Senior Manager, Client Development

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett•Boston, NY

2d•$220,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Simpson Thacher serves as counsel and trusted adviser to the world’s most successful and innovative sponsors. This is a high-impact opportunity to partner with senior attorneys and Client Development & Engagement leaders, helping to showcase the Firm’s experience, deepen client relationships, and drive strategic growth. You’ll be part of a dynamic team that values initiative, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity—and you’ll work closely with colleagues across the Transactional practices and our global Client Development & Engagement organization. The Client Development & Engagement Secondaries & GP Stakes Senior Manager is responsible for supporting the Firm’s global client development initiatives for the funds practice by organizing and leveraging information about the Fund Transactions practice and lawyers, and providing research and analysis about clients, competitors, markets, trends and industries. This role assists Client Development & Engagement in ensuring work product, communications and critical functions meet the Firm’s high standard of excellence. The Senior Manager operates with a high degree of independence and judgment, serving as a trusted advisor to partners and practice leaders on client development strategy, market positioning, and growth initiatives. This role is responsible for shaping priorities, integrating cross-practice efforts, and ensuring the Firm’s capabilities are presented clearly, consistently, and competitively to clients and the market.

Requirements

Significant experience (6-8 years) in finance, business development, client development, or practice management within a law firm or professional services environment.
Strong familiarity with private equity, financial institutions, investment banks; experience supporting funds or secondaries preferred
Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and advise senior stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messaging.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
High level of discretion, professionalism, and credibility in partner-facing interactions.

Nice To Haves

6 years as a marketing, secondaries, investment banking, financial services-related role is highly desirable
Prior experience in marketing and business development field at a law firm is helpful
Experience with website maintenance and/or Client Relationship Management (CRM) system experience
Familiarity with Pitchbook and Preqin
Familiarity with experience management databases such as Content Pilot or Foundation
Strategic thinker with strong commercial instincts
Comfortable operating at both the “big picture” and executional levels
Trusted advisor mindset with the confidence to make recommendations
Highly organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
Collaborative, adaptable, and able to navigate ambiguity

Responsibilities

Practice & Sector Strategy Serve as a senior Client Development & Engagement lead for the Fund Transactions (Secondaries) & GP Stakes initiatives and pitches
Advise partners and practice leadership on client development strategies, market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities across relevant practices.
Support the integration of funds, registered funds, regulatory, M&A—into a cohesive offering.
Anticipate and proactively address the business development and client engagement needs of practice leaders and senior partners.
Client Development & Growth Initiatives Lead the development of strategic pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Secondaries Funds, GP Stakes & Fund Transactions and related specialist areas, exercising judgment on positioning, messaging, and prioritization.
Assist in coordinating Firm-sponsored events, presentations and event logistics, (e.g., formatting invitations, tracking RSVPs, and assisting with follow up)
Partner with attorneys to develop tailored client strategies, relationship plans, and opportunity pipelines.
Shape and oversee submissions for legal directories, rankings, awards, and surveys relevant to focus areas.
Provide strategic guidance on client-facing materials, ensuring alignment with Firm priorities and consistent articulation of capabilities.
Work with CDE team members to accurately maintain the Firm's engagement database and deals and case experience across all channels, as well as other operations and systems.
Prepare or oversee preparation and management of directory submissions and survey responses for various legal and business directories and publications.
Market Intelligence & Insight Oversee research and analysis related to clients, prospects, competitors, and industry trends impacting financial institutions, insurance, crypto and regulated markets.
Translate complex market and regulatory developments into actionable insights for partners and practice leadership.
Ensure intelligence and insights are synthesized at a strategic level, rather than delivered as raw research.
Cross-Practice Coordination & Execution Act as a central point of coordination across Registered Funds, Private Funds, GP Stakes practices to support integrated client development efforts.
Collaborate with communications, events, and other Client Development & Engagement teams to deliver cohesive, high-impact initiatives.
Exercise discretion and prioritization in managing demand, ensuring focus on high-value, strategic work.
Leadership & Team Development Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior Client Development & Engagement team members supporting registered Funds, Private Funds, GP Stakes and related practices.
Set clear expectations, review work product, and support professional development within the team.
Model senior-level judgment, accountability, and partnership with attorneys and internal stakeholders.