Business Development Manager

DescriptionPosition Summary

Maynard Nexsen is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive client development and growth initiatives for the firm's Huntsville office, with particular emphasis on the firm's government contracts practice. This role partners directly with attorneys to identify, cultivate, and convert business opportunities, and requires a strong command of the government contracting landscape — including the agencies, primes, subcontractors, and industry associations that shape the North Alabama market. The ideal candidate combines strategic business development acumen with professionalism to represent the firm at the highest levels with clients, referral sources, and industry contacts.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

Partner with Huntsville-based attorneys and practice group leaders to develop and execute business development plans aligned with firm growth goals
Identify new client and matter opportunities within the government contracts sector, as well as across the firm's broader service lines
Track and pursue relevant RFPs, panel opportunities, and outside counsel selection processes
Develop pitch materials, capability statements, and proposals tailored to government contracting clients and prospects

Competitive Intelligence & Market Research

Monitor the competitive landscape, including peer firm activity, market trends, and shifts in government contracting policy and regulation
Maintain working knowledge of key players in the Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal ecosystem, including primes, subcontractors, agency stakeholders, and industry organizations
Conduct research on prospective clients and referral sources to inform attorney outreach and relationship-building strategies

CRM & Prospect Database Management

Maintain accurate, current data within the firm's CRM and prospect databases to track relationships, pipeline activity, and referral sources
Leverage prospect intelligence tools to identify decision-makers, track opportunities, and support data-driven business development decisions
Generate regular reporting on pipeline status, event ROI, and business development metrics for firm leadership

Client & Referral Source Events

Plan, organize, and host client and referral source events, from intimate dinners to larger receptions and industry conferences
Coordinate logistics, budgets, vendors, and attorney participation to ensure events reflect the firm's brand and reputation
Represent the firm with confidence and professionalism at industry functions, client events, and networking functions
Build and maintain relationships with key referral sources, industry associations, and community organizations in the Huntsville market

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with the firm's broader marketing and business development team to ensure consistency with firm-wide branding, messaging, and initiatives
Coordinate with attorneys across offices where government contracts matters or clients intersect with other practice areas

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field
5+ years of business development experience, preferably within a law firm or other professional services environment
Demonstrated familiarity with the government contracts industry — including relevant agencies, contracting vehicles, industry associations, and market dynamics
Experience with CRM platforms and prospect/competitive intelligence databases (e.g., InterAction, Foundation Software, GovWin, PitchBook, or similar)
Proven track record planning and executing client-facing events
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the executive presence to engage confidently with senior attorneys, C-suite clients, and referral sources
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce polished, professional materials
Ability to travel locally within the Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal corridor for events and meetings as needed

Preferred

Prior experience in a law firm business development or marketing role
Existing relationships within the Huntsville government contracting or defense community
Familiarity with legal industry rankings, directories, and RFP processes (e.g., Chambers, Best Lawyers, Legal 500)

What We Offer

Maynard Nexsen offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. This is an opportunity to play a visible, high-impact role in growing one of the firm's key strategic practice areas within a dynamic regional market.