Business Development & Proposal Specialist

About Us:

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.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Business Development Specialist to join our dynamic team. This key role is essential for supporting our business development and proposal initiatives across multiple practice groups and industries. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues in the Marketing and Business Development department and practice group leadership, attorneys, and other administrative departments such as Accounting and Financial Management, Practice Administration, and Risk Management to coordinate and complete projects.

This hybrid position offers a work schedule of three days a week in the office at one of the following locations: Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Delaware, Seattle, Portland, or Phoenix.

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 and Proposals Specialist within our Marketing team you will:

• Develop and maintain target lists and identify new business opportunities.

• Coordinate and communicate business development activities across multiple offices and practice areas.

• Lead cross-marketing initiatives for existing clients and enhance inter-office communication regarding business development.

• Track, report, and organize all marketing and business development efforts related to specific practice groups.

• Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, events, and sponsorships.

• Drive the creation of new marketing collateral tailored to assigned groups.

• Prepare and manage responses to Requests for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/RFP), ensuring timely and compelling submission.

• Direct the compilation and upkeep of database contacts, mailing lists, and collateral; ensure marketing and business development materials are catalogued and accessible.

• Conduct market and competitor research to refine pitch materials and proposals.

• Maintain up-to-date, accurate proposal and practice group materials.

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.

• Client Service: Exceptional ability to understand and respond to the needs of internal and external clients, emphasizing high-quality service.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience in business development or marketing roles, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.

• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. This roll supports firm responses to proposals aligned with strategy, business development, and client relationship goals.

• Exhibit a high level of proficiency in the firm’s computer applications and document management system, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments, Elite, and other relevant practice or functional area databases as appropriate.

• Analytical skills and strong computer proficiency are a must.

• Must be incredibly service minded with a penchant for processes and problem solving and can work independently and maintain a focus on priorities while meeting strict deadlines.

The targeted salary range for this position is from $80,000 – $90,000, 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.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.