Senior Business Development Manager, Capital Markets

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The firm is seeking a seasoned Senior Business Development Manager that will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the strategic marketing and business development plans for the firm’s premier Capital Markets Practice (CMG) within the Corporate Department. The successful candidate will have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the equity and debt markets, including a clear command of the key market participants, emerging opportunities, and current trends, as well as the competitive legal landscape. This includes familiarity with major players across the ecosystem, such as unicorns, investment banks, and other key stakeholders, along with insight into top competitors and how they are positioned in the market. Additional important characteristics are prior experience mentoring junior level business development professionals; significant Big Law business development experience; and a high comfort level working in an entrepreneurial environment.  The successful candidate will work directly with the CMG practice groups leaders, manage at least two direct reports, and report to the Director of Business Development for the Corporate Department.

This position is available as a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic plans for the firm’s CMG in close collaboration with the practice group and office leaders

• In collaboration with the Director of Business Development for Corporate, work closely with Corporate Department leadership and key partners to drive and support their marketing and business development plans

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Corporate Department’s client base, including knowledge of the work being performed

• Drive research projects focused on client targeting, market trends, and competitor analysis, distilling complex data into concise insights and presenting findings to drive pitches, pursuits and business development strategy

• Oversee deal data collection and league table reporting

• Develop and implement client targeting programs and pursuit teams

• Lead the strategy and execution of private label events from concept through delivery, including defining objectives, shaping content and audience, and partnering with the Events team on logistics to ensure seamless execution and measurable ROI

• Collaborate with the Corporate department’s marketing manager to develop and drive tactics and programs that raise the CMG’s internal/external visibility through events, sponsorships, public relations, and social media

• Under the direction of the Director of Business Development, Corporate, identify and support cross-practice, cross-department, and cross-region opportunities and collaborate with attorneys and marketing colleagues to develop and drive marketing and business development plans to exploit those opportunities

• Take ownership of high-impact assignments from senior BD leadership, ensuring timely and effective execution

• Build and maintain relationships with appropriate organizations and vendors to maximize engagement and business development efforts

• Direct the development of marketing collateral, responses to RFPs and pitches that helps win new business

• Provide business intelligence on markets, clients, prospects, competitors, and individuals

• Advise and counsel CMG attorneys in all stages of marketing and business development, from vetting sponsorship opportunities to preparing attorney teams for major business development activities

• Serve as BD coach to newly promoted partners

• Develop regular internal communications highlighting the practice and key deals and trends in the marketplace

• Disseminate trends as they relate to clients, practice initiatives, and competitors to the wider BD team

• Educate the BD team regarding the CMG’s capabilities and work as well as market trends as appropriate

• Partner with all functional groups in the Marketing Department and other administrative groups to plan and execute the practices’ key initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree (e.g. MBA or JD) preferred

• 7+ years of marketing/client development experience required, with ideally 3 of those years in a law firm

• Strong commercial sense and confidence to understand the needs and expectations of attorneys and clients, as well as how the marketing and business development function can facilitate and drive revenue

• Demonstrated ability to “own” the strategy, execution, and evaluation of all initiatives

• Keen ability to "connect dots"- draw conclusions, assess implications and make recommendations

• Exceptional verbal and written communication, persuasion, and motivation skills are critical to success

• Comfortable working cross-functionally and contributing to a supportive, collegial culture

• Unflappable self-starter who thrives on juggling numerous high-visibility projects on tight deadlines

• Display strong analytical skills needed for all primary duties of position, including comprehending and communicating data

• Familiarity with current AI tools and platforms, with a demonstrated curiosity and comfort testing, evaluating, and adopting emerging AI technologies to enhance business development and research efforts

• Expert organizational skills needed to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines

• Seasoned professional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm

• Ability to travel as needed

• Position is ideally based in the San Francisco Bay Area but would also consider New York

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).