Director of Business Development – Real Estate & Corporate Transactions

At Fried Frank, we’re a community of 800 lawyers and 500 business services professionals across New York, Washington, DC, London, Frankfurt, and Brussels. We advise leading corporations, investment funds, and financial institutions on high-stakes M&A, securities, regulatory matters, real estate, and litigation. Our culture is grounded in our core values — excellence, integrity and collaboration — and is designed to foster continuous learning, meaningful mentorship, and lasting professional growth. We are firmly committed to pro bono service and social justice, building on a proud legacy in civil rights. Our inclusive talent strategy is a core part of our broader talent management efforts and we remain steadfast in fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and become their best professional and personal selves. Our business services professionals are integral to the firm’s success, driving innovation, operational excellence and exceptional client service across all areas of the firm. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement plans and health and wellness initiatives designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing. We welcome passionate, driven individuals to join us, and be part of a team where you’ll be supported, inspired and empowered to build an exceptional career.

Job Summary: 

Fried Frank’s storied Real Estate Department is an industry powerhouse, partnering with the world’s biggest real estate companies and reshaping New York City's skyline and those of other major cities around the world. Our Corporate Finance & Securities practice is the trusted practice for investment banks, private equity sponsors and public and private corporations navigating the complex landscape of finance and securities transactions. Our Restructuring Department handles complex, high-stakes distressed matters for premier clients.

The BD Director, Real Estate & Corporate Transactions, will serve as the senior strategic partner across all three practices —partnering with the firm’s most dynamic leaders to propel growth initiatives, articulate integrated service offerings, unlock new business opportunities, and shape the future direction of the firm.

Overseeing a team of five, and in close partnership with the Business Development team, the wider Marketing team, Practice Group Management and other members of the Business Services team, the Director will shape and drive business development strategy for marquee practice areas.

An entrepreneurial spirit is essential to proactively identify opportunities, drive initiatives forward, and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Job Relationships:

Reports to the Chief Marketing Officer. Must be able to work closely with Practice Group Leaders, members of the Marketing and Business Development Department and able to interact with all legal and administrative staff.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coaching
• Serve as a trusted business advisor to partners – aligning on individual, practice, and firm-wide priorities and developing and executing marketing plans with strong influence
• Client targeting
• Work directly with partners on business development programs around new business generation and existing client development
• Assess new opportunities and help determine strategic approach
• Use market insights to identify new client or existing client targeting opportunities
• Develop metrics to measure progress of our business development initiatives
• Brand Positioning
• Develop core messaging and brand positioning for practices, including value propositions and activation
• Identify, evaluate and advance external visibility efforts and opportunities including conference sponsorships and speaking roles
• Identify and lead high-impact internal and external thought leadership campaigns
• Partner with the Media Relations team on strategy to amplify client successes
• Partner with the Events team to create content-based events to raise the profile of the firm and deepen client relationships

• Team management
• Lead a team of high-performing business development professionals, including coaching and day-to-day management
• Partner with other BD Directors on one-firm approach to marketing

Skills & Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to function successfully in a service-oriented, multiple-authorities environment; demonstrated leadership, organizational and team-management skills, including outstanding project management and staff supervisory skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills plus exceptional interpersonal skills; projects strong image and presence that engenders confidence from Firm management and attorneys; works with a high level of energy, creativity and orientation towards value-add results; ability to work under pressure and maintain professional demeanor at all times.

Proven track record of success in business development among clients and target clients.  Demonstrated ability in creating targeted business development marketing materials, including printed and electronic collateral marketing pieces and successful RFP/RFQ and “pitch” packages. Relevant real estate industry targeting experience strongly preferred, as well as an excellent understanding of the legal industry and Big Law competitive environment.

Demonstrated experience and facility with information technology used in marketing professional services, including website, intranet, extranets, databases, knowledge management tools, presentation software, etc.  Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Adobe Professional and InterAction strongly preferred

Attendance:   All positions require punctuality and regular attendance. This is not a remote role and candidates will be expected to work in office following our hybrid work schedule of 3 days/week in office.

Technological Skills: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite. Must have experience with certain corporate and legal industry research tools. Experience with marketing-related databases preferred.

The actual salary offered will be based on a number of factors including but not limited to the qualifications of the applicant, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.New York Salary Range$200,000—$250,000 USD