Associate Director, Marketing & Business Development, Corporate - Transactions and Finance

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Marketing & Business Development, Corporate is one of two primary marketing and business development resources for the firm's Corporate Department, each supporting a defined group of practices. Working closely with the Corporate Department Chair, practice group leaders, partners, and the Marketing and Business Development team, this individual is responsible for developing and executing initiatives that strengthen client relationships, support business development efforts, enhance the practices' visibility, and advance their strategic objectives. This position can be based in our New Haven, Hartford, Stamford or New York office.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience supporting corporate and transactional practices at a law firm, or comparable deal advisory or transaction services work at a Big Four or other professional services firm, and will serve as a trusted strategic adviser to department and practice leadership. This individual will help identify growth opportunities, develop and implement business development strategies, support key client and prospect pursuits, and bring creative, practical ideas that help lawyers and the practice achieve their goals. The role requires sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is an opportunity to help shape a newly restructured Marketing and Business Development department. We are looking for an entrepreneurial, innovative professional who brings fresh ideas, is energized by building new programs, and will help us rethink how we support our lawyers and clients.

Practice Groups Supported

This role supports the Corporate Department's Mergers and Acquisitions; Private Equity; Restructuring and Distressed Transactions; and Finance and Lending practice groups, as well as other practices as assigned.

Both Associate Directors, Corporate, serve as liaisons to the Corporate Department Chair and share responsibility for department-wide initiatives. Practice assignments may change as the department's needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Practice Support

• Work closely with the Corporate Department Chair, practice group leaders, and partners to develop and implement business development plans that support the department's and assigned practices' goals and growth priorities.
• Serve as the primary marketing and business development resource for the assigned practice groups, advising partners on client development opportunities, visibility initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Serve as a liaison to the Corporate Department Chair, coordinating with the other Associate Director, Corporate, on department-wide plans, priorities, and reporting.
• Help identify opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients, pursue new clients and matters, and strengthen collaboration across practices and industries.
• Provide regular updates to the Department Chair and practice leadership on key initiatives, progress, and results.
• Assist with annual planning and budgeting for the department's and assigned practices' marketing and business development activities.

Client Development and Business Development Initiatives

• Lead the development of pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and presentations for significant corporate and transactional opportunities.
• Work with partners to identify and pursue strategic client and prospect opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate client and prospect plans, helping lawyers build stronger relationships and pursue new business opportunities.
• Provide practical coaching and support to lawyers on business development activities, including networking, presentations, client outreach, and follow-up.
• Support the successful integration of new corporate partners by helping to develop and implement business development and visibility plans.

Market Intelligence and Practice Growth

• Monitor market trends, client needs, competitor activity, and developments affecting the corporate and transactional market, and share relevant insights with the Department Chair and practice leadership.
• Conduct research on clients, prospects, industries, and competitors to support business development efforts and strategic decision-making.
• Help identify emerging opportunities, market trends, and areas where the practice can strengthen its position in the marketplace.

Profile Raising and Content Development

• Work with lawyers to develop and promote thought leadership, including articles, client alerts, webinars, speaking engagements, and other content, in coordination with the Content and Communications Manager.
• Partner with the communications, digital marketing, and events teams to increase the visibility of the practice, its lawyers, and its successes.
• Lead or oversee submissions for Chambers, The Legal 500, IFLR1000, deal league tables, and other rankings, awards, and recognition programs.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of corporate marketing materials, including deal descriptions, representative experience, biographies, website content, and pitch materials.
• Ensure significant transactions, achievements, and market developments are communicated effectively both internally and externally.

Team and Firm Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm to support client service, business development, and practice growth initiatives.
• Work with other practice and industry teams, including the Litigation Associate Directors, to identify opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration.
• Direct and coordinate the work of the Marketing Operations team, including content, events, design, and marketing operations, on behalf of the assigned practices.
• Help improve processes, data quality, and systems that support business development, client relationship management, and experience management.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten years of marketing and business development experience in a law firm, Big Four, or other professional services firm, ideally supporting corporate, transactional, or deal advisory practices.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing business development initiatives, client programs, and strategic growth plans.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with a track record of launching new initiatives, programs, or approaches that delivered measurable results.
• Experience working directly with department chairs, practice leaders, partners, and senior lawyers.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate research and market information into practical recommendations.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and excellent relationship-building skills. Positive, collaborative, and approachable, with a strong client-service orientation and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and take ownership of projects large and small. Able to build credibility with lawyers, clients, and colleagues across the firm while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and a sense of humor in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience directing shared resources and leading cross-functional projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and familiarity with legal marketing and business development technologies, including CRM and experience management systems.
• Demonstrated experience using AI tools as a research assistant, editor, and thought partner to improve the speed and quality of business development work, while applying sound judgment, human review, and the firm's confidentiality and data security policies.
• Ability to travel periodically.

Location, Compensation, and Benefits:

• Location: New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Connecticut; or New York
• Connecticut salary range: $120,000–$170,000. The salary offered will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.
• New York salary range: $130,000–$180,000. The salary offered will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

• Benefits: Wiggin and Dana offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and paid holidays.