What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Specialist position at Emerson Zane?
Business Development Specialist
A prestigious full-service law firm is seeking a Business Development Specialist to join a growing and thriving Marketing team. This is a high-visibility role within a collaborative, fast-moving marketing and business development team, offering the opportunity to work closely with senior attorneys and firm leadership on meaningful growth initiatives.
About the Role
The Business Development Specialist will serve as a dedicated business development resource for a defined portfolio of practice groups and industry teams, helping to drive client development, elevate the firm's market profile, and support strategic initiatives. This person will sit at the intersection of marketing, strategy, and client relations — translating market intelligence into actionable business development activity.
What You'll Be Doing
- Partner with attorneys and BD leadership to design and execute business development strategies across assigned practice groups and industry sectors
- Own and manage the full lifecycle of pitches, RFPs, and proposals - from initial planning through final submission- ensuring materials are compelling, accurate, and delivered on time
- Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and client priorities to help identify and pursue new business opportunities
- Research and evaluate sponsorship and conference opportunities; manage logistics and maximize attorney visibility at key industry events
- Lead the preparation of directory submissions, including rankings and recognition programs that elevate the firm's reputation across practice areas
- Collaborate with the broader marketing team on integrated campaigns, digital content, and thought leadership initiatives
- Maintain and continuously improve a library of marketing collateral including pitch decks, attorney biographies, practice descriptions, and deal and matter experience lists
- Leverage CRM and experience management platforms to track opportunities, surface cross-selling potential, and support client targeting efforts
- Coordinate client-facing and internal events in partnership with the firm's events team
- Provide mentorship and day-to-day guidance to junior members of the BD team
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree required
- At least 2-3 years of business development, marketing, or client relations experience, ideally within a law firm, consulting firm, or other professional services environment
- Familiarity with one or more industry sectors — such as financial services, life sciences, healthcare, energy, technology, or media — is a strong plus
- Demonstrated experience managing proposals and pitches with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
- Exceptional written communication skills; able to craft clear, persuasive narratives for sophisticated audiences
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with a CRM platform or marketing databases is a plus
- Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable operating in an environment where priorities shift
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility with attorneys and senior leadership
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to embed yourself at the center of a thriving, multi-practice business development function at a firm with a strong market reputation and an active client base. The right candidate will have real influence over how the firm grows its relationships and competes for new business across a dynamic and varied client portfolio.
Salary : $80,000 - $115,000