Business Development Director - Finance

FBT Gibbons LLP•Dallas, TX

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 25 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve. At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions. We are currently seeking a Business Development Director to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to Practice Groups, Industry Teams, key client programs (Cornerstones), cross-functional departments, and firm leadership, creating and leading business development strategies that accelerate revenue and support long term growth for the Finance Industry Team and associated practices. This includes data analysis, strategic planning, execution of tactics that support strategic initiatives, budget planning, and identifying, tracking and reporting on KPIs. The ideal candidate will bring deep insight into market trends and client needs shaping the finance sector, paired with experience working across finance related practice areas including banking, lending, commercial real estate, restructuring, project finance, private equity, structured finance, and private wealth. Experience in a B2B, professional services and/or legal environment is required. This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; San Francisco, CA; or Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required – degree in finance, business, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
Minimum 10 years of previous work experience in a B2B, professional services or legal environment required, including 5 years of management experience.
Experience in financial services, commercial real estate or multifamily industries preferred.
Strong strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a solution-oriented mindset.
Proven leadership abilities, coupled with initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a self-starter attitude.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the firm, including senior leadership (e.g., Chair, Executive Committee, etc.), attorneys, and business professionals.
Highly organized, with strong project management and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work over 40 hours per week and travel as needed across the firm’s footprint. Weekend and overnight travel may be required from time to time. Travel time estimates are moderate (10-15%).

Nice To Haves

degree in finance, business, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
Experience in financial services, commercial real estate or multifamily industries preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio that includes the Finance Industry Team, associated practice groups and key client teams. Make independent decisions in consultation with Practice Group and Industry Team Leaders, the Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), and other Firm executive leadership.
Work closely with the CBDO on strategic firm initiatives and serve as a delegate for leadership functions and presentations as needed.
Perform data analysis, working closely with Directors of Practice Services, Finance, and Data & Innovation teams. Combine internal data points and external research to develop strategies for growth and integration with Industry Teams and high-growth Practice Groups.
Collaborate with Directors of Practice Services and Department Chairs on Practice Group performance, individual attorney matters and determination of new or productized service offerings.
Manage key client teams (Cornerstones) associated with assigned groups/teams. Work closely with the Director of Client Development (DCD) and Client Relationship Leaders (CRLs) to drive business development strategies to achieve revenue goals and oversee plan implementation.
Activate the firm’s client feedback and interview initiative, participate in client-facing interviews, and analyze feedback and insights with the Director of Client Development and Client Relationship Leaders to inform action plans, best practices, and business development training programs.
Supervise and mentor a team of business development professionals, including Business Development Managers (BDMs), Business Development Associates (BDAs), and Business Development Coordinators (BDCs), delegating tactical execution to support the assigned portfolio while providing strategic oversight for assigned practice groups and teams.
Define campaigns, tactics, timelines and benchmarks for strategic business development opportunities; drive accountability for execution and outcomes.
Oversee the preparation and strategy for requests for proposal (RFP) responses and new business pitches.
Collaborate within the Marketing Department and with team members in Finance, Data & Innovation, Information Technology, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB), Pricing, Project Management and Legal Talent on significant new or ongoing initiatives impacting assigned groups or broader firm objectives.
Oversee departmental leadership functions, including process improvement, resource development, and meeting facilitation, in close coordination with the CBDO.
Oversee the development and management of all budgets affecting the key areas of responsibility (Industries, Practice Groups, Client Teams, and/or initiatives).
Develop and present insights and analyses on legal industry trends, client feedback, practice group trends, industry trends and opportunities for awareness and outreach.
Foster a positive and inclusive work culture by motivating employees, promoting teamwork, and maintaining high levels of engagement and job satisfaction.
Provide continuous coaching and mentorship to direct reports, offering constructive feedback to support professional growth and skill development.
Ensure adherence to firm policies and legal regulations while managing employee conduct and performance.