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 primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows: San Francisco and Silicon Valley: $163,200 - $220,800 per year Austin, Boston, Boulder, District of Columbia, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and Wilmington: $147,050 - $198,950 per year Salt Lake City and all other locations: $130,900 - $177,100 per year 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). careers.wsgr.com Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance them. We represent more than 300 public enterprises and 3,000 private companies in a wide range of today's cutting-edge industries, from AI and fintech to life sciences and mobility. For more than 60 years, our attorneys and professional staff have created a unique working environment. With deep roots in the fast-paced and innovative world of Silicon Valley, the firm fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and team-oriented approach for all employees, providing professional and personal development opportunities and encouraging all departments to promote a stable and optimal work/life balance. Wilson Sonsini is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce globally. We have built a culture in which employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are encouraged and empowered to achieve their maximum potential. Our firm is consistently recognized among the top law firms in annual diversity rankings. For example, Wilson Sonsini ranked No. 2 among firms with more than 600 attorneys in Law360's 2023 Diversity Snapshot. Additionally, in 2024, for the sixth consecutive year, Wilson Sonsini achieved Mansfield Plus Certification, and in 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, the firm achieved a top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index. We are also dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live and work by providing legal services, financial support, and volunteer services to worthy agencies and individuals in need. In 2023, Wilson Sonsini attorneys and staff provided more than 95,000 pro bono hours. and participated in more than 140 community service projects. The Wilson Sonsini Foundation contributed nearly $2 million to almost 120 law-related organizations and nearly 160 community organizations in 2023. Wilson Sonsini has 17 offices in 17 technology and business hubs worldwide. Austin, TX Boston, MA Boulder, CO Brussels, Belgium Century City, CA Hong Kong London Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Palo Alto, CA Salt Lake City, UT San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Shanghai (China) Washington, D.C. Wilmington, DE