Sutherland, a nationally-recognized law firm with offices in Atlanta, Washington DC, New York, Houston, Austin, and Tallahassee, is seeking a Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) to be stationed in its Atlanta or Washington, D.C. office. The Chief Business Development Officer will be a key player for the highly successful law firm as it transitions to a more targeted and client-focused approach to business development. The CBDO is responsible for the development and implementation of business development and client service initiatives that support the firm’s Strategic Plan. Working with the firm’s practice groups, the CBDO will facilitate client development efforts by aligning marketing, training and client service resources with the strategic priorities of the firm.

The CBDO will actively participate with the firm’s Executive Committee and Business Development Committee to develop long-term and annual business development plans and to ensure overall implementation of the firm’s strategic plan and related initiatives. This position requires close coordination with firm lawyers and staff members who contribute to and have responsibility for implementation of the Strategic Plan, including firm Directors and Practice Group Business Development Managers. The duties of the CBDO will include the following tasks:

• Develop strategies, recommend best practices, and implement specific actions that support the firm’s strategic business development goals.
• Work with the practice group leaders, business development managers, and individual attorneys to champion new business development initiatives and to define, prioritize, develop and execute those programs which yield the highest return.
• Recognize and assist the various offices of the firm facing different business development challenges and analyze and make recommendations regarding the growth of existing and new practice areas.
• Develop and manage the firm’s client team program, working with the practice groups to establish appropriate client service teams and to identify and follow-through on new business and cross-selling opportunities.
• Act as a marketing coach to lawyers and teams, providing support, training and techniques to help them achieve their business development goals. Work with the firm’s Professional Development department to establish and implement appropriate business development skill training throughout the firm.
• Develop and monitor the business development and marketing budget and prioritize and allocate resources in a manner that best achieves firm goals. .
• Provide direction, and vision for the firm’s overall marketing and business development function, including branding, advertising, communications, public relations, CRM, web presence, etc.
• Be responsible for overall management of the firm’s business development and marketing functions, including mentoring and motivating staff members and providing guidance on department structure, roles and responsibilities, professional development and other goals.

The candidate should be a strategic and original thinker with executive leadership presence, a hands-on manager with technological sophistication. Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task are required. The candidate should also be an excellent manager, as well as a mentor, trainer, coach and developer of talent. The qualified candidate will have significant experience in the marketing of professional services. While experience in a law firm is highly desirable, comparable experience in other business or consulting firms or a combination of service and corporate experience are acceptable. Candidates will possess a record of successfully implementing business development initiatives in new markets, a demonstrated track record of success in working with and motivating a wide range of constituencies and managing effectively both up and down the organization. Experience with firms that have expanded into new geographic markets, recruited and integrated lateral partners and practices is desirable.

Excellent academic credentials are required and an advanced degree (JD or MBA) is preferred.

Our firm's success is measured by the quality of our people and their capabilities, diversity and effort. In addition to offering a challenging and professional work environment, we offer a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package. We are an equal opportunity employer looking for talented professionals to join our team.