Sr. Manager, Business Development – M&A

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in New York, the Sr. Manager, Business Development will be responsible for driving the business development and visibility initiatives and priorities for the M&A, Private Equity, Strategic Sourcing, Tech Transactions and Executive Comp practices as well as the Aerospace and Defense industry. Support for other practices and lawyers will be assigned as needed.

For their group of transactional practices, the Sr. Manager, Business Development will be responsible for providing guidance and input on the business plan (including target lists, high impact client relationships, publishing and speaking opportunities, and other related initiatives) and drive execution. Along with other team members, this position will lead on related pitches and RFPs ensuring the firm is strategic in its approach and positioning itself to win the work. This role will also work closely with business development colleagues to lead cross-practice initiatives, contribute to team infrastructure and other strategic projects as needed.

This role reports to the Director, Business Development.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the overall business development and marketing efforts for assigned practices and/or regions as well as providing support for individual partner business objectives.
• Drive and support business development planning working closely with practice group leaders and practice management including overseeing target list management, identifying opportunities for thought leadership (speaking, writing), suggesting client events, supporting social media efforts and other strategic initiatives.
• Support the practice’s key client efforts and work with relevant practice group leaders and M&BD colleagues to ensure the identification, development, and growth of high-value clients.
• Collaborate with other transactional, litigation and international business development leads to cross-sell and develop bespoke offerings with multiple touchpoints for our clients.
• Lead and oversee preparation of pitches, RFPs (with RFP team) and other client facing materials including leading strategy sessions, internal debriefs and tracking outcomes.
• Lead efforts around visibility and profile elevation including speaking opportunities, communications, recognition, directory participation and digital marketing initiatives.
• Act as a lead on additional related projects within the Department or Firm as assigned.
• Assist Director with team management and contribute to development and advancement of the early tenure marketing team members.

Qualifications

• Exceptional professional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with lawyers at varying levels including firm leadership
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong project management and time management skills
• Solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firms and the ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and many constituents
• Ability to work under pressure
• Exceptional in Microsoft office (Outlook, Excel, Word PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with AI tools including ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot, and others preferred
• Outstanding problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work outside business hours and occasional travel as needed

Experience

• University degree
• 7+ years of experience in professional services, legal preferred
• 2+ years of team management experience preferred
• Experience with strategic business development planning and pitching, with transactional knowledge preferred

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $220-$240k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Location:

New York

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.