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Goodwin · 1 month ago

Director, Client Development - Private Equity

Boston

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$200K/yr - $285K/yr

15+ years exp

Goodwin is a premier global law firm with a market-leading Private Equity Group representing PE firms and other investors. The Director of Client Development will lead strategies to drive growth and strengthen client relationships in the private equity sector.

Intellectual PropertyLaw EnforcementLegalLife ScienceReal Estate

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Work with PEG leadership to shape and execute go-to-market priorities and plans that drive profitable revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and deepen client relationships

Direct competitive intelligence efforts, including market research and industry trend analysis, to inform business development strategies and client targeting. Stays abreast with latest industry news to opportunistically identify areas of connection and growth

Lead the creation and implementation of tailored client development plans targeting key private equity markets, clients, sub-practice areas bases on emerging industry trends

Take a proactive, hands-on approach in collaborating with partners and the team to produce high-quality pursuit and pitch responses. These should be anchored in a deep understanding of the client’s business, priorities, and requested scope, supported by research and a clear articulation of our qualifications that truly differentiate us for the opportunity

Collaborate with broader client development team and Global Operations (GO) team to drive client and market impact, including knowledge management to convert out proprietary data into insights for driving thought leadership, communications and PR teams to elevate Goodwin’s brand positioning in the sector, and client value to collaborate on effective fee arrangements

Contribute to the development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns and brand initiatives aligned with practice growth objectives, including participation in high-profile industry events, sponsorships, and alliances. Leverage this opportunity to build differentiating marketing collateral

Foster cross-practice collaboration to position Goodwin as the premier law firm for private equity sponsors across all stages of growth

Oversee the business development budget, ensuring alignment with firmwide growth priorities across markets, clients, and sub-practice areas, with a clear focus on ROI

Manage the preparation of high-quality directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers) to strengthen market visibility and enhance the practice’s reputation

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team and foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture ensuring their work aligns with the strategic objectives of the business

Drive the identification and implementation of scalable, best-in-class processes, systems, and approaches that support the Private Equity group’s growth goals

Support the successful integration of lateral partners by enabling them to fully leverage Goodwin’s platform to sustain and grow their client relationships

Leverage firm’s strong industry relationships with private equity executives, investors, and key stakeholders to facilitate client introductions, deepen existing client engagement, expand the firm’s market presence, and uncover new business opportunities

Qualification

Client development experiencePrivate equity knowledgeGo-to-market strategyLeadership skillsMarket researchBusiness development initiativesRelationship managementAnalytical mindsetExecutive communicationTeam management

Required

15+ years of client development experience, preferably within AmLaw 25 or scaled professional services firm

Proven track record in shaping and executing go-to-market strategies that elevate firm positioning and drive market share in the private equity sector

Prior experience building and managing a high-performing, collaborative, and proactive business development team, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment

Experience building scalable, cross-functional programs and solutions that integrate client and client & market intelligence, marketing, communications, and client service

Deep understanding of the private equity ecosystem, including deal structures, investment strategies, and the business drivers for PE firms, portfolio companies, and investors

Familiarity with the regulatory, financial, and operational nuances unique to private equity transactions and associated implications for business development for legal services

Advanced skills in building, maintaining, and leveraging high-value relationships with PE executives, investors, and industry stakeholders. Executive presence to interact, engage, and influence senior firm-wide stakeholders

Expertise in designing and executing client development approaches tailored to complex, relationship-driven environments

Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret market data, competitive intelligence, and client insights to shape growth opportunities and overall strategy

Deep private equity relationships and credibility within the private equity sector, enabling direct access to key decision-makers

Exceptional team management skills, with experience leading and mentoring business development professionals in a fast-paced, complex, matrixed environment

Excellent executive communication skills—able to present complex ideas in a clear, persuasive, and actionable manner

Results-driven, strategic thinker with a track record of successfully developing and implementing business development initiatives that drive revenue growth

Knowledge of best practices in business development operations, including budgeting, process optimization, and technology adoption (e.g., CRM, Experience databases, analytics platforms)

Experience implementing scalable systems and processes to support growth

Travel as required for client meetings, industry events, and cross-office collaboration