Description

THE FIRM

As a leading international law firm, we are dedicated to excellence through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has earned us one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 26 consecutive years. This honor, along with many others, highlights our commitment to innovation and professional development. At Alston & Bird LLP, our foundation is made of trust, reliability, and compassion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Business Development Specialist will work closely with colleagues to support Finance and Financial Services practices with business development, marketing, and practice management initiatives. The role will be an integral part of the firm's global Business and Practice Development department and will have a meaningful presence in the Alston & Bird New York office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop relationships with Finance and Financial Services lawyers to serve as point of contact for day-to-day marketing and business development needs, and identity marketing and branding opportunities for the office/market.
• Prepare pitches and RFPs, including conducting/analyzing market research and analysis on prospect companies and business sectors.
• Tracking matters and deals for knowledge management database in Foundation.
• Proofread and copyedit client-facing and internal marketing materials.
• Coordinating with lawyers and the global marketing team on award nominations, surveys, and submissions for directory and ranking authorities such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, and IFLR.
• Coordinate and execute client-facing and internal events by collaborating across departments to manage logistics, communications, and post-event follow-up.
• Ensure events are thoughtfully designed and executed to advance the firm’s business development objectives and client engagement strategy.
• Make recommendations for and coordinate sponsorships, memberships, and event attendance at client and industry events to increase the visibility and influence of the firm, including working with outside vendors and the internal Alston & Bird Events team.
• Ensure content on website, biographies, and in the firm’s proposal database is current and updated proactively.
• Conduct and manage competitive intelligence research projects for the benefit of the Finance and Financial Services groups.
• Tracking of and coordinating multiple stakeholders’ input on client requests (e.g., bank surveys, outside counsel guideline reviews, etc.)
• Updating and managing aspects of the Finance and Financial Services BD budgets.
• Support initiatives in coordination with the Finance and Financial Services groups’ BD Senior Manager and ensure these activities are tracked in relevant databases.
• Collaborate with marketing and other business professionals across the firm.
• Be knowledgeable of firm systems (e.g., Foundation) and conversant in technology used by marketing team and firm and identify and implement opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency. 

Requirements

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Executive presence and commitment to client service.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee multiple events.
• A self-starter and team player, able to accept direction, yet work independently. Resourceful.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to interact with people at all levels.
• Demonstrates the ability to confidently interact with the firm’s attorneys and actively supports their business development opportunities.
•  Attention to detail.
• An eye for what looks good on client-facing materials.
• Willingness to travel, both to other firm offices and to events/conferences.
• Excellent prioritization, organization, and time management skills. Deadline oriented.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
• A commercial, pragmatic, and positive outlook, responding effectively to rapidly changing circumstances and remaining calm in the face of pressure.
• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint) and CRM/database platforms.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Experience at a law firm or professional services firm is required.
• Experience working with law firm finance and/or financial services practice groups is preferred.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact donavan.mclean@alston.com.

Alston & Bird is not currently accepting resumes from agencies for this position. If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if Alston & Bird hires the candidate.