Business Development Manager

Gunderson Dettmer is the only business law firm of its kind - exclusively serving the global venture capital and emerging technology marketplace. From Silicon Valley to Singapore - we innovate for innovators, accelerate entrepreneurship, and help build companies at every stage of the growth lifecycle. We are committed to being the employer of choice by working together to create an environment, in which each of our people can grow, take initiative, and develop a fun, fulfilling and financially rewarding career. 

Benefits

In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefit package, which includes full medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account and Paid Time Off. 

Job Description

Gunderson Dettmer has an opening for a Business Development Manager, resident in our Redwood City, CA headquarters (hybrid position). The Business Development Manager will report to the Chief Marketing Officer and be a core member of the marketing and business development team firmwide. This position will support the four offices in California (Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego) and manage local team members in offices throughout the state.
As a Business Development Manager for our California offices, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening our firm's reputation in California and firmwide. This position offers an exciting opportunity to build and nurture meaningful relationships with attorneys in the area while also expanding our connections within the vibrant startup and venture capital ecosystem.
If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for building relationships, driving business growth, and contributing to the success of one of the top law firms in the world, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. This role is new and allows the right individual a high degree of ownership and autonomy, while also ensuring they are integrated into and collaborating with the firmwide department. Join our team and take your career to the next level.
Responsibilities & Expectations
Strengthen Our Reputation in the Region

• Collaborate with the California-based attorneys to cultivate and expand a strong network of connections within the regional startup and venture capital community, including entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, and other key stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to collaborate with influential industry players, fostering strategic partnerships that enhance our firm's visibility and reputation in the region.
• Act as a trusted advisor to our attorneys, providing valuable insights on market trends, industry developments, and potential business opportunities to support both client acquisition and client retention.
• Support the growth and expansion of our Life Sciences reputation in the region and nationally, working with attorneys and BD team members in several offices.
• Experiment and pilot initiatives to test new approaches in relationship-building and business development, gathering data-driven insights to optimize our strategies.
• Work alongside the firmwide marketing and BD team to leverage best practices, tools and research that will support your efforts regionally.

Share & Communicate Best-In-Class Experience

• Work with the team to tailor marketing materials, pitch decks, and RFP responses to effectively showcase our firm's expertise, achievements, and unique value proposition to potential clients.
• Collaborate with our attorneys to craft compelling case studies and success stories, highlighting our track record of delivering exceptional results for clients across the venture ecosystem.
• Experiment with innovative content formats and delivery channels to effectively communicate our expertise and credentials, continuously refining our messaging based on performance metrics and results.
• Stay updated on the latest industry best practices and marketing trends to ensure our messaging remains fresh, relevant, and competitive.

Develop Opportunities for Relationship Building

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute events and sponsorships that align with our firm's objectives, such as client dinners, workshops, networking sessions, and thought leadership forums.
• Grow our existing strategic sponsorships among relevant industry players, maximizing our brand exposure and engagement with potential clients.
• Pilot new event formats or sponsorship approaches to gauge their impact and return on investment, making data-backed recommendations for future initiatives.
• Work closely with the communications team to effectively promote and publicize our participation in events and sponsorships through various channels, including social media, press releases, and email campaigns.

Job Requirements

• 7 years of experience
• Proven track record in business development, client relationship management, or a related field within the legal, startup, or venture capital industry.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills to effectively engage with internal stakeholders, attorneys, clients, and external partners.
• Strong understanding of the New England startup and venture capital landscape, with a keen ability to identify and leverage emerging business opportunities.
• Creative thinker with the ability to drive innovative marketing strategies and initiatives.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel approximately monthly for business development and networking purposes.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required

Status

• Full-Time, Exempt

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.