Director, Client Development - Life Sciences

Goodwin Procter•Boston, DC

12d•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 clients across biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and life sciences and healthcare investment. We provide strategic legal and business counsel throughout the corporate lifecycle, including capital markets, M&A, venture capital, private equity, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. We are seeking a seasoned, senior Client Development (CD) Leader with exceptionally strong leadership skills, the ability to manage a high-performing team, and deep ecosystem relationships within the life sciences sector. This individual will be a true partner to firm leadership - working alongside practice group leaders and attorneys as an equal voice in go-to-market strategy. They will be responsible for driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and furthering Goodwin’s position as the go-to law firm for life sciences companies, investors, and industry stakeholders. Reporting to the Managing Director of Client Development for Life Sciences and Healthcare, this role will also collaborate with LS partners, leaders, and CD leaders across the firm to shape and execute LS business development strategy in alignment with the broader firm strategy. This role is ideal for a strategic, results-driven leader with deep industry knowledge, business acumen, and a proven ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders in developing and executing growth strategies, strong ability to build operational infrastructure and develop long-term, scalable client development initiatives that drive measurable impact, effectively navigate the firm’s matrixed structure, and has a hands-on approach to driving client engagement and revenue growth.

Requirements

10+ years of client development experience, preferably within an AmLaw 100 firm, professional services firm, or a life sciences-focused organization.
Proven track record in developing and executing high-impact business development strategies in the biotech, pharma, or healthcare investment space.
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 life sciences industry relationships and credibility within the life sciences sector, enabling direct access to key decision-makers.
Exceptional team management skills, with experience leading and mentoring business development professionals in a fast-paced environment
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 in a clear, persuasive, and actionable manner.
Results-driven, strategic thinker with a track record of successfully developing and implementing business development initiatives that drive revenue growth.
Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability while collaborating effectively in a matrixed organization.
Deep experience in leveraging Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems.
In-office culture—minimum 3 days per week in the office.
Travel as required for client meetings, industry events, and cross-office collaboration.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Go-to-Market Execution Shape the strategic growth plans for the business in collaboration with LS business leaders and practice management.
Develop and oversee high-impact, scalable initiatives to drive measurable client relationships, profitable growth and brand leadership from conception through execution, ensuring that efforts not only aligned with LS and firm-wide goals but also embedded within the firm’s cultural and operational fabric for long-term sustainability.
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, filter, and share relevant industry trends, competitive intelligence, and emerging opportunities in digestible format to inform decision-making around business development strategy and client targeting. Use this information to structure and drive growth initiatives with clear plans, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes.
Oversee the development of high-quality, strategic marketing materials that elevate Goodwin’s position in the life sciences industry, including but not limited to differentiated positioning and story-telling in pitches and proposals from a client lens, as well as Directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers) to enhance visibility and elevate the practice’s reputation.
Drive strategic marketing campaigns and brand presence in line with LS practice growth objectives, including presence in high-profile industry events, sponsorship and alliances.
Collaborate with our PR/Communications team to position Goodwin as the thought leader in the market by publishing forward-looking, actionable insights and a clear media strategy.
Talent & Operations Proactively identify and implement best-in-class, scalable frameworks, approaches, 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, and 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 team of business development professionals, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals.
Foster a collaborative, high-impact team culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, client-first execution, and measurable outcomes. Nurtures psychologically safe and inclusive environment and encourages a diversity of thought.
Consistently develops and sustains productive working relationships by being present and engaged in accordance with the firm’s hybrid work policy.
Manage the LS budget with a line of sight to ROI and alignment with growth objectives of the business in terms of markets, clients, and sub-practice areas.
Lead team’s efforts to modernize policies, processes, and systems, 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 their client relationships.
Work cross-functionally with Finance, Practice Management, Knowledge Management, and other internal teams to enhance data-driven decision-making in business development efforts.
Partner with firmwide CD leaders to share and deploy insights and best practices across different practice groups.
Support cross-practice collaboration, helping to position Goodwin as the premier firm for life sciences companies at every stage of growth.