Senior Business Development Manager, Capital Markets

Wilson Sonsini•Palo Alto, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wilson Sonsini is a premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide, representing companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices globally. The firm is seeking a seasoned Senior Business Development Manager to lead the development and execution of strategic marketing and business development plans for its premier Capital Markets Practice (CMG) within the Corporate Department. The successful candidate must possess a deep and comprehensive understanding of the equity and debt markets, including key market participants, emerging opportunities, current trends, and the competitive legal landscape, with familiarity across the ecosystem such as unicorns, investment banks, and top competitors. Additional important characteristics include prior experience mentoring junior business development professionals, significant Big Law business development experience, and a high comfort level working in an entrepreneurial environment. The role involves working directly with CMG practice group leaders, managing at least two direct reports, and reporting to the Director of Business Development for the Corporate Department. This position is available as a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
7+ years of marketing/client development experience required
Strong commercial sense and confidence to understand the needs and expectations of attorneys and clients, as well as how the marketing and business development function can facilitate and drive revenue
Demonstrated ability to “own” the strategy, execution, and evaluation of all initiatives
Keen ability to "connect dots" - draw conclusions, assess implications and make recommendations
Exceptional verbal and written communication, persuasion, and motivation skills are critical to success
Comfortable working cross-functionally and contributing to a supportive, collegial culture
Unflappable self-starter who thrives on juggling numerous high-visibility projects on tight deadlines
Display strong analytical skills needed for all primary duties of position, including comprehending and communicating data
Familiarity with current AI tools and platforms, with a demonstrated curiosity and comfort testing, evaluating, and adopting emerging AI technologies to enhance business development and research efforts
Expert organizational skills needed to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines
Seasoned professional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm
Ability to travel as needed

Nice To Haves

graduate degree (e.g. MBA or JD) preferred
ideally 3 of those years in a law firm

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic plans for the firm’s CMG in close collaboration with the practice group and office leaders
In collaboration with the Director of Business Development for Corporate, work closely with Corporate Department leadership and key partners to drive and support their marketing and business development plans
Maintain a deep understanding of the Corporate Department’s client base, including knowledge of the work being performed
Drive research projects focused on client targeting, market trends, and competitor analysis, distilling complex data into concise insights and presenting findings to drive pitches, pursuits and business development strategy
Oversee deal data collection and league table reporting
Develop and implement client targeting programs and pursuit teams
Lead the strategy and execution of private label events from concept through delivery, including defining objectives, shaping content and audience, and partnering with the Events team on logistics to ensure seamless execution and measurable ROI
Collaborate with the Corporate department’s marketing manager to develop and drive tactics and programs that raise the CMG’s internal/external visibility through events, sponsorships, public relations, and social media
Under the direction of the Director of Business Development, Corporate, identify and support cross-practice, cross-department, and cross-region opportunities and collaborate with attorneys and marketing colleagues to develop and drive marketing and business development plans to exploit those opportunities
Take ownership of high-impact assignments from senior BD leadership, ensuring timely and effective execution
Build and maintain relationships with appropriate organizations and vendors to maximize engagement and business development efforts
Direct the development of marketing collateral, responses to RFPs and pitches that helps win new business
Provide business intelligence on markets, clients, prospects, competitors, and individuals
Advise and counsel CMG attorneys in all stages of marketing and business development, from vetting sponsorship opportunities to preparing attorney teams for major business development activities
Serve as BD coach to newly promoted partners
Develop regular internal communications highlighting the practice and key deals and trends in the marketplace
Disseminate trends as they relate to clients, practice initiatives, and competitors to the wider BD team
Educate the BD team regarding the CMG’s capabilities and work as well as market trends as appropriate
Partner with all functional groups in the Marketing Department and other administrative groups to plan and execute the practices’ key initiatives