Dinsmore & Shohl LLP is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the Corporate and Finance departments. In this onsite role in Columbus, OH, you will help attorneys and practice teams translate priorities into organized business development activity, while shaping strategy and aligning execution across internal partners.
The position emphasizes building growth plans from the ground up, coordinating pitches and proposals, and equipping teams with research, messaging, and coaching to strengthen relationships and pursue new opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with practice group and department leaders to develop actionable business development strategy aligned with firm priorities and client needs
- Support attorneys in identifying and prioritizing opportunities across existing client relationships, prospective clients, referral networks, and target markets
- Lead planning discussions and convert ideas into concrete next steps, including owners, timelines, and measurable objectives
- Coordinate strategic pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and presentations by assembling relevant experience, differentiators, and persuasive messaging
- Conduct market, industry, client, and competitive research to inform client planning, opportunity assessment, and positioning
- Provide one‑on‑one and small‑group coaching to prepare attorneys for client conversations, meetings, presentations, and relationship‑building activities
- Partner with internal teams such as communications, events, digital, and creative to align thought leadership, sponsorships, and programs with business objectives
- Maintain accurate opportunity and relationship information in the firm’s CRM and related systems, and encourage adoption of shared processes
- Collaborate on pipeline monitoring and track progress and outcomes; produce concise reports and insights to support leadership decision‑making
- Build relationships across offices and practices to identify cross‑selling opportunities and connect attorneys to address broader client needs
- Manage multiple projects and stakeholders using sound judgment, responsiveness, and attention to detail with a strong internal client service mindset
- Support ongoing improvement of business development tools, templates, processes, and team best practices
- Perform other duties and support firmwide initiatives as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field (JD or MBA a plus), or an equivalent relevant experience
- Seven or more years of progressively responsible business development or marketing experience; law firm experience required
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate with attorneys, firm leaders, and business professionals across offices and functions
- Working knowledge of business development planning, pitches and proposals, client and market research, and relationship‑management practices
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations
- Sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and a client‑service mindset, including confidence to ask thoughtful questions and guide projects to completion
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with CRM, proposal‑management, research, or related business development systems
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative, team‑oriented environment
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours and travel as business needs require
Technologies
- Microsoft Office
- CRM
- Proposal‑management
- Research
Preferred Locations
- Commutable to the firm’s Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, or Columbus offices (other office locations may be considered)