Director, Client Development - Life Sciences

Goodwin•Washington, DC

1d•$200,000 - $285,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers. Goodwin is a premier global law firm with a market-leading Life Sciences practice, advising innovative life sciences companies and investors across biotechnology, therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and other innovation healthcare companies. We provide integrated strategic, legal and business counsel throughout the full corporate lifecycle from formation and venture financing to capital markets, M&A, regulatory strategy, and intellectual property helping clients navigate complex scientific, regulatory, and market dynamics in a rapidly evolving global life sciences innovation ecosystem. Join Goodwin’s market-leading Life Sciences team as a strategic partner to firm leadership. In this senior role, you’ll shape go-to-market strategies, drive revenue growth, and strengthen relationships with innovative biotech companies, investors, and industry stakeholders. You’ll lead initiatives in client targeting, pitching, and business intelligence, building scalable programs that turn experience into insight and insight into opportunity. Ideal candidate will have deep Life Sciences fluency and a strong commercial lens—someone who understands biotech business models, financing cycles, and deal drivers, and can navigate both the investor and start-up ecosystems. You will influence senior attorneys and other global operations team members without authority, launch initiatives from scratch, and thrive in ambiguity while leveraging data and technology to scale impact. At Goodwin, you’ll join a collaborative, high-energy culture that values fresh perspectives, teamwork, and measurable results.

Requirements

10+ years of client development experience, preferably within an AmLaw 100 firm, professional services firm, venture capital, commercial or investment banking, or a life‑sciences‑focused organization.
Familiarity with biotech business models, life cycles, financing cycles, and deal drivers.
Proven track record of developing and executing high‑impact business development strategies in biotech, pharma, or healthcare investment.
Prior experience leading and managing a business development team, ideally within a large professional services organization.
Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence at all levels, including partners, senior attorneys, and firm leadership.
Deep understanding of client targeting, pitching, and strategic engagement in life sciences.
Exceptional team‑management and mentorship skills.
Results‑driven strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to implement CD initiatives that increase pitch win rates and expand market presence.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data, competitive intelligence, and client insights to shape strategy.
Excellent executive communication skills—able to present complex ideas clearly, persuasively, and in an actionable manner.
Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability while collaborating effectively in a matrixed organization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and CRM systems; comfortable leveraging technology to enable scalable client development.
Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings, industry events, and cross‑office collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to legal matters in the life sciences sector (including prior legal training or a JD) is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Go‑to‑Market Execution Shape strategic growth plans in collaboration with LS business leaders and practice management.
Develop and oversee high‑impact, scalable initiatives that enhance client targeting and pitch effectiveness.
Leverage deep industry relationships with biotech and pharma executives, investors, and other stakeholders to facilitate client introductions and expand the firm’s market presence.
Monitor, synthesize, and share relevant industry trends, competitive intelligence, and emerging opportunities through actionable client‑targeting and pitching tools, including partner‑ready pitch frameworks and “cheat sheets” (e.g., 5 key focus areas and relevant case studies).
Lead the creation of partner “cheat sheets” and pitch frameworks, providing five key focus points and case studies to guide partner engagement.
Oversee the development of high‑quality, strategic marketing materials that elevate Goodwin’s position in the life sciences industry, including differentiated positioning and storytelling in pitches and proposals.
Collaborate with the PR/Communications team to position Goodwin as a thought leader by publishing forward‑looking, actionable insights supported by a clear media strategy.
Content, Data & Technology Enablement Build and maintain a centralized, repeatable database of deal experience, licensing terms, and case studies across practice areas to support targeted client engagement.
Partner with the Marketing team to curate existing firm content and transform it into actionable, repeatable resources for partners’ pitch and business development efforts.
Leverage technology and CRM systems to surface intelligence, track opportunities, and enhance targeting efficiency.
Analyze market and client data to identify top prospective clients, track deal flow, and inform strategic targeting.
Talent & Operations Identify and implement best‑in‑class, scalable frameworks, processes, and systems to support the firm’s life sciences growth objectives.
Develop and oversee long‑term engagement programs (e.g., targeted client touchpoints, industry collaborations, strategic partnerships).
Direct the implementation of operational changes that streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance quality and productivity.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing business development team, ensuring alignment with firm strategy.
Foster a collaborative, high‑impact team culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, client‑first execution, and measurable outcomes.
Nurture a psychologically safe and inclusive environment that encourages diversity of thought.
Maintain strong working relationships through presence and engagement in accordance with the firm’s hybrid work policy.
Manage the LS budget with a focus on ROI and alignment with growth objectives across markets, clients, and sub-practice areas.
Lead efforts to modernize policies, processes, and systems by leveraging technology and automation to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Lateral Integration & Internal Collaboration Support the integration of lateral partners, ensuring they can leverage Goodwin’s platform to maintain and grow client relationships.
Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, Practice Management, Knowledge Management, and other teams to enhance data‑driven decision‑making in business development.
Collaborate with firmwide CD leaders to share and deploy insights and best practices across practice groups.
Support cross-practice collaboration to position Goodwin as the premier firm for life sciences companies at every stage of growth.