Business Development Manager – Alternative Sponsor Group

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 Charlotte office.

General Description:
We are seeking a Business Development Manager - Alternative Sponsor Group to join our team. The Business Development Manager plays a strategic role in driving new client development, expanding a rapidly growing practice, and strengthening key relationships within the Alternative Sponsor segment of the Private Equity Practice. This position leads business development initiatives, oversees pipeline and intake processes, and partners closely with marketing, attorneys, and practice leadership to execute growth strategies and enhance market visibility.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

Business Development & Growth Strategy

• Learn, under the tutelage of group heads and other firm personnel, the private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and alternative sponsor businesses from the law firm perspective, as well as how to use the firm’s artificial intelligence tools and other digital assets.
• Develop and execute targeted business development strategies to identify, cultivate, and convert prospective clients.
• Lead lead‑generation initiatives, structured outreach, and disciplined follow‑up processes.
• Track, analyze, and report on pipeline metrics, practice activity, and business development outcomes.
• Identify cross‑selling opportunities and collaborate with other practice groups to leverage firm‑wide strengths.

Client Intake & Relationship Management

• Oversee the client intake process from initial contact through engagement, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
• Maintain and optimize CRM systems, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and actionable reporting.
• Manage attorney contact databases and relationship intelligence to support strategic outreach.

Marketing & Practice Development

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Alternative Sponsor Practice and the Marketing Department, coordinating campaigns, collateral, and brand positioning.
• Collaborate with attorneys and marketing teams to develop targeted materials for pitches, proposals, client presentations and thought leadership publications.
• Support budget planning, tracking, and compliance for practice development initiatives.

Events & External Engagement

• Represent the firm at client events, industry conferences, and networking functions.
• Serve as the point of contact for third‑party event planners and sponsors.
• Oversee event logistics, including planning, attendee engagement, and post‑event follow‑up to maximize relationship‑building opportunities.

Leadership Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to firm leadership and practice heads on business development initiatives, pipeline status, and client relationship activities.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel to other firm offices and cities as needed.
• Maintain a regular, predictable work schedule and remain fully engaged in work activities during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by law.

Required Skills:

• Personable, enthusiastic, and skilled at building relationships and networking in professional settings.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a demonstrated ability to drive results independently and learn new skills and industries.
• Experience in business development, client relations, recruiting or event coordination, preferably within a professional environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, firm leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with a capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and business development tools, as well as:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data analysis and reporting tools
• Event management and marketing automation platforms

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6 – 10 years of experience, preferably in a legal or professional services marketing environment.

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 ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.

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