Director – Client Development – Life Sciences

Director – Client Development – Life Sciences

Requirements

• 10+ years of client development experience, preferably within an AmLaw 100 firm, professional services firm, or a life sciences-focused organization.
• Proven track record in developing and executing high-impact business development strategies in the biotech, pharma, or healthcare investment space.
• Prior experience leading and managing a business development team, ideally within a large professional services organization.
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence at all levels, including partners, senior attorneys, and firm leadership.
• Deep life sciences industry relationships and credibility within the life sciences sector, enabling direct access to key decision-makers.
• Exceptional team management skills, with experience leading and mentoring business development professionals in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret market data, competitive intelligence, and client insights to shape strategy.
• 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.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability while collaborating effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic growth plans for the business in collaboration with LS business leaders and practice management.
• Develop and oversee high-impact, scalable initiatives to drive measurable client relationships, profitable growth and brand leadership from conception through execution, ensuring that efforts not only aligned with LS and firm-wide goals but also embedded within the firm’s cultural and operational fabric for long-term sustainability.
• Leverage deep industry relationships with biotech and pharma executives, investors, and other stakeholders to facilitate client introductions and expand the firm’s market presence.
• Monitor, filter, and share relevant industry trends, competitive intelligence, and emerging opportunities in digestible format to inform decision-making around business development strategy and client targeting. Use this information to structure and drive growth initiatives with clear plans, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes.
• Oversee the development of high-quality, strategic marketing materials that elevate Goodwin’s position in the life sciences industry, including but not limited to differentiated positioning and story-telling in pitches and proposals from a client lens, as well as Directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers) to enhance visibility and elevate the practice’s reputation.
• Drive strategic marketing campaigns and brand presence in line with LS practice growth objectives, including presence in high-profile industry events, sponsorship and alliances.
• Collaborate with our PR/Communications team to position Goodwin as the thought leader in the market by publishing forward-looking, actionable insights and a clear media strategy.
• Proactively identify and implement best-in-class, scalable frameworks, approaches, processes, and systems to support the firm’s life sciences growth objectives.
• Develop and oversee long-term engagement programs (e.g., targeted client touchpoints, industry collaborations, and strategic partnerships).
• Direct the implementation of operational changes that streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance quality and productivity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of business development professionals, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals.
• Foster a collaborative, high-impact team culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, client-first execution, and measurable outcomes.
• Nurtures psychologically safe and inclusive environment and encourages a diversity of thought. Consistently develops and sustains productive working relationships by being present and engaged in accordance with the firm’s hybrid work policy.
• Manage the LS budget with a line of sight to ROI and alignment with growth objectives of the business in terms of markets, clients, and sub-practice areas.
• Lead team’s efforts to modernize policies, processes, and systems, leveraging technology and automation to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the integration of lateral partners, ensuring they can leverage Goodwin’s platform to maintain and grow their client relationships.
• Work cross-functionally with Finance, Practice Management, Knowledge Management, and other internal teams to enhance data-driven decision-making in business development efforts.
• Partner with firmwide CD leaders to share and deploy insights and best practices across different practice groups.
• Support cross-practice collaboration, helping to position Goodwin as the premier firm for life sciences companies at every stage of growth.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.