Manager, Client Development & Engagement – Financial Institutions & Adjacent Practices

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett•New York, NY

31d•$180,000 - $220,000

About The Position

The Manager, Client Development & Engagement (CDE) – Financial Institutions & Adjacent Practices works with CDE Directors to support strategic plans and business development objectives across the Financial Institutions Group (FIG), Insurance Transactional & Regulatory, Tax, Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits (EC/EB), and Crypto practices. This role serves as a key resource to Partners and CDE leadership, assisting with high-priority BD execution, complex pitches and RFPs, strategic marketing materials, research, reporting, and implementation of practice-level business initiatives. The Manager will work closely with the Associate Director overseeing this multi-practice portfolio and will be expected to operate with a high degree of independence on core BD deliverables while developing deeper strategic responsibilities over time.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder BD or marketing projects; experience coordinating junior team workflows preferred.
Experience cultivating and managing internal and external client relationships, including working directly with senior stakeholders.
Creative and innovative thinker, generating ideas that create value and improve processes.
Proficient in MS Office Suite and web‑based research; strong PowerPoint skills preferred.
Ability to interact well and build professional relationships while maintaining a high level of customer service, diplomacy, and discretion.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting and editing marketing or BD content.
Excellent research and analytical abilities, with the ability to synthesize technical or complex information.
Ability to assess needs, assign priorities, develop strategies, and make recommendations when presented with ambiguous or incomplete information.
Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills to make sound decisions, escalating as appropriate.
Demonstrated proficiency in project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to collaborate across teams and effectively share knowledge and resources with appropriate parties, both internally and externally.
Ability to anticipate business challenges of Partners and senior team members and proactively address needs with self‑assuredness and business acumen.
Must be flexible and willing to work additional hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

3 years as a practicing lawyer in a Financial Institutions–related role is highly desirable.
Prior experience in the marketing or business development function at a law firm, particularly supporting multiple practice areas.
Familiarity with experience‑management databases such as Content Pilot or Foundation.
Experience with website maintenance and/or Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the CDE team, Partners, and client/industry groups in implementing business development strategies and action plans across FIG, Insurance, Tax, EC/EB, and Crypto.
Support Partners and administrative departments with the development of pitches, RFP responses, internal presentations, and other BD materials, ensuring accuracy, cohesion, and timely delivery.
Lead drafting, project management, and quality control for high-stakes RFPs and pitch submissions, coordinating inputs across multiple practice groups with minimal oversight.
Liaise with CDE team members and Partners to prepare and maintain up-to-date practice descriptions, capability statements, evergreen decks, engagement lists, competitive intelligence, and other BD materials across all assigned practices.
Manage and oversee the development, editing, and quality refinement of marketing collateral and BD content; translate partner input into clear, compelling narratives.
Work with CDE team members to maintain accurate deal/case experience in the Firm’s databases, BD systems, and operational platforms.
Manage or support practice and client events, independently or with colleagues, including agenda development, speaker coordination, and logistics.
Assist with lateral on-boarding and integration into wider practice groups.
Coordinate with CDE leadership, Marketing, and PR to support visibility initiatives such as speaking opportunities, industry engagements, and media activity.
Prepare or oversee creation of directory submissions and survey responses for legal and business publications.
Coordinate cross-practice BD workflows and help ensure alignment across FIG, Insurance, Tax, EC/EB, and Crypto stakeholders.
Work with junior BD team members on designated tasks (under the supervision of the Associate Director), providing guidance, quality checks, and project coordination as needed.
Manage CDE projects and Firm initiatives assigned by CDE leadership.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.