Chicago - Business Development Manager - Capital Markets, Funds and Real Estate

Position Summary The Business Development Manager (BDM) plays a key role in helping the firm’s partners drive revenue by supporting and facilitating targeted business development (BD) initiatives, including strategy development and target identification. Each BDM is assigned a portfolio that may include practice groups, industry groups, and client teams and serves as a primary point of access to the full range of services offered by the BD Department. This position is part of a collaborative BD team where attorneys actively engage with team members to pursue growth opportunities and contributes to innovation within the BD Department. Responsibilities Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Practice Operations and firm leadership to proactively develop and implement strategic initiatives for the portfolio, aligning with the firm’s goals and objectives. Pitch, RFP Response & Presentation Support: Provide detailed presentation and pitch/RFP support and coaching to lawyers within the portfolio, including content strategy, research scoping, script drafting, and coordination of operational contributions. Practice/Industry Knowledge: Further develop industry and practice group knowledge to exceed BD support expectations and provide strategic value in pitches and RFP responses. Client Development Coaching & Strategy: Guide lawyers in identifying and pursuing BD prospects, maintaining existing client relationships, and overseeing conflict issues and other BD challenges. Intelligence Gathering & Metrics: Oversee collection of competitive intelligence and partner feedback after each marketing opportunity, using both subjective feedback and objective metrics to track opportunities. Research & Analysis: Work with the BD Research team to deliver client, prospect, competitor, and industry research, maintaining a market understanding for legal and associated services. Management & Leadership: Mentor junior team members, manage events, sponsorships, and BD opportunity spotting, and ensure follow‑up and ROI metrics collection. Lateral Integration: Serve as primary contact for new lateral partners, manage BD onboarding, and coordinate with Talent and Firm Development. Marketing Collateral & Lawyer Biographies: Oversee creation and maintenance of print and digital collateral and content for the portfolio in collaboration with Marketing Communications. Directories & Surveys: Manage responses to directories and surveys such as Chambers and Legal 500, and recommend award competitions. Value‑Additive Content & Events: Lead creation and distribution of client alerts, newsletters, webinars, podcasts, and other programs, aligning with firm branding. Knowledge Management: Oversee collection of information for BD systems and reporting tools, ensuring content is fully leveraged. Budgets & Expenses: Develop and manage BD budget for the portfolio, process expense approvals, and recommend new expenditures. Internal & External Communications: Collaborate with Marketing Communications to raise the portfolio’s visibility through speaking, sponsorship, and publication opportunities. Practice Operations: Serve as primary point of contact for the Director of Practice Operations, supporting BD and marketing initiatives. Special Projects: Assist supervisor(s) with special projects such as lateral recruiting pieces, firm‑wide materials, and internal trainings. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a discipline requiring writing, research, analysis, strategic planning, and/or marketing or business development. A J.D., M.B.A., or other relevant master’s degree is a plus. 7+ years of marketing, business development, or client service experience. Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3–4 days per week. Competencies Experience with strategic/business planning, conceiving and implementing BD and marketing initiatives, budgeting, and ROI analysis. Strong project‑management skills; experience developing persuasive pitch materials and RFP responses; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience analyzing multiple competing factors to make sound decisions and ability to work independently and creatively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, focusing on client relationships and a collaborative team environment. Ability to mentor, coach, and develop junior staff and foster a positive and inclusive team environment. Benefits Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide full coverage and support for full‑time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here. Salary Illinois applicants only: Target annual salary range $135,000–$155,000. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. New York applicants only: Target annual salary range $155,000–$175,000. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Winston Taylor