Business Development Manager

Ballard Spahr LLP•Washington, DC

1d•$145,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

A great opportunity is available for a dynamic and accomplished business development professional to join Ballard Spahr as a Business Development Manager (BDM), supporting key Litigation Department practices, including Antitrust, Securities Litigation, White Collar, and Government Affairs. In this strategic role, the successful candidate will partner closely with Litigation Department leadership, practice group leaders, attorneys, Marketing leadership, and other marketing professionals to drive business growth, strengthen client relationships, and identify new market opportunities. The BDM will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive business development strategies, enhancing the firm's brand presence, and ensuring alignment with broader firm and departmental objectives. This position requires a professional who can exercise independent judgment, think strategically, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and lead complex business development initiatives with confidence and diplomacy. The ideal candidate will be resilient, innovative, client-focused, and highly collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across teams while contributing to firm-wide and industry-focused marketing initiatives that support continued growth and success. This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
At least five years of professional services marketing experience
Strong preference for legal marketing and business development expertise
Experience supporting Antitrust, Securities Litigation, White Collar, and/or Government Affairs practice groups within an AmLaw 100 or similarly sized law firm is highly valued.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Strong editing capabilities
Outstanding project management, analytical, and interpersonal abilities
High degree of technical proficiency, including experience with CRM platforms, is preferred.
Strong business acumen
Client-centric approach
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Proactive, collaborative mindset
Strong work ethic
Commitment to delivering exceptional client service
Regular and dependable attendance is essential
Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours as needed to meet business demands.

Nice To Haves

Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to identify relationships and build awareness of firm capabilities with relevant practice and industry organizations.
Promote the firm’s services while understanding, addressing, and aligning our efforts with targets and clients’ objectives.
Maintain a rolling pipeline which tracks opportunities; forecasts targets and helps attorneys achieve goals.
Partner with Practice Group Leaders to develop and implement strategic business development plans.
In collaboration with the Client Events and Communications teams, lead the business development strategy for events, conferences, sponsorships, and related marketing activities.
Provide strategic guidance on positioning, messaging, and content for pitches, proposals, and RFP responses.
Assist with the development and management of practice group budgets, including evaluating the strategic value and return on investment of business development and marketing expenditures.
Provide business development coaching in group and one-on-one settings.
Develop target lists and opportunities for new business.
Identify and lead efforts to market the services and expertise of the lawyers in relevant industry and practice forums through various thought leadership and profile-raising activities.
Provide direction of the compilation and maintenance of relevant practice content and materials.
Ensure the most relevant and useful marketing and business development materials are catalogued and accessible.