Senior Business Development Manager

Kilpatrick, an AmLaw 100 international law firm, is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager for our large Corporate Department. This role will be based in either our Atlanta or Chicago office and will provide comprehensive support to select Corporate teams in those locations, as well as to select corporate attorneys located across additional firm offices.

This position will be a part of the firm's Marketing & Business Development team and will work closely with Corporate Department and Team Leaders as the senior strategic business development and marketing advisor. The Senior Business Development Manager will provide high-level, comprehensive support to select corporate teams across offices by driving practice growth, client development, and market positioning initiatives on Kilpatrick's international platform.

Why Kilpatrick?

At Kilpatrick, you will be part of a collaborative team of attorneys, paralegals, and business professionals delivering exceptional service to sophisticated clients worldwide. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative culture that values each individual's contributions, professional development, and well-being. Our Corporate Department is at the forefront of complex transactions and market-leading legal solutions, and this role offers a unique opportunity to drive its continued success and evolution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Serve as both a strategic planner and implementer for select teams within the Corporate Department with heavy focus on strategic growth practices.
• Advise and partner with department leadership, team leaders, and firm leadership to identify growth opportunities and execute go-to-market plans in alignment with Kilpatrick's Strategic Plan and business objectives.
• Analyze market trends, client and industry developments, and competitor positioning to inform long-term business development direction and competitive differentiation.
• Participate in regular team meetings with department and team leadership to ensure goal alignment, and consistent follow-up on key initiatives.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Identify and advance cross-selling, collaboration, and client expansion opportunities leveraging existing firm relationships and geographic footprint.
• Oversee the development, curation, and updating of marketing collateral, including proposals, pitch materials, client alerts, presentations, and website content, ensuring compliance with Firm brand guidelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Request for Proposals (RFPs) and pitch efforts where select Corporate Department teams are being engaged.
• Design and implement strategies for high-visibility client events, sponsorships, speaking engagements, and signature Firm events to strengthen client relationships and market standing.

Marketing Communications & Content Leadership

• Oversee the development, curation, and updating of marketing collateral, including proposals, pitch materials, client alerts, presentations, and website content, ensuring compliance with Firm brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with select Corporate Department teams to create thought leadership assets, digital and print advertising associated with sponsorships, and campaign materials.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments to inform content strategy and identify corporate opportunities for proactive media engagement.

Budgeting, Technology, & Reporting

• Strategically allocate practice and team marketing budgets to ensure the highest return on sponsorships, events, speaking engagements, and other business development initiatives.
• Evaluate the performance and impact of marketing activities to continually direct resources toward the most effective opportunities.
• Lead the development and management of annual budgets for designated Corporate Department teams, ensuring alignment with departmental marketing goals and priorities.
• Lead the deployment and utilization of marketing technology applications (CRM/ERM, event management, proposal generation) within the Corporate Department.
• Track and report on key performance indicators, including ROI for marketing and business development activities, budget performance, and progress against strategic objectives.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on departmental marketing and business development activities.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor, manage, and develop a high-performing team of business development and marketing professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Elevate attorney business development skills through structured coaching, training, and educational programs.
• Play a key role in the onboarding and integration of lateral partners and attorneys for select teams within the Corporate Department, working closely with the Lateral Success Team to ensure a smooth transition and strong early engagement.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development and other senior managers to ensure best practices and cross-team synergy.

Desired Qualifications

Requirement

Description

Education

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years in legal or professional services marketing; at least 5 years in a manager-level business development/marketing role at an AmLaw 100 firm or similar environment. Prior experience supporting M&A, private equity, and technology transactions teams is highly desirable.

Strategic Acumen

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative, results-driven business development strategies for corporate or transactional practices.

Leadership

Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams; experience managing complex, cross-functional projects, and initiatives.

Communication

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated success building relationships with high-level clients and internal stakeholders.

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency with MS Office, CRM/ERM systems, marketing technology platforms, and data analytics tools.

Market Knowledge

In-depth understanding of law firm economics, service offerings, and market dynamics; ability to identify and act on revenue growth opportunities.

Professionalism

High level of emotional intelligence, executive-level judgment, and discretion when handling confidential matters.

Flexibility

Ability to manage multiple complex projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, high-performance environment. Occasional travel required.

This is a full-time, regular position with a multi-faceted health benefit package including medical, dental, and vision. The firm also offers life insurance, short term disability plans and retirement plans in addition to holidays and paid time off. The firm offers hybrid work schedules combining in office work days as well as remote work days. The pay range for this position in Chicago only is $170,000 to $190,000 annually.

Selected applicants will be contacted. Kilpatrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at www.ktslaw.com.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities