Senior Business Development Manager

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 our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The firm is seeking a 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 Emerging Companies Venture Capital Practice (ECVC) within the Corporate Department.

The successful candidate will have a wide and deep knowledge base of the venture capital ecosystem across all industry verticals; 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 role will work directly with the ECVC practice groups leaders, manage at least one direct report, 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 ECVC 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

• Collaborate with the firm’s Chief Innovation Officer on key technology and innovation initiatives

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

• Oversee venture capital deal data collection and league table reporting

• Develop and implement client targeting programs and pursuit teams

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

• Under the direction of the Director of Business Development for 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 help win new business

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

• Advise ECVC 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 and select senior associates

• 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 ECVC’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

• 7+ years marketing and/or 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" in order to 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

• 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

• A demonstrated passion for emerging technologies, including AI, Cleantech, Fintech, Mobility, Quantum Computing, and Robotics.

• Ability to travel as needed

• Position is ideally based in the San Francisco Bay Area but would consider other locations where WSGR has an office

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).