About Business Development at Ropes & Gray:

The Business Development Department’s objective is to grow firm revenue and take market share by:

a) expanding existing client relationships via industry, practice and client team efforts

b) identifying and developing new client pursuits and business initiatives

The Business Development Department is part of a broader business support organization with a collaborative work environment. We are a specialist business support function with a range of offerings focused solely on business development in the firm’s practice groups, industry groups and client teams including new business pursuit; key account management; BD skills & coaching; pitches, proposals, RFPs; and client feedback.

Overview of Business Development Specialist (BDS) Role:

Working closely with the Director of Business Development (DBD) and Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM), the BDS will provide business development and client development support in the context of the industry and practice groups’ strategic and commercial priorities.

Specifically, the BDS will work closely with the SBDM, lawyers and business support colleagues to:

• execute business development and marketing efforts for the Asset Management Industry Group and Asset Management Practice Group
• identify and target new clients
• support lawyers in developing relationships with clients and to deliver practice group products and knowledge marketing

Essential Capabilities:

The candidate we are looking for will have:

• experience working in a business development role at a law firm or related professional services firm (familiarity with the asset management industry is a plus)
• strong organizational and time management skills
• attention to detail
• outstanding verbal and written communication skills and a high EQ
• a positive, can-do attitude and the desire to be a key contributor in a team environment
• experience collaborating across departments at, above and below their level

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop an understanding of the Asset Management Industry Group and Asset Management Practice Groups’ objectives, helping to identify, assess, and pursue new clients
• Help to drive the development of existing client relationships in collaboration with other relevant business support colleagues, including:
• organizing, participating in, and maintaining business development meetings and being responsible for certain aspects of client and prospect development efforts
• developing a strong knowledge of the asset management industry and practice, including by commissioning and conducting business research to keep abreast of industry/market trends and intelligence
• Support pitching and new business generation by:
• executing pitches, proposals, and RFP responses
• maintaining up-to-date pitch content, materials, and client information
• participating in scoping and preparation for in-person meetings and pitches
• Work with the BDM and marketing team and other business support colleagues to:
• identify opportunities to create and implement integrated branding and profile-raising campaigns
• assess market conference opportunities and advise the lawyers on selection, participation, and execution
• identify the appropriate client and market targets for the delivery of knowledge marketing
• Build a good working knowledge of adjacent practice and industry group services and a clear understanding of relevant group's strategy, priorities, and clients
• Communicate best practice business development activities and successes across the group

Education and Experience Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree is required
• Three years of experience in business development within a professional services firm
• Familiarity with the asset management industry or asset management law is a plus

Working Conditions

Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position and to work on-site during the firm’s three anchor days per week (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday). These days may be extended in the future.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

NY Comprehensive Total Rewards Package

Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is $70,000 - $103,000, which represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.