Business Development Manager - Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

WilmerHale•San Francisco, CA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

WilmerHale is seeking a Business Development Manager to identify and support revenue-generating opportunities for its emerging company and venture capital practice. The Manager develops relationships with founders, startups, universities, incubators, accelerators, technology industry groups, investors, and service providers. The role educates the market about the firm’s lawyers, services, and value proposition, with a primary focus on the Bay Area and additional efforts in Boston, New York, and nationally. The position requires weekly presence in both the Palo Alto and San Francisco offices. The Manager provides strategic business development and marketing support to transactional practice groups and the Transactional Clients & Markets team. Working with the Director of Business Development for the Transactional Department and other firm personnel, the Manager leads projects such as pitches and RFPs, events, sponsorships, marketing content, thought leadership, social media, research, and practice group marketing. The role also provides market insights and recommendations to lawyers, supports attorney visibility and client portfolio growth, and oversees marketing infrastructure projects. The successful candidate has a strong understanding of startup culture, venture capital, technology sectors, fundraising, and transactional practices. They are an effective relationship-builder and communicator who can work independently, collaborate across teams, and adapt to technological change. A bachelor’s degree is required. Eight or more years of experience in a legal, technology, management, or market analysis environment is preferred, along with at least three years of experience in venture capital, accelerator/incubator program management, or business development at a mature startup or startup-focused professional services firm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least three years of experience in venture capital, accelerator/incubator program management, or business development at a mature startup or startup-focused professional services firm.
Deep understanding of startup culture and ability to offer strategic guidance to founders and entrepreneurs.
Ability to support business development across multiple transactional practice groups and align initiatives with firm-wide goals.
Knowledge of venture capital, technology sectors, fundraising trends, and business models.
Knowledge of transactional practices, including M&A, private equity, and capital markets.
Familiarity with and existing relationships in the Bay Area startup ecosystem.
Strong networking, relationship-building, and connection-making skills.
Ability to work independently while engaging decision-makers and securing buy-in.
Excellent written, presentation, and oral communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations for attention to detail and quality.
Openness to technological change, including generative AI, and willingness to adapt work practices to support efficiency and innovation.
Weekly presence in both the Palo Alto and San Francisco offices.

Nice To Haves

Eight or more years of experience in a legal, technology, management, or market analysis environment is preferred.
Experience with Salesforce or another CRM or pipeline management tool is preferable.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and develop relationships with industry groups, accelerators, universities, and programs where emerging companies may need the firm’s legal services.
Visit universities and startup venues to build long-term relationships and referral sources.
Attend key events; evaluate sponsorship opportunities; and host events to increase visibility, network, and gather market intelligence.
Maintain CRM records of activities and communications, and identify internal connections among contacts.
Research prospective clients, investors, industry sectors, and market trends, and share findings with internal audiences.
Screen potential clients for their needs and alignment with QuickLaunch or general client criteria, and facilitate appropriate introductions.
Provide selected existing clients and contacts with guidance on business plans, fundraising, and competitive landscapes.
Map and develop relationships with venture capitalists and early-stage investors; track personnel moves and referrals; and recommend relationship-building tactics.
Meet with partners to report progress, share leads and referrals, present opportunities, prompt follow-up, and gather feedback.
Secure speaking engagements and other profile-building opportunities for lawyers.
Create and promote presentations, blog posts, event materials, and other marketing content.
Develop the QuickLaunch platform, WilmerHale Launch website, and related marketing and social media efforts.
Report deal activity for league tables such as PitchBook and promote rankings, awards, and other recognition.
Contribute to legal directory submissions and award nominations.
Maintain knowledge of the firm’s capabilities, experience, differentiators, and competitors.
Track and analyze activity and impact metrics and provide monthly and quarterly progress reports to partners.
Implement business development projects and initiatives with practice groups to support new business goals.
Develop pitches and presentations tailored to companies’ specific needs, drawing on the firm’s experience and industry knowledge.
Coordinate updates to web and print marketing collateral, including practice group descriptions, matter lists, and biographies.
Lead aspects of lateral partner onboarding and practice group strategic planning.
Collaborate with colleagues and perform special projects as requested by the Business Development leadership team.
Model professionalism, clear expectations, high-quality service, and courteous communication with internal departments, clients, and vendors.