Life Sciences BD Lead - Strategic Growth & Pitches

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 128,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnold & Porter is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the growth of its Life Sciences & Healthcare Regulatory and Product Liability Litigation practices. This role may be located in Boston, New York, or Washington, DC.

The BD Manager serves as a strategic partner to practice leaders and attorneys, driving initiatives that strengthen client relationships, expand market presence, and generate new business through collaboration with the lawyers and Marketing Department.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6+ years of business development or marketing experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience supporting life sciences and healthcare practices strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of business development strategy within a professional services context.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong client service orientation and ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with practice chairs and working group leaders to develop and execute business development strategies.
• Identify market trends, client opportunities, and competitive positioning to inform growth initiatives.
• Drive cross-selling and collaboration opportunities across practices.
• Lead the development of high-impact pitches, proposals, and RFP responses.
• Shape compelling messaging and value propositions aligned with client needs and firm strengths.
• Prepare and coach partners and senior attorneys for client meetings and presentations.
• Collaborate with BD and Marketing colleagues to execute strategic initiatives leveraging market intelligence and client insights.
• Lead directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers) to enhance market visibility.
• Identify and support media, PR, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Drive participation in sponsorships, conferences, and speaking engagements.
• Oversee development of marketing collateral and digital content in collaboration with Marketing Communications.
• Coordinate client events, webinars, and targeted campaigns aligned with strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage practice budgets; track and evaluate ROI on BD initiatives.
• Utilize CRM and other tools to track activity, support client targeting, and inform decision-making.
• Support integration of lateral partners through targeted client development planning and coordinated BD efforts.
• Supervise and mentor junior BD team members; provide guidance on pitches and materials.

Skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Client service orientation

Leadership

CRM tools

AI-enabled tools

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Foundation

CRM systems

Job description

Arnold & Porter is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the growth of its Life Sciences & Healthcare Regulatory and Product Liability Litigation practices. This role may be located in Boston, New York, or Washington, DC.

The BD Manager serves as a strategic partner to practice leaders and attorneys, driving initiatives that strengthen client relationships, expand market presence, and generate new business through collaboration with the lawyers and Marketing Department.