Manager, Client Development - Life Sciences

Goodwin Procter•Washington DC, DC

6d•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. We are seeking a Client Development Manager to support our global Life Sciences practice. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to our Life Sciences partners, leveraging deep industry knowledge to drive business growth. The role will focus on understanding the Life Sciences market landscape and using that insight to inform client targeting, identify and qualify pitch opportunities, and craft compelling, tailored storytelling for new and existing clients opportunities. Collaborating closely with partners, the Client Development team, and our Global Operations (GO) team, this role is best suited for a high-performing individual with extensive experience in the Life Sciences industry, who is a strong and creative writer, and excels at shaping strategic priorities, and driving meaningful client impact. The ideal incumbent is also skilled at training and mentoring team members to build industry knowledge into content, access pitch opportunities, and develop tailored, high-impact materials that support business development efforts.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience in a practice management, business development or marketing role, ideally in an AmLaw 100 or other large professional services firm.
2+ years as a manager preferred.
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and listening skills; adept at engaging Executive-level stakeholders across formats with strong attention to detail.
Proven experience supporting senior executives on strategic priorities in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical, organizational, and project ownership skills; proactive with a can-do attitude.
Skilled in identifying life sciences business growth opportunities, anticipating client needs, and delivering innovative, actionable solutions.
Comfortable drawing insights from both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy and decision-making.
Tech-savvy, with the ability to articulate how emerging technologies—including AI—drive client value.
Highly organized; able to manage multiple client workstreams and keep focus on outcomes and next steps.
Builds trusted relationships at all levels; exercises sound judgment with sensitive information and knows when to seek support.
Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity in a matrixed, cross-functional, and global environment.
Open to new ideas and change; self-starter with a creative and proactive mindset.
Advanced proficiency of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiar with CRM platforms and stays current on evolving tools and technologies.

Responsibilities

Prepare well-structured and strategic responses to RFPs/RFIs and handle daily pitch requests that clearly articulate our unique sales proposition.
Shape high-quality, strategic marketing materials that elevate Goodwin’s position in life sciences, including but not limited to differentiated positioning and story-telling in pitches and proposals.
Proactively support and drive key client development initiatives, working closely with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities and tailor strategies that strengthen client relationships and foster growth.
Monitor and track new and existing business development opportunities within the Life Sciences group.
Analyze client and prospect activity as well as competitor strategies, synthesizing insights to refine and optimize business development plans.
Lead the strategic submissions and attorney rankings, industry surveys, and awards such as Chambers, LMG Life Sciences, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, and other relevant programs across geographic and demographic segments in the US for life sciences industry group, working closely with the Marketing and Communications team.
Identify and capitalize on cross-selling opportunities by facilitating seamless introductions and collaboration between practice areas, driving deeper client engagement and expanding the firm’s footprint across service lines.
Conduct competitive intelligence and market research to support client meetings, proposals, and business development initiatives, while monitoring industry, client, and competitor activity to identify trends and inform strategic planning.
Manage and mentor team members by providing training, guidance, and ongoing support; foster a collaborative environment by sharing best practices to enhance team performance and professional development.