Director of Client Development

Cooley•San Francisco, CA

11d

About The Position

Cooley is seeking a Director of Client Development to join the Marketing and Client Development team. The role is part of the Client Development Team, which is responsible for orchestrating the full client lifecycle—from initial targeting and sales campaigns to sophisticated listening and feedback programs—ensuring deep market penetration and sustainable growth.

Requirements

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications.
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours.
Ability to travel.
10+ years of directly relevant exempt-level experience (e.g., marketing or business development, preferably with an emphasis working in a client development function).
5+ years of management experience in relevant roles.
Proven track record of effective leadership.
Bachelor’s degree.
Entrepreneurial by nature.
Excellent attention to detail.
Approaches tasks through a lens of quality and consistency.
Approaches tasks through a digital first lens.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to facilitate and solve problems.
Ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple activities often under tight timelines.
Takes a consultative approach to set goals, drive projects, and achieve outcomes.
Strong judgment.
Team-player with collaborative spirit.
Unwavering ability to handle and maintain confidentiality regarding firm information, projects, client data.
High level of professionalism at all times.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and develop talent.
Proactive, analytical mindset.
Effective presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior legal industry or professional services experience.

Responsibilities

Define and execute a clear, actionable client development strategy aligned with firm priorities, translating high-level goals into specific plans across regions, industries, and key accounts.
Align BD and Marketing priorities, plans, and resources around shared growth objectives to ensure a unified and efficient approach to market opportunities.
Team with partners to identify and advance growth opportunities, providing hands-on leadership for priority accounts and pursuits where senior engagement is critical to success.
Design and implement the programs, tools, and resources necessary for consistent BD execution, ensuring the team is equipped to operate with discipline and measurable impact.
Lead, develop, and align the CD organization across all groups and roles, establishing clear expectations, focus, and rigorous accountability for results.
Champion the "voice of the client" through formal feedback programs, converting insights into actionable strategies to strengthen service delivery and expand existing relationships.
Oversee the pursuit pipeline, activity, and revenue trends, proactively adjusting strategies and resource allocations based on performance data and market feedback.
Instill a "one-team" culture of collaboration across Client Development, Marketing, and related enabling functions to drive a coordinated approach to growth across all firm capabilities.
Serve as a high-level advisor to firm leadership, providing the tactical coaching and market intelligence to move client relationships from transactional to strategic partnerships.
Serve as direct supervisor and mentor to direct reports.
Provide day-to-day supervision of direct reports, ensure compliance with assigned work hours and monitor for compliance with all firm and department policies.
Manage staffing coverage, review and process time logs/time off requests.
Support business professional development and continued educational opportunities.
In collaboration with immediate supervisor and central HR, participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events.
All other duties as assigned or required.