Business Development Manager

Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Fertility and family building support

Job summary

Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP is seeking a Business Development Manager for their Boston office. This role involves advancing the firm’s growth strategy and connecting attorneys with the venture capital community.

The perfect candidate will have over 5 years of business development experience, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Offering a competitive salary of $130,000 - $210,000, the position comes with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development experience in professional services, legal, startup, or venture capital.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and maintain attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and grow a strong network within the startup and venture capital community.
• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities.
• Design and execute client engagement events.

Skills

Business development experience

Communication skills

Project management skills

Relationship building

Microsoft Suite proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Client relationship management systems

Job description

Gunderson Dettmer, the leading law firm serving the innovation economy, is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our Boston office. Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement, this role is central to advancing the firm’s growth strategy, connecting our attorneys with the venture capital and startup community, and deepening our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Job Responsibilities

• Cultivate and grow a strong network within the startup and venture capital community, including founders, investors, accelerators, and other ecosystem partners.
• Manage and expand key sponsorships to strengthen brand exposure among venture and startup networks.
• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that elevate the firm’s visibility and reputation.
• Lead initiatives to grow top‑of‑funnel engagement and generate new client opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys by sharing insights on market trends, industry developments, and personal BD opportunities, and by providing quarterly coaching to new partners to analyze their practice, identify key prospects, and align their personal style with the firm’s platform.
• Participate in annual content review to ensure content reflects what is valuable in the market and actively surface trending issues and key topics for inclusion in external facing materials.
• Partner with the communications team to promote events, sponsorships, and firm initiatives across various channels.
• Design and execute events and experiences, such as client dinners, workshops, and thought leadership forums, that align with firm goals.
• Experiment with new event formats and sponsorship models, using data and feedback to assess ROI and recommend improvements.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and fostering professional growth.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of business development experience within the professional services, legal, startup, or venture capital environment (candidates with deeper experience may be considered for a Senior Manager title).
• Proven track record of developing and executing client‑facing programs that drive business growth.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively engage with internal peers, stakeholders, clients, and external partners.
• Demonstrated project management skills with a strong ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks accurately while maintaining close attention to detail throughout all stages of a project.
• Strong understanding of the startup and venture capital landscape, with a desire and ability to identify and leverage emerging business opportunities.
• Creative thinker who proactively drives innovative marketing strategies and initiatives.
• Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and autonomously, applying sound judgment and discretion.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills; able to maintain regular dialogue and foster collaborative, long‑term partnerships.
• Detail oriented with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and client relationship management systems.
• Status: Full‑Time, Exempt.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected starting salary for this position is $130,000 - $210,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Paid Time Off; and fertility and family building support.

Gunderson Dettmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.