 10+ years of BD experience, ideally within a mid- to large-sized law firm.
- Demonstrated success advising senior leadership and attorneys.
- Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to build trust across stakeholder groups.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive measurable results.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture.
Additional Details
- Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
- Travel: Semi-regular domestic travel to U.S. offices
- Hybrid Schedule: 4 days onsite weekly
- Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer
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