Business Development Senior Manager – Private Capital & Life Sciences

Freshfields•Boston, MA

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

Freshfields US LLP is a major international law firm providing high-quality legal advice. We aim to be the go-to firm for critical legal advice globally, delivering seamless client service across borders. Our people are our strength, and we foster a welcoming, supportive, and diverse environment where everyone can flourish. We believe diversity is a strength that brings fresh perspectives and new ideas. We are passionate about our work and committed to delivering outstanding results, especially when working in teams. We operate globally, acting as one firm across the world, wherever our clients need us. Cross-border work is our specialty, and we excel at navigating different legal systems, commercial environments, and bridging language and cultural gaps. We strive to add value in everything we do, helping our clients succeed through experience and creativity, and making a real difference in the communities where we operate. Marketing & Business Development (MBD) is a dynamic global team comprising business development professionals, research analysts, and experts in brand, marketing, and communications. We collaborate to shape the firm’s client strategy, analyze complex business issues, identify opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and create content and marketing campaigns that drive our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape Freshfields' global perception.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, ideally in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in business development and/or marketing in a professional services environment; law firm or financial services sector experience strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills, with attention to detail in writing.
Demonstrated experience supporting sector-focused and/or practice-focused business development initiatives, ideally involving corporate, financial institutions, or private capital clients.
Proven track record in preparing and managing pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations for sophisticated institutional clients.
Strong project management experience with evidence of successfully managing multiple concurrent initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Strategic and analytical thinker, able to interpret market and client information and translate it into practical BD actions and partner-ready recommendations.
Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the confidence to interact with and influence partners and senior stakeholders while maintaining diplomacy and discretion.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with meticulous attention to detail in drafting and editing client-facing materials.
Highly collaborative team player who builds strong internal networks and works effectively across offices, practices, and business services teams.
Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and tight deadlines without compromising quality.
Comfort with data, reporting, and use of CRM and marketing technology to monitor activity, measure impact, and inform decision-making.
Proactive, self-motivated, and resourceful, with a natural curiosity and dedication to ongoing learning and professional growth.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with private equity, venture capital, growth equity, or other private capital clients, with asset management/financial institutions more broadly, or with the life sciences sector.
Knowledge of or experience in the Boston legal, financial, life sciences, or private capital markets.
Familiarity with or experience working with the life sciences sector.
Experience using CRM systems and BD/marketing technology platforms such as Salesforce, Foundation, as well as Generative AI tools.
Familiarity with databases such as PitchBook, Preqin, Refinitiv, Mergermarket, Capital IQ, or comparable market intelligence tools.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the development and execution of a focused business development strategy for the Private Capital and Life Sciences sectors in Boston, aligned with the firm’s US and global priorities.
Work with Private Capital partners to identify challenges and opportunities in private equity, venture/growth, and the broader private capital ecosystem, translating these into client development initiatives and revenue-generation plans.
Work with Life Sciences partners to identify challenges and opportunities in life sciences, biotechnology, medtech, and related venture/growth areas, translating these into client development initiatives and revenue-generation plans.
Contribute Boston and New England market intelligence and trends to the firm’s global MBD initiatives, ensuring local developments inform broader sector strategy.
Support the creation and regular review of an annual BD and marketing plan with clear objectives, timelines, and metrics for success.
Develop, implement, and track client targeting initiatives, including key account plans for priority clients, funds, and sponsors.
Utilize CRM and marketing technology tools to track key relationships, monitor pipeline activity, and generate actionable insights for strategic business opportunities and cross-selling.
Map relationships across target organizations and the market, identifying decision-makers, influencers, and alumni connections.
Support partners in preparing for client meetings (briefing notes, talking points, follow-up actions) and ensure systematic follow-up, including CRM entry.
Lead the development of compelling credentials, capability statements, proposals, and pitches for fast-turnaround opportunities, strategic panel appointments, and RFPs.
Work closely with partners, lawyers, pricing, and other business services teams to tailor messaging, differentiate the firm’s value proposition, and ensure client-centric materials.
Maintain and enhance a library of sector-specific credentials, experience lists, and case studies, ensuring Boston matters and lawyers are accurately reflected.
Coordinate and support the firm’s legal directory and award submissions, including matter selection, content drafting, and referee tracking.
Help develop sector-specific content and campaigns to increase engagement with key clients and prospects and enhance attorney and firm reputation.
Plan and execute thought leadership initiatives (client alerts, market reports, topical briefings) in collaboration with partners, knowledge lawyers, and communications colleagues.
Support and, where appropriate, lead the planning and delivery of client events, roundtables, sponsorships, and conference participation.
Conduct market, competitor, and client analyses with research and analytics colleagues to inform go-to-market strategies and campaigns.
Build trusted relationships with MBD colleagues across sectors, practices, and regions, contributing to a global mindset.
Partner closely with brand, marketing, digital, and communications teams to integrate Private Capital and Life Sciences practices into firmwide campaigns and digital channels.
Help manage and improve internal structures and tools for the sector, ensuring information is current, organized, and accessible.
Support the development and enhancement of sector and practice group data, liaising with CRM and data teams to improve processes and data accuracy.
Build strong, trusted relationships with Boston-based lawyers and key partners in other US offices and globally, serving as a proactive BD advisor.
Provide regular updates to partners on BD initiatives, pipeline status, campaign performance, and market developments.
Contribute to continuous improvement in the firm’s BD approach through sharing knowledge, data, and best practices.