Director Business Development & Growth

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Director Business Development & Growth, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives , is responsible for executing firmwide business development and growth initiatives that support strategic priorities, client development, and revenue expansion, with a primary focus on the Firm’s Private Equity practice and related transactional areas. This role partners closely with practice leaders, attorneys, and senior administrative leaders to identify market opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and drive sustainable growth across the platform, with an initial emphasis on sponsor and investor-facing practices.



Location

This position is located in our Boston office and offers a hybrid work schedule.



Responsibilities

• Executes the development of firmwide and practice-level business development and growth strategies aligned to the firm’s strategic priorities.

• Partners with practice group leaders and attorneys to identify growth opportunities, including new markets, clients, services, and strategic initiatives.

• Supports business planning and client development efforts for Private Equity and other priority transactions practices, including sponsor coverage, cross-practice collaboration, and expansion of client relationships over the fund and deal lifecycle.

• Drives client development efforts, including cross-selling strategies, key client programs, and relationship expansion.

• Analyzes market, client, and financial data to inform growth decisions, including trends affecting Private Equity sponsors, investors, and transactional clients, and measures the effectiveness of business development initiatives.

• Collaborates with Marketing & Business Development, Pricing, Finance, IT Innovation, and Knowledge teams to support integrated growth efforts.

• Leads and develops business development professionals, providing direction, coaching, and performance management.

• Prepares and presents growth strategies, progress reports, and recommendations to the firm.

Desired Skills

Position competencies necessary for this role include strategic thinking and growth planning; people leadership and team development; excellent communication and presentation skills and data-driven decision making and financial acumen. Must possess strong understanding of the legal or professional services market and have the ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and attorneys. Demonstrated ability to support and advise Private Equity and other transactional practices in a fast paced, deal-driven environment, including partnering with senior attorneys and practice leaders on growth and client development initiatives. Must have proven track record as an effective sales/business development specialist, preferably in a professional services industry. Excellent presentation and communication skills required to interact with senior executives and lawyers on a regular basis. Ability to quickly develop rapport and gain respect at all levels of an organization. Must have strong business acumen and be a self-starter. Leadership experience in Business Development or Sales strongly preferred.



Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration.
  
  
  
  

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ years’ progressive experience in business development, strategy, or growth roles, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment, with experience supporting transactional practices such as Private Equity, M&A, or related areas, including experience leading teams and firmwide initiatives.
  
  

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.



Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.



Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected] .

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $245,087 - $330,886 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center .