Business Development Manager, Finance

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.  

A great opportunity is available for a dynamic business development professional to join Ballard Spahr as the Business Development Manager supporting our Finance Department. In this role, you’ll partner closely with Finance leadership, practice group leaders, attorneys, and our Marketing team to drive new business and strengthen client relationships. We’re looking for someone who brings strategic insight, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit to lead key initiatives and contribute to firm‑wide and industry‑focused projects.

The BDM will be an important part of our Business Development and Marketing team and will be required to work closely with the Finance department leadership, practice group leaders, industry teams, Marketing department leadership, attorneys, and other marketing team members to support the development of new business and to strengthen existing client relationships.

The BDM is responsible for developing and implementing business development plans, as well as identifying opportunities for current and potential clients. In addition, the BDM will be integral in building brand awareness for the firm, aligning those efforts with broader firm and department goals. Successful team members must be resilient, focused, creative, and demonstrate a collaborative and consultative working style.

This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the Philadelphia, Seattle, Portland, DC, Baltimore, NY or Atlanta offices.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Business Development Manager within our finance team, you will:

• Work with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders, to create and implement strategic business development plans and promote the firm’s services while understanding, addressing, and aligning our efforts with targets and clients’ objectives.

• Develop and maintain a rolling pipeline, which tracks targets, opportunities, and progress updates to help attorneys achieve goals

• Provide business development coaching in group and one-on-one settings and supports lawyers in the development of their individual attorney business development plans.

• Manage and drive follow-up on assigned business development initiatives and coordinate business development efforts across practices and industries.

• Assist with the development and management of practice group budgets, including providing insight into the return on investment of expenditures.

• Gather and provide intelligence on emerging market and industry trends to provide attorneys with an understanding of the competitive landscape and to position the firm for increased effectiveness in winning new business.

• Manage the compilation, development and maintenance of relevant database contacts/mailing lists.

What We’re Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Education, Experience and Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years’ experience in legal marketing required.

• Prior law firm experience required.

• Prior experience supporting similar groups mentioned in the position summary strongly preferred.

• Excellent writing, editing, communication (oral and written).

• Strong project management, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

• Strong computer proficiency a must (including knowledge of CRMs and marketing databases).

• Significant business knowledge and experience; and an intense client service attitude.

• The ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines, combined with a strong work ethic and a team player attitude are indispensable.

• Some travel may be required.

• Regular and predicable attendance is a core requirement of this position and the ability to work beyond the standard scheduled hours, as needed.

The targeted salary range for this position is from $140,000 – $160,000, which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.