Business Development Specialist (Washington DC-Baltimore Area)

Position Overview

A global, reputable law firm is seeking a Marketing & Business Development Specialist to lead M&BD efforts for the global Transportation & Logistics (T&L) sector and support the global Automotive & Mobility (A&M) sector.

In this role, you will partner closely with global and local M&BD teams, sector heads, leadership, and key lawyers to develop and execute strategic marketing and business development initiatives that drive client engagement, enhance market positioning, and support long-term growth across the sectors and their aligned practice areas.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Partner with sector leadership, M&BD colleagues, and other key stakeholders to develop and execute global strategies that align with firmwide objectives and strengthen the firm's position in the T&L and A&M sectors.
• Lead and support the development of annual business plans for the T&L and A&M sectors, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with broader global sector strategies.

Marketing Campaigns, Profile Raising & Thought Leadership

• Plan, develop, and execute integrated marketing and communications initiatives, including client seminars and events, continuing legal education (CLE) programs, client-facing materials, conference participation, and digital content across web and social media channels.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of directory submissions and award applications to enhance the sectors' visibility and recognition in relevant rankings and publications.
• Coordinate contributions to sector-specific thought leadership initiatives and publications.
• Collaborate with the Public Relations team to develop and implement profile-raising strategies for the sectors and individual partners.

Events & Sponsorships

• Plan and execute client seminars, webinars, and other marketing events, overseeing event materials, vendor selection, client communications, logistics, and post-event reporting.
• Evaluate and manage sponsorship opportunities, including negotiating agreements and coordinating participation, to maximize value and return on investment.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant industry associations, leveraging sponsorships and partnerships to strengthen client engagement and expand the firm's market presence.
• Work with sector heads and leadership to plan internal meetings, retreats, and educational sessions that strengthen sector knowledge and collaboration.

Pitching, Targeting & New Business Development

• Lead pitch strategy for the T&L sector, aligning initiatives with the firm's sales transformation objectives and global pitch coordination efforts.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage responses to requests for proposals (RFPs), pitches, and other business development opportunities, ensuring submissions are tailored to client needs and sector priorities.
• Develop and maintain a suite of targeting and business development materials, including standard credentials documents, to support client development and new business generation.

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage and execute marketing campaigns and business development projects from inception through completion.
• Strong client service orientation, with excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with the firm's AI tools and a willingness to incorporate them into workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Education & Experience

• A minimum of five years of relevant marketing and business development experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.