Business Development Manager

Gunderson Dettmer

$130K — $210K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 5+ years of business development experience in professional services, legal, startup, or venture capital environments.
  • Proven track record in client-facing program development and execution for business growth.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for engagement across various stakeholders.
  • Strong project management skills with attention to detail.
  • Solid understanding of the startup and venture capital landscape with a knack for identifying new business opportunities.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to drive innovative marketing strategies.
  • Self-motivated and results-driven in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Cultivate and grow a network within the startup and venture capital community.
  • Manage and expand key sponsorships to enhance brand visibility.
  • Identify partnership opportunities to elevate the firm’s reputation.
  • Lead initiatives for new client engagement and growth.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys on market trends and BD opportunities.
  • Participate in content reviews to align materials with market value.
  • Collaborate with communications to promote events and initiatives.
  • Design and execute client events and workshops to align with firm goals.
  • Experiment with new event formats and recommend improvements based on feedback.
  • Supervise and mentor direct reports, fostering their professional growth.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Fertility and family building support.
Full Job Description

Business Development Manager

Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement, this role is central to advancing the firm’s growth strategy, connecting our attorneys with the venture capital and startup community, and deepening our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is energized by building meaningful relationships across the venture ecosystem. A Senior Business Development Manager title may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

Job Responsibilities

  • Cultivate and grow a strong network within the startup and venture capital community, including founders, investors, accelerators, and other ecosystem partners.

  • Manage and expand key sponsorships to strengthen brand exposure among venture and startup networks.

  • Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that elevate the firm’s visibility and reputation.

  • Lead initiatives to grow top‑of‑funnel engagement and generate new client opportunities.

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to attorneys by sharing insights on market trends, industry developments, and personal BD opportunities, and by providing quarterly coaching to new partners to analyze their practice, identify key prospects, and align their personal style with the firm’s platform.

  • Participate in annual content review to ensure content reflects what is valuable in the market and actively surface trending issues and key topics for inclusion in external facing materials.

  • Partner with the communications team to promote events, sponsorships, and firm initiatives across various channels.

  • Design and execute events and experiences, such as client dinners, workshops, and thought leadership forums, that align with firm goals.

  • Experiment with new event formats and sponsorship models, using data and feedback to assess ROI and recommend improvements.

  • Supervise and mentor direct reports, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and fostering professional growth.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required.

  • 5 years+ of business development experience within the professional services, legal, startup, or venture capital environment (candidates with deeper experience may be considered for a Senior Manager title).

  • Proven track record of developing and executing client-facing programs that drive business growth.

  • Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively engage with internal peers, stakeholders, clients, and external partners.

  • Demonstrated project management skills with a strong ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks accurately while maintaining close attention to detail throughout all stages of a project.

  • Strong understanding of the startup and venture capital landscape, with a desire and ability to identify and leverage emerging business opportunities.

  • Creative thinker who proactively drives innovative marketing strategies and initiatives.

  • Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

  • Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and autonomously, applying sound judgment and discretion.

  • Strongrelationship-buildingand stakeholder management skills; able to maintain regular dialogue and foster collaborative, long-term partnerships.

  • Detail oriented with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and client relationship management systems.

Status

  • Full-Time, Exempt

The expected starting salary for this positionis $130,000 - $210,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan; Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off and fertility and family building support.

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