Manager, Client Development

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

. Develop pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Private Equity and related practices .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $170,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive business development expertise with a focus on Private Equity, leveraging AI tools for efficiency and insight generation. Capable of managing multiple projects while maintaining strong communication and analytical skills to support client engagement and strategy development.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development ExperiencePrivate Equity Industry KnowledgeProject Management SkillsAI Tools ProficiencyCRM System Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Business DevelopmentResearch and AnalysisProject ManagementClient EngagementProposal DevelopmentRFP Response PreparationDirectory SubmissionMarket AnalysisCompetitive AnalysisAttention to Detail

Soft Skills

Written CommunicationVerbal CommunicationRelationship BuildingCollaborationSelf-Motivation

Tools & Technologies

AI ToolsCRM SystemMS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)Content PilotFoundation

Industry Keywords

Private EquityProfessional ServicesFinancial ServicesClient DevelopmentEngagement Database

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Private Equity and related practices
Partner with attorneys, the CDE team, and select client teams to develop tailored client strategies, opportunity pipelines, and client-facing materials
Maintain the integrity of the Firm’s engagement database, experience lists, attorney biographies, and other core Client Development information
Anticipate and address business development and client engagement needs of practice leaders and senior partners
Prepare or oversee directory submissions and survey responses
Provide research and analysis on clients, prospects, competitors, markets, and industry trends relevant to the Private Equity practice and Chicago market
Translate market and competitive developments into actionable insights
Stay current on private equity industry trends, transactions, and key players
Ensure consistent communication of key initiatives and cross-practice opportunities
Maintain website content, practice group descriptions, and other Client Development materials
Collaborate with communications, events, and CDE team members on initiatives
Support Client Development projects and other Firm initiatives
Direct, onboard, train, manage, mentor, and help set goals for junior BD team members
Model senior-level judgment, accountability, and partnership with attorneys and internal stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 10 years of relevant business development experience
Must actively leverage AI tools and technologies to drive efficiency, insight generation, and innovation in the role
Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent research and analytical abilities
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly competitive and demanding environment
Strong attention to detail and self-motivated to produce accurate, timely, and complete work product
Ability to build professional relationships and engage partners and senior clients with discretion and diplomacy
Demonstrated business development skillset with strong learning aptitude
Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position
Preferred: Prior experience in a law firm, professional services, or financial services environment
Preferred: Familiarity with private equity industry
Preferred: Familiarity with Content Pilot, Foundation, or another experience database
Preferred: Demonstrated experience using a CRM system
Preferred: Proficiency in MS Office programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel