Director, Client Development, Strategy Execution

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.
Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.
This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Director, Client Development (“CD”), Strategy Execution (the “Director”) will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the execution of firmwide Client Development strategy, transformation, and operational priorities. This role will oversee large-scale change efforts focused on Client Development to drive long-term profitable growth, brand differentiation, and operational effectiveness. Working closely with the Chief Client Relationship Officer (“CCRO”), and Client Development Leaders, they will establish appropriate operating/staffing models to scale the core programs.

This role is perfect for a strategic, results-driven leader who excels in navigating complexity and leading transformational initiatives to enhance CD capabilities across the firm. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of CD leading practices and programs, as well as end-to-end processes and technology capabilities to drive effective client development. They will have experience in engaging with senior stakeholders to drive change in a matrixed organization as well as pulling together teams within the organization to drive initiatives.

What You Will Do:

• Lead a portfolio of complex firm-wide strategic initiatives aligned to firm priorities across demand generation, client conversion, client relationship management, and operational efficiency from conception to completion. Illustrative projects could include strategic account management, designing and deploying firmwide client targeting efforts, pursuits strategy, client feedback, and attorney business development capability building program.

• Integrate leading practices and approaches into tool-kits/playbooks and cascade leading practices, collaborating with the existing CD leaders and teams to ensure cross-pollination of leading practices. 

• Synthesize and present a cohesive and compelling story around the imperative, approach, successes and lessons learned across the portfolio of initiatives. Establish appropriate metrics and communication approach for a wide range of stakeholders to demonstrate impact, drive adoption, and effective change management.

• Engage and be aware of growth priorities, initiatives, and activities across different business units and groups to proactively identify client connections and deploy leading practices – with ability to balance consistency with flexibility for each group.

• Conceptualize and optimize current infrastructure as it relates to scope of the programs, including process mapping & optimization, tech enablement, policy updates, and overall change management.

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CCRO and other CD leaders to ensure alignment across priorities and initiatives.

• Integrate complex and diverse inputs from project teams and resolve conflicts to meet program goals. 

• Partner with leaders in Marketing, Client Development, Practice Management, Technology, and Knowledge Management to align client strategies with broader firm priorities and capabilities.

• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to assess the impact of client development initiatives and inform ongoing strategic decisions.

Who You Are:

• 12+ years of experience designing and deploying scaled client development programs, preferably within a professional services firm.

• Prior experience leading and managing a strategic initiatives team within a client development organization, ideally within a law firm or consulting firm environment.

• MBA or equivalent degree a plus

• Deep understanding of leading practices to identify, qualify, and progress client relationships and opportunities based on opportunity funnel from awareness to win.

• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and deploying scaled programs to build enduring client relationships and drive profitable growth in a professional services industry, with a particular focus on illustrative initiatives outlined in the responsibilities section.

• Strong leadership presence and the ability to influence at all levels, including partners, senior attorneys, and firm leadership

• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to prioritize use cases, optimize workflows, and implement changes with the data and technology team. Focus on best practices in process redesign, technology, and change management for client development tech stack, including CRM, campaign/event management, SEO optimization, client feedback, and emerging technologies like AI.

• Brings relevant experience from global law firms, consulting or similar professional services, ideally with depth in one of more sectors across private equity, technology, life sciences, real estate, and financial services. 

• Capability to form relationships across various levels and establish trust efficiently. Demonstrates strategic thinking and analytical skills to recognize business growth opportunities, foresee client needs, and propose innovative solutions.

• Analyze complex issues, identify challenges, and propose effective solutions aligned with client goals and firm capabilities. Have exceptional synthesis, storyboarding, and analytics skills to pull together materials for executive consumption.

• Demonstrate high emotional intelligence, including empathy, self-awareness, and effective relationship management.

• Exhibit executive presence and market expertise to guide and advise partners, helping them prioritize and achieve realistic goals.

• Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.

• Effectively manage multiple projects while maintaining organization and delegating as needed. Show initiative, independence, and creativity in problem-solving and collaboration at all levels.

• Proficient in core Microsoft suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), and stays abreast with new evolving technologies.

• In-office culture—minimum 3 days per week in the office.

• Travel as required for client meetings, industry events, and cross-office collaboration.

#LI-MS1

Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement & Savings Plan

• Emergency back-up child and adult care

• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Employee recognition and reward programs

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Employee discounts and perks

​Consistent with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.
To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process in the US, contact the Benefits Department by email or by phone at 617-570-1800. To request any disability or neurodivergence related accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process in the UK or Germany, please email the Recruiting Department. Any information you provide will be in the strictest confidence, and only used for the purpose of providing the accommodations needed. Requesting accommodations will not adversely affect the outcome of your application.
 

This position is eligible for overtime: No

The Target Salary Range For This Position Varies By Location And Is Commensurate With Relevant Experience: $200,000.00 - $270,000.00