Business Development Manager (Funds/Tax)

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP seeks a Business Development Manager in the Marketing department to support the Funds and Tax practices. The role demands strategic thinking, strong writing, and collaborative execution across firm teams.

The ideal candidate will manage pitches, proposals, and research to drive client growth, coordinate with the market intelligence team, and mentor junior staff while delivering superior service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing or business.
• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience with 3+ years in leadership.
• Familiarity with the Funds and Tax practice areas and AI platforms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Funds and Tax practice’s growth strategy.
• Manage pitches, proposals, RFPs and presentations, and related research and follow-through.
• Research, analyze and drive the strategy on client growth opportunities, in collaboration with firm’s research team and market intelligence analyst.
• Assist with collection, maintenance and accuracy of our experience database.
• Manage client targeting initiatives.
• Write and maintain marketing collateral, including web content, pitch books, attorney biographies and other marketing assets.
• Collaborate with other members of the Marketing and Business Development team to facilitate information-sharing and cross-selling among practices.
• Facilitate internal communications and knowledge sharing among team members and across the firm.
• Assist with lateral partner integration.
• Respond to various industry awards, surveys and directories.
• Keep apprised of market, client and competitor trends, and disseminate information on key developments and actionable information as appropriate.
• Evaluate and coordinate speaking and other visibility efforts.
• Assist with event execution.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Written & verbal communication

Project management

Client growth & market research

Team collaboration

Familiarity with AI platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD or MBA a plus

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Salesforce or other CRM

Job description

Location: Dallas, New York or Washington, DC

Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

FLSA: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager, in the Marketing department, supporting the Funds and Tax practices and reporting to the Senior Business Development Manager.

The role can reside in the Dallas, New York or Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities. The Business Development Manager is expected to have knowledge of the funds industry and develop a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. The ideal Business Development Manager is a creative thinker with strong written and verbal communications skills. They should have a client service-oriented approach, attention to detail, intellectually curiosity, and works well in teams and autonomously. The Business Development Manager must be organized, demonstrate strong follow-through, and be proactive. They need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and work well in a fast-paced environment. The Business Development Manager is expected to serve as a positive role model and mentor, and to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Funds and Tax practice’s growth strategy.
• Manage pitches, proposals, RFPs and presentations, and related research and follow-through.
• Research, analyze and drive the strategy on client growth opportunities, in collaboration with firm’s research team and market intelligence analyst.
• Assist with collection, maintenance and accuracy of our experience database.
• Manage client targeting initiatives.
• Write and maintain marketing collateral, including web content, pitch books, attorney biographies and other marketing assets.
• Collaborate with other members of the Marketing and Business Development team to facilitate information-sharing and cross-selling among practices.
• Facilitate internal communications and knowledge sharing among team members and across the firm.
• Assist with lateral partner integration.
• Respond to various industry awards, surveys and directories.
• Keep apprised of market, client and competitor trends, and disseminate information on key developments and actionable information as appropriate.
• Evaluate and coordinate speaking and other visibility efforts.
• Assist with event execution.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a marketing-related field. Advanced degree, JD or MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years of people or project management responsibility.
• Prior experience working with transactional advisors.
• Familiarity and experience with AI platforms.
• Strong financial and research capability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong writing and editing skills.
• Strong work ethic and service orientation.
• Strong critical thinking and sense of discretion.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload, work independently and as a member of teams, and complete tasks under time pressure as necessary.
• Poise, tact and professionalism when interacting with internal and external contacts.
• Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are essential.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems.