Business Development Director - Finance

FBT Gibbons LLP offers an on-site leadership opportunity in New York, NY for a senior business development professional focused on the Finance industry. The role delivers a competitive total compensation range of USD 210,000 to 280,000 per year, requires a Bachelor’s degree, and calls for at least 10 years of relevant experience in a B2B, professional services, or legal environment. You will guide practice groups and client programs, driving revenue growth through data driven strategy, budgeting, and KPI reporting. Expect a collaborative culture that emphasizes professional development, cross-functional partnership, and measurable impact.

In this senior capacity, you will steward a portfolio that spans the Finance Industry Team, related practice groups, and key client teams. You will make independent decisions in consultation with Practice Group and Industry Team Leaders, the Chief Business Development Officer, and other firm leaders. The role also involves partnering with the CBDO on strategic initiatives and serving as a leadership delegate for essential meetings and presentations. You will leverage data from Practice Services, Finance, and Data & Innovation to craft growth strategies aligned with Industry Teams and high growth Practice Groups, informed by internal metrics and external research.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio that includes the Finance Industry Team, related practice groups, and key client teams; exercise independent decision making in collaboration with Practice Group and Industry Team Leaders, the CBDO, and firm leadership.
• Partner with the CBDO on strategic initiatives and serve as a leadership delegate for functions and presentations as needed.
• Perform data analysis with Directors of Practice Services, Finance, and Data & Innovation to develop growth strategies and align with Industry Teams and high growth Practice Groups.
• Collaborate with Directors of Practice Services and Department Chairs on Practice Group performance, attorney matters, and the development of new or productized service offerings.
• Manage key client teams (Cornerstones) for assigned groups; work with the DCD and CRLs to drive BD strategies, achieve revenue goals, and oversee plan implementation.
• Activate client feedback initiatives, participate in client interviews, and analyze insights with the DCD and CRLs to inform action plans, best practices, and BD training programs.
• Supervise and mentor a team of BD professionals (BDMs, BDA, and BDCs); delegate tactical execution while providing strategic oversight for assigned groups and teams.
• Define campaigns, tactics, timelines, and benchmarks for strategic BD opportunities; drive accountability for execution and outcomes.
• Oversee the preparation and strategy for RFP responses and new business pitches.
• Collaborate within Marketing and with Finance, Data & Innovation, IT, DEIB, Pricing, PM, and Legal Talent on significant initiatives affecting groups or firm objectives.
• Lead departmental leadership functions including process improvement, resource development, and meeting facilitation in coordination with the CBDO.
• Develop and manage budgets for key areas such as Industries, Practice Groups, Client Teams, and initiatives.
• Develop and present insights on legal industry trends, client feedback, practice group trends, and opportunities for awareness and outreach.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work culture by motivating teams, promoting collaboration, and maintaining high engagement and job satisfaction.
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to direct reports, delivering constructive feedback to support growth and skill development.
• Ensure adherence to firm policies and regulations while managing employee conduct and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; preferred fields include finance, business, marketing, communications, or related areas.
• Minimum of 10 years in a B2B, professional services, or legal environment, including at least 5 years in a management role.
• Experience in financial services, commercial real estate, or multifamily industries preferred.
• Strong strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem solving with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Proven leadership ability, initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a self-starter attitude.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the firm, including senior leadership, attorneys, and business professionals.
• Highly organized with solid project management and negotiation skills; capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work more than 40 hours per week and travel as needed across the firm’s footprint; weekend and overnight travel may be required occasionally (moderate travel time, estimated at 10-15%).

Benefits

• Health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Employee wellbeing and EAP programs
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing