Director Business Development & Growth

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Director Business Development & Growth, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, is responsible for executing firmwide business development and growth initiatives that support strategic priorities, client development, and revenue expansion, with a primary focus on the Firm’s Private Equity practice and related transactional areas. This role partners closely with practice leaders, attorneys, and senior administrative leaders to identify market opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and drive sustainable growth across the platform, with an initial emphasis on sponsor and investor-facing practices.

Location

This position is located in our Boston office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
 
Responsibilities

• Executes the development of firmwide and practice-level business development and growth strategies aligned to the firm’s strategic priorities.

• Partners with practice group leaders and attorneys to identify growth opportunities, including new markets, clients, services, and strategic initiatives.

• Supports business planning and client development efforts for Private Equity and other priority transactions practices, including sponsor coverage, cross-practice collaboration, and expansion of client relationships over the fund and deal lifecycle.

• Drives client development efforts, including cross-selling strategies, key client programs, and relationship expansion.

• Analyzes market, client, and financial data to inform growth decisions, including trends affecting Private Equity sponsors, investors, and transactional clients, and measures the effectiveness of business development initiatives.

• Collaborates with Marketing & Business Development, Pricing, Finance, IT Innovation, and Knowledge teams to support integrated growth efforts.

• Leads and develops business development professionals, providing direction, coaching, and performance management.

• Prepares and presents growth strategies, progress reports, and recommendations to the firm.

Desired Skills   

Position competencies necessary for this role include strategic thinking and growth planning; people leadership and team development; excellent communication and presentation skills and data-driven decision making and financial acumen. Must possess strong understanding of the legal or professional services market and have the ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and attorneys. Demonstrated ability to support and advise Private Equity and other transactional practices in a fast paced, deal-driven environment, including partnering with senior attorneys and practice leaders on growth and client development initiatives. Must have proven track record as an effective sales/business development specialist, preferably in a professional services industry. Excellent presentation and communication skills required to interact with senior executives and lawyers on a regular basis. Ability to quickly develop rapport and gain respect at all levels of an organization. Must have strong business acumen and be a self-starter. Leadership experience in Business Development or Sales strongly preferred.

Minimum Education            

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration.
     

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 10+ years’ progressive experience in business development, strategy, or growth roles, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment, with experience supporting transactional practices such as Private Equity, M&A, or related areas, including experience leading teams and firmwide initiatives.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.