Business Development Manager - U.S. Real Estate and Global Infrastructure

Based in New York, NY with a hybrid work arrangement, this opportunity at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP centers on U.S. Real Estate and cross practice Infrastructure strategy. It emphasizes growth, cross-practice collaboration, and strategic initiatives across Real Estate and Infrastructure with the Firm’s BDMC and leadership. The role offers a salary range of USD 160,000 to 180,000 per year and health care benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑practice and cross‑geography collaboration on Infrastructure initiatives, building internal networks and coordinating client‑focused strategies for sector development and relationship growth.
• Develop a thorough commercial understanding of clients’ businesses, competitive landscapes, and priorities to proactively identify opportunities for revenue and relationship expansion.
• Shape the group’s industry profile and market presence by identifying high‑impact conferences, events, campaigns, pitches, and thought leadership efforts for Real Estate and Infrastructure, and support their execution.
• Craft pitches, RFP responses, and deal lists that are precisely tailored to specific opportunities.
• Oversee directory and award submissions, keeping credentials aligned with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with senior BD teammates and practice leaders on cross‑selling and client targeting, including initiatives tied to the Firm’s priority client program with Real Estate or Infrastructure focus.
• Work with Practice Group Leaders and others to leverage tools and systems for real‑time tracking and reporting of global infrastructure experience, building processes where gaps exist.
• Partner with the Firm’s innovation team to develop an efficient method for applying industry tagging to historical matter data, ensuring infrastructure experience is accurately captured and searchable.
• Develop cross‑practice infrastructure marketing collateral, including credentials materials, sector briefings, and thought leadership that showcase the Firm’s integrated capabilities.
• Identify client opportunities in Infrastructure and Real Estate by monitoring industry developments, tracking deal flow, and delivering timely intelligence and guidance to partners.
• Coordinate with professional services teams on value‑add initiatives such as client feedback programs and best‑practice frameworks to strengthen long‑term relationships.

Requirements

• A first‑of‑its‑kind hybrid role requiring comfort in building new processes, navigating ambiguity, and working across multiple reporting lines and stakeholder groups.
• 5+ years of relevant business development experience in a professional services firm, including at least 2 years in Real Estate or Infrastructure related legal marketing.
• Strong understanding of Real Estate and Infrastructure terminology, deal types, and market dynamics.
• A motivated team player who can also serve as the independent business development point person for partners.
• Strong time and project management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines across multiple stakeholders.
• Proven experience writing pitches and proposals.
• Strong analytical and research abilities with the capacity to synthesize information clearly.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, creative approach to problem solving.
• Experience developing best practices and implementing new processes, including data management, reporting frameworks, or CRM systems.
• Familiarity with CRM, experience management, or matter tracking tools such as Foundation or InterAction is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work across practices and geographies, building internal networks and fostering cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed.

Technologies

• Foundation
• InterAction