Business Development Manager, Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure

The Business Development Manager for the Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure practice groups at Sidley Austin LLP leads strategic marketing and client development initiatives, supervises staff and the BD budget, and coordinates cross-functional efforts to foster growth. This onsite role is based in New York, NY with a salary range of USD 140,000 - 170,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with practice and industry leaders, alongside other partners, to shape and implement marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers.
• Participate in practice and industry group meetings and planning sessions, contributing insights and guidance.
• Identify and propose business development opportunities and trends using data analytics, competitive intelligence, market analyses, and industry research.
• Assess the development of business prospects and cross-marketing efforts, providing recommendations to practice and industry leadership.
• Oversee the groups' business development infrastructure, including collateral, experience databases, matter lists, contact lists, and opportunity tracking; ensure materials are accurate, consistent, and efficiently managed with appropriate technology usage.
• Assist in the preparation and management of the BD budget; analyze initiatives and return on investment to inform future efforts.
• Coordinate with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry and client research to support practice development initiatives.
• Plan, implement, and follow up on new business or cross-marketing opportunities; onboard lateral hires in collaboration with regional marketing teams.
• Serve as project manager and key contributor for proposals, pitches, and other BD projects for primary groups and other needs as required.
• Lead briefing discussions to clarify opportunities and proposed approaches.
• Draft new business proposals and produce tailored responses to RFIs and RFPs.
• Advise and participate in preparing and rehearsing pitch teams; support post-pitch follow-up and debriefs with firm leadership.
• Lead submissions for practice and industry rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and related recognitions for assigned groups.
• Collaborate with Regional BD and Marketing teams to plan client programs and Sidley-sponsored events.
• Work with Communications and PR to identify thought leadership topics and coordinate lawyer participation in media, articles, podcasts, and other outlets.
• Recommend and coordinate involvement of firm lawyers in professional organizations to enhance visibility within relevant practice and industry platforms.
• Participate in hiring, supervising, and developing staff; manage daily operations, establish goals, provide coaching, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Delegate tasks efficiently to team members and collaborate with leaders across Marketing, Practice, Regions, and Functions on cross-practice initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development, or related experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; preferred fields include marketing, communications, business, or related areas.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Experience in marketing, business development, strategic planning, sales, or related activities within a law firm or other professional services organization.
• Knowledge of the business and legal landscape within the assigned practice areas or industries.
• Supervisory, managerial, or project management experience.
• Advanced degree in a related area (MBA or JD considered a plus).
• Working knowledge of CRM, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, Salesforce, and Foundation.
• Familiarity with market research tools and with law firm rankings, awards, and league table publications.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with meticulous attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work well with others, maintain confidentiality, and perform under pressure while managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.

Technologies

• InterAction
• Salesforce
• Foundation
• Microsoft Office
• Outlook

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits program