Business Development Specialist (NY, NJ, DC, Chicago)

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP; New York (NY); Remote; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP seeks a Business Development Specialist to support BD efforts across multiple practice groups. You will help identify opportunities, conduct market research, and assist in creating compelling proposals and client materials.

The role emphasizes collaboration with attorneys and BD colleagues, handling multiple priorities, and delivering high-quality work across different offices. Location options include several major markets.

Qualifications

• At least three years in marketing or business development in a law firm or professional services.
• Strong project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written communication with high attention to detail.
• Strong research and analytical abilities; able to identify opportunities and trends.
• Proficiency with CRM, reporting, and technology tools, including AI platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support BD plans, initiatives, and budgets for assigned practice groups and attorneys.
• Prepare tailored RFP responses, pitches, and proposals.
• Coordinate outreach and follow-up activities to pursue client opportunities.
• Update and maintain CRM content, experience notes, and matter descriptions.
• Assist with client events, webinars, and content marketing activities.

Skills

Marketing / BD experience

Project management

Research & analysis

CRM tools

Reporting tools

AI platforms

Tools

CRM software

Reporting tools

AI platforms

Job description

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, a powerhouse firm with the heart of a boutique, is seeking a Business Development Specialist to support the firm’s business development efforts and help identify and pursue new business opportunities. Working collaboratively with attorneys and members of the Business Development team, this individual will provide business development support to multiple practice groups, as assigned, helping to execute established strategies, conduct research on current and prospective clients, industries, competitors, and market trends, and identify potential opportunities through research and litigation monitoring.

The Business Development Specialist will coordinate and develop compelling proposals, presentations, and other business development materials; support ongoing client development initiatives; and contribute to projects designed to strengthen the firm’s market position and drive business growth.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who is comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously, producing high-quality work, and working effectively with attorneys and colleagues across different practice areas and offices.

This position may be located in New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, or Chicago.

Responsibilities include the following, as well as other projects as assigned:

Business and Client Development: Support the Business Development team in the development and execution of business development plans, initiatives, and budgets for assigned practice group(s) and individual attorneys. Identify and help advance client development and cross-selling opportunities by leveraging CRM and business intelligence platforms, market research, and other available resources. Prepare briefing materials and coordinate attorney outreach, follow-up activities, and next steps to support prospective and existing client opportunities. Collaborate with Business Development colleagues and attorneys to develop tailored RFP responses, pitches, presentations, and other business development materials that effectively showcase the firm’s experience and capabilities and are responsive to client needs and new business opportunities.

Research and Knowledge Management: Manage assigned research efforts concerning new business targets, industries, and competitors. Synthesize findings, identify relevant business development considerations, and present recommendations.

Project and Performance Management: Track, analyze, and report on the outcomes of pitches, proposals, referrals, client meetings, and other business development initiatives for assigned practice group(s), identifying trends and insights that may help inform future business development planning and activities. Maintain and update practice group experience, matter descriptions, and related information in the firm’s CRM, ensuring content is accurate, current, and readily available for use in proposals, pitches, directory submissions, attorney biographies, and other business development and marketing materials.

Marketing Communications and Events: Prepare briefing materials for client meetings, pitches, conferences, and other business development activities, incorporating relevant competitive intelligence, market research, and client-specific insights to support attorney preparation and engagement. Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to coordinate and execute client events, webinars, and content marketing initiatives that support the business development objectives of assigned practice group(s).

Directory Submissions: Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing colleagues and attorneys to prepare and coordinate directory, ranking, and award submissions for assigned practice group(s), including Chambers, Legal 500, and other relevant industry publications and organizations.

Key Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of three (3) years of marketing or business development experience in a law firm or other professional services environment. Paralegal experience is a plus.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with CRM, reporting, and technology tools, including AI platforms.
• Ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with attorneys, business development colleagues, and other internal teams.
• Proactive, responsive, and client-service oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned work.
• Demonstrated commitment to the work and a willingness to take initiative and contribute wherever needed to accomplish team and practice group priorities.
• Strong follow-through and a results-oriented approach, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify next steps, and see projects through to completion.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to shifting priorities, time-sensitive requests, and evolving business needs.
• Ability to manage assigned projects with limited supervision while working collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C., or Chicago if selected for the role. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and certifications (e.g., JD/technology) for example. New York City, New Jersey, Washington D.C. or Chicago Salary Range: Low: $85,000 High: $115,000.

Please be advised that all communications regarding open positions at our firm will exclusively originate from email addresses ending in @kelleydrye.com. We encourage you to exercise caution and verify the source of any communication claiming to represent our firm.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).