Strategic BD Training Architect

Decker Jones, P.C.; Town of Porter (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Arnold & Porter is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development Training to design and execute a firmwide BD training program. This newly created role will build a multi-tier curriculum to support attorneys at every career stage, acting as curriculum architect with partners and directors to ensure consistency and impact across initiatives.

The role may be based in New York or Washington, DC, and requires leadership, instructional design expertise, and the ability to travel as needed to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, professional services marketing, or attorney professional development.
• Experience coaching attorneys or supporting individual business development plans.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, experience management tools (Foundation), and AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot).
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design and adult learning principles.
• Prior experience designing or leading training programs in a professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of business development within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable frameworks.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Collaborative, consultative approach with strong relationship-building skills across senior stakeholders.
• High level of discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
• Ability to travel to firm offices as needed to deliver training and engage with attorneys.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and ability to drive firmwide initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain a comprehensive, multi-level BD curriculum with tailored tracks for associates and partners.
• Develop structured learning paths from foundational to advanced skills (networking, relationship mgmt. to client origination).
• Partner with BD Directors to create practice-specific content aligned with priorities and attorney development plans.
• Build and maintain a repository of best practices and case studies.
• Ensure content reflects the firm’s brand and market positioning.
• Refine curriculum based on feedback, performance data, and priorities.
• Own the annual BD training calendar across offices and formats (virtual and in-person).
• Facilitate BD training sessions and coordinate programs delivered by BD/PD teams, attorneys, external facilitators.
• Collaborate with PD, D&I, and other teams to integrate BD training into attorney development.
• Lead onboarding training for lateral partners and associates to align with BD culture.

Skills

Instructional design

Adult learning principles

Project management

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Foundation

ChatGPT

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

Arnold & Porter is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development Training to design and execute a firmwide BD training program. This newly created role will build a multi-tier curriculum to support attorneys at every career stage, acting as curriculum architect with partners and directors to ensure consistency and impact across initiatives.

The role may be based in New York or Washington, DC, and requires leadership, instructional design expertise, and the ability to travel as needed to deliver