Director of Business Development and Proposals

Department: Marketing/Communications

Position Summary:

The Interim Director of Business Development and Proposals is responsible for supporting and executing business development initiatives to achieve measurable strategic goals and overseeing the firm's proposal program. This role involves managing the business development and proposal teams, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals, and assisting the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer (CMBDO) with firm-wide initiatives and day-to-day management.

Essential Functions:

•           Lead business development and proposal teams on projects and assignments, including RFPs, business development research, targeting, and event/conference planning and follow-up.

•           Design and implement client acquisition and expansion strategies for the legal departments.

•           Leverage the firm’s technology to measure business development return on investment.

•           Supervise, coach, and mentor business development and proposal team personnel creating a proactive and go-to market environment.

•           Manage the collaborative process of strategizing on new business opportunities with partners, including go-no-go discussions.

•           Oversee the creation and execution of pitch/proposal templates and ensure consistency in presentation, firm branding, and high-quality deliverables.

•           Manage reporting of pitch and proposal activity and performance, producing monthly reports for CMBDO, including win and loss rates and explanations of the same.

•           Assist CMBDO with firm-level cross-servicing efforts, new prospect programs, and business development training.

•           Attend firm-required training and education programs, including diversity, equity, and inclusion education, anti-harassment, and IT security programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Client Service:

• Anticipate and respond to the needs of internal and external clients, supporting the firm’s commitment to high-quality legal services.

Administrative Functions:

• Proficient in using standard office equipment and obtaining information from relevant sources.

Communication Skills:

• Listen, understand, and interpret information to develop recommendations and solutions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in MS Office, Kofax Power PDF Advanced, iManage, Elite, Workday, and other practice area databases.

Judgment and Problem Solving

• Exercise discretion, maintain confidences, and demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.

Teamwork Skills:

• Build constructive working relationships, display tact and diplomacy, and collaborate effectively with team members.

Initiative/Innovation/Motivation:

• Seek to improve competence, generate innovative ideas, and recommend solutions to improve efficiency.

Planning/Organization/Time Management:

• Prioritize work, plan effectively, and meet deadlines.

Professionalism:

• Support firm mission, vision, and values, maintain a professional demeanor, and show respect and courtesy.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

•           Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field; JD preferred.

•           Minimum of 10 years in legal with significant experience managing proposals.

•           Experience with law firm marketing structure, services, and operations.

•           High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and proposal generation systems.

•           Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

•           Ability to manage, develop, and counsel business professionals.

•           Strong project management and consensus-building skills.

•           Ability to work beyond standard scheduled hours as needed.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Ballard Spahr is committed to increasing diversity in the legal profession and to supporting the communities