Director of Client Development - Corporate, M&A, and Securities

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position is based in our Houston, Texas office.

General Description:

We are seeking a Director of Client Development to join our team. The Director of Client Development will collaborate with partners and business services professionals to lead business development and marketing to support the Corporate, M&A, and Securities (“CMAS”) practice group in the Houston office.  The Director will be responsible for creating a go-to-market strategy that outlines prospective clients, centers of influence, and other referral sources.  A central responsibility of the Director will include teaming with Holland & Knight Partners to increase their collective exposure in the Houston and overall Texas markets, including with respect to the energy industry. This role will report to the Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer to ensure alignment with the Firm's operational departments.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Assisting Houston CMAS partners with winning new clients and expanding relationships with existing clients.
• Facilitating meetings and introductions for Houston CMAS partners to centers of influence and other referral sources in the Houston and broader Texas business markets, including with respect to the energy industry.
• Coordinating with partners to develop and help facilitate the firm’s CMAS brand in Houston and greater Texas.
• Setting targets and achieving measurable results, including number of qualified introductions to prospective clients, centers of influence and referral sources and revenue targets for new client business and expansion of existing client business. 
• Ensuring a collaborative, productive relationship with the firm's attorneys and business development and marketing professionals to ensure alignment and coordination across all lead generations, branding, business development, and marketing activities, and to ensure compliance with the firm’s policies, budgeting and approval processes, and other relevant protocols and guidelines.
• Preparing and reviewing pitches, proposals, and other materials used to generate client revenue.
• Participating personally in helping develop and redefine business development and marketing strategies for the CMAS practice in Houston.
• Participating personally in business development efforts, developing strategic relationships, and serving as an ambassador for the firm’s Houston CMAS practice in Houston and the broader Texas market.
• Participating personally in marketing efforts for the firm’s Houston CMAS practice.
• Assisting in leading the marketing and business development plans for the Firm’s Houston CMAS practice.
• Identifying and participating along with firm attorneys in trade shows and conferences that will help develop and facilitate the firm’s brand for the Houston CMAS practice.
• Coordinating meetings with the Houston CMAS practice to establish and communicate goals, identify and share opportunities, and report on progress.
• Working collaboratively with the “HK Deal Flow” team to source, match, and share investment and other opportunities.
• Establishing and maintaining processes for regularly reporting progress relative to targets and budgets.
• Collaborating with local and global marketing colleagues, and full alignment of efforts with firm and practice area priorities.
• Collaborating with the firm's pitch and proposal team to develop customized pitches/RFPs and attend client (and potential client) meetings with firm lawyers, as requested.
• Conducting after-the-fact analysis of business development meetings to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Coaching partners and designated associates on business development, demonstrating strong knowledge and understanding of the firm's various practice groups as well as industry norms.
• Maintaining a strong Houston and greater Texas network, including in the energy industry.
• Collaborating with the firm's research services group to gather competitive intelligence and research prospective clients.
• Special projects and duties as assigned, including support of Austin and Dallas offices when requested.

Required Skills:

• Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Strong process development and improvement capabilities.
• Effective communication and reporting skills.
• Marketing strategy and alignment proficiency.
• Experience in pitch and proposal development.
• Analytical skills to evaluate business development meetings.
• Coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Networking and relationship-building skills.
• Competitive intelligence and research expertise.
• Flexibility to oversee special projects and duties.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Deep roots in the Houston energy and general business community, including a strong network of prospective clients, centers of influence, and other referral sources.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in business development or a related role in professional services.
• Proven track record of successful project management.
• Strong proficiency with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Moderate or advanced keyboard usage

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact [email protected].

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.