Business Development Manager

The Opportunity

Williams Parker is seeking an accomplished Business Development Manager to lead business development as a core component of the firm’s integrated marketing function. At a time of significant growth across Sarasota and Southwest Florida, this role will connect the firm’s strategic direction and the ambitions attorneys hold for their practices with the relationships, market intelligence, and opportunities emerging across a dynamic regional market.

The Business Development Manager will identify promising avenues for client and practice development, strengthen priority relationships, and bring focus and momentum to new-business pursuits. The ideal candidate will combine established regional connections with the strategic perspective, business acumen, and follow-through to turn market insight into action. Building on Williams Parker’s century-long record of sophisticated counsel, exceptional service, and community stewardship, this role will help deepen the firm’s connections across the region.

• Translate strategy into growth initiatives. Work with firm leadership and attorneys to develop practice-growth plans, identify and prioritize client and market opportunities, and measure progress.
• Advance attorney business development priorities. Help attorneys pursue client expansion, cross-selling, referral development, and new business through focused relationship strategies and coordinated follow-through.
• Turn market insight into opportunity. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify prospective clients, referral sources, centers of influence, and emerging avenues for growth.
• Expand relationships and market presence. Build connections with business and civic leaders throughout Sarasota and Southwest Florida while identifying speaking, board, sponsorship, and community opportunities aligned with practice-development goals.
• Support long-term growth priorities. Apply market intelligence to lateral recruiting and succession planning, coordinate visibility initiatives with the Brand Manager, and track business development pipelines and results.

• Established regional connections. Strong relationships and market knowledge within Sarasota and Southwest Florida’s business and civic community.
• Professional-services business development experience. Seven to ten years of progressive experience in business development, client development, relationship management, marketing, or growth strategy, preferably within a law firm or professional services organization.
• Market insight and strategic judgment. Demonstrated ability to recognize high-value opportunities, understand client and practice needs, and translate market intelligence into focused recommendations and action.
• Credibility and execution. The professional presence, communication skills, discretion, organization, and follow-through to work effectively with attorneys, firm leaders, clients, and community stakeholders.
• Education. A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in business, marketing, communications, public relations, economics, or a related field.

• Meaningful work tied to firm growth. Help turn the firm’s strategic plan into initiatives that strengthen practices, deepen client relationships, and create new opportunities.
• A century of relationships on which to build. Work from a foundation of enduring connections with the families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions shaping the region.
• Sophisticated and varied opportunities. Support established practices serving clients with complex legal and business needs alongside colleagues who value exceptional service, sound judgment, and shared success.
• A competitive total rewards package. Williams Parker offers competitive compensation; comprehensive insurance benefits; employer contributions to its Employee Savings Plan and 401(k); paid time off; paid parental leave; wellness programs; and access to discounts and special offers through WP Perks at Work.