Business Development Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Buffalo, NY

January 2024

Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is seeking a dynamic business development leader to join the firm. The Business Development Manager is responsible for creating and implementing marketing and business development plans that will expand existing client relationships, attract new clients, build the firm’s profile and strengthen its reputation. 

This position reports directly to the Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) and will serve as primary business development contact for the Buffalo office and specific practice groups as well as the Firm’s Business Development team. This position will make and be responsible for independent decisions regarding business development/marketing best practices and strategy.

Job Responsibilities:

•Work with the CBDO and attorneys to create and implement business development plans for the Buffalo office and Firm practice groups, as assigned

•Identify and develop marketing strategies that will support business development opportunities 

•Manage all logistics associated with Firm hosted and sponsored events in Buffalo and for assigned practice groups while collaborating with the marketing team and attorneys to ensure events are leveraged for building new and strengthening existing client relationships

•Serve as front-line manager on incoming business development/marketing projects and serve as project manager from conception to follow-through to ensure efficiency and quality

•Initiate and support cross-selling activities among attorneys

•Work with practice group leaders to schedule and participate in assigned practice group Business Development meetings

•Track client development activities and new Business Development efforts

•Serve as project manager to the RFP process

•Conduct market analysis, industry and competitive intelligence research reports for business development opportunities

•Assist attorneys in developing their individual marketing/business development plans on an annual basis, and work with the CBDO to coach attorneys on their Business Development and marketing efforts

•Work with the CBDO to prepare annual budgets for practices groups and offices

•Collaborate with the marketing team on submissions for Chambers USA, Best Law Firms and other relevant ranking programs as assigned

•Serve as a Firm representative at local business and community events

•Collaborate with the CBDO to develop content for in-house business development and marketing programs as well as seminars for attorneys and staff

Experience and Education Requirements:

•Pro-active self-starter who needs minimal supervision who is highly motivated to exceed expectations

•Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while consistently delivering quality results; comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

•Superior writing skills and ability to write/edit marketing collateral, press releases, web content, internal communications, and proposals

•Strong verbal and presentation skills

•Ability to think critically and analytically; demonstrated ability to oversee marketing budgets

•Consistently demonstrate strong customer service orientation and attitude

•Bachelor’s or equivalent degree required with five or more years of experience at a law firm or professional services firm in a similar role

Recruiting Information:

•Competitive salary dependent on education and relevance of prior work experience

•Excellent benefits package:

• Significant employer contribution toward health insurance

• Participation in 401(k) plan upon completion of eligibility requirements

Salary range: $75,000-95,000 annually 

HARTER SECREST & EMERY LLP IS COMMITTED TO THE POLICY OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. THIS POLICY EXPRESSLY PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, FAMILY STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABILITY, GENETIC PREDISPOSITION OR CARRIER STATUS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM STATUS, CRIMINAL CONVICTION, VETERAN STATUS OR STATUS AS A MEMBER OF ANY OTHER PROTECTED GROUP OR ACTIVITY.