Business Development Manager

Alston & Bird; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a seasoned Marketing & Business Development Manager to join our collaborative team supporting a premier litigation practice. You will partner with practice leaders to drive client growth, shape strategies, and lead proposals, pitches, and client development initiatives across a 300+ attorney platform.

The role emphasizes relationship building, strategic insight, and execution, requiring proactive collaboration, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, English, journalism, management, or related field, or equivalent.
• 6+ years in business development, marketing, client development, or related field, preferably in law firm or professional services.
• Experience supporting legal practice groups, leading pitches and proposals, and managing BD initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with attorneys and practice leaders as the primary BD contact.
• Partner with leadership to develop and execute BD strategies, growth initiatives, and annual plans.
• Lead pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client development efforts.
• Manage submissions, awards, sponsorships, conferences, and client events for visibility.
• Conduct market and client research to identify opportunities and provide recommendations.
• Collaborate to maintain marketing materials and BD resources and share best practices.

Skills

Business development

Marketing

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Strategic analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Experience management platforms

AI-enabled productivity tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a leading international law firm, we are dedicated to excellence through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has earned us one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 27 consecutive years. This honor, along with many others, highlights our commitment to innovation and professional development. At Alston & Bird LLP, our foundation is made of trust, reliability, and compassion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Hiring Locations:

Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, or Washington DC.

Join a collaborative, high-performing Marketing & Business Development team supporting one of the nation's premier litigation practices. The Business Development Manager serves as a strategic advisor to practice leaders and attorneys, helping drive client growth, strengthen market position, and advance key business development initiatives across a 300+ attorney practice.

This highly visible role combines strategy, relationship management, and execution. The ideal candidate is a proactive business partner who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering impactful business development solutions that contribute to the continued success of the practice and the firm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Build trusted relationships with attorneys and practice leaders, serving as the primary business development contact for assigned practice groups and teams.
• Partner with leadership to develop and execute business development strategies, growth initiatives, and annual practice plans.
• Lead pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client development efforts that support new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
• Manage legal directory submissions, awards, sponsorships, conferences, client events, and other initiatives that enhance market visibility and support strategic priorities.
• Conduct market, client, and competitive research to identify opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with attorneys and colleagues to maintain marketing materials, experience records, and business development resources while contributing to department-wide initiatives and best practices.

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Strong business development and marketing experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze market and business information and translate insights into strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems, experience management platforms, and AI-enabled productivity tools.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, Communications, English, Journalism, Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, marketing, client development, or a related field, preferably within a law firm or professional services organization.
• Experience supporting legal practice groups, leading complex pitches and proposals, and managing strategic business development initiatives preferred.
• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior team members is a plus.

The salary range for this position in Los Angeles and Washington DC is $145,000 - $155,000, and in New York City is $160,000-$170,000. These ranges represent the Firm's good faith minimum and maximum salary expectations for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and work location.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact [e-mail].