Business Development Manager - M&A and PE

Gibson Dunn•Dallas, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Gibson Dunn is hiring a Business Development Manager based in Dallas to lead business development, marketing, and visibility initiatives for its M&A and Private Equity practices. Working closely with partners, the Director of Business Development, and colleagues across the firm, the Manager will turn practice and partner priorities into actionable plans to strengthen client relationships and pursue new business. The role oversees pitches and proposals, develops practice materials, and coordinates targeted client outreach and visibility initiatives. It also supports other transactional practices and lawyers as needed and contributes to developing junior team members. The position reports to the Director, BD. The annual compensation range is $175,000–$185,000; the salary offered within this range depends on qualifications and other operational considerations. Benefits include health care, retirement benefits, paid days off including sick and vacation time, parental leave, basic life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, and discretionary performance-based bonuses. The firm may consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Requirements

University degree.
5–7 years of experience in professional services; legal experience preferred.
Exceptional professional interpersonal skills and ability to interact with lawyers at varying levels, including firm leadership.
Strong written communication skills.
Strong project management and time management skills.
Solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firms and ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and many constituents.
Ability to work under pressure.
Exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail.
Ability to work outside business hours and travel occasionally as needed.

Nice To Haves

Legal experience in professional services.
2+ years of team management experience.
Experience with strategic business development planning and pitching.
Transactional knowledge.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute business development plans for the M&A and Private Equity practices and assigned regions, aligned with practice priorities and individual partner objectives.
Support key client initiatives and collaborate across practices and offices to identify opportunities to deepen relationships, expand work with existing clients, and pursue prospective clients.
Lead the strategy, preparation, and delivery of tailored pitches, proposals, and other client-facing materials, partnering with the RFP team as appropriate.
Coordinate internal strategy sessions and debriefs, track outcomes, and manage follow-up.
Oversee the development and maintenance of practice materials, including standard pitch decks, deal lists, matter descriptions, and other credentials, ensuring content is accurate, current, and readily available.
Collaborate with communications, digital marketing, and other colleagues to identify and pursue speaking opportunities, media visibility, awards, and legal directory recognition.
Plan and oversee client events, seminars, conferences, sponsorships, and other targeted marketing activities with the events team and relevant colleagues.
Assist the Director with team management, including mentoring junior team members and supporting their professional development.
Lead additional department and firm projects as assigned.
Support other transactional practices and lawyers as needed.