Arnold & Porter is an international law firm with offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The firm provides sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional services across a broad range of industries, including more than half of the Fortune 100.
Arnold & Porter is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development Training to lead the design and execution of a firmwide business development training program. This is a newly created, high-impact role responsible for building a structured, multi-tiered curriculum that supports attorneys at every stage of their careers.
Serving as the firm’s in-house curriculum architect, this role partners closely with the Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, Business Development Directors, Chief Talent Officer, and Professional Development team to define skill priorities, design learning frameworks, and deliver programming aligned with the firm’s client strategy and growth objectives.
The Senior Manager will deliver select training sessions and oversee a mix of internally and externally led programs, ensuring consistency, quality, and impact across all initiatives.
This role may be based in the New York or Washington, DC office.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Curriculum Design & Development
Design and maintain a comprehensive, multi-level business development curriculum with tailored learning tracks for associates and partners
Develop structured learning paths that progress from foundational skills (e.g., networking, relationship management) to advanced capabilities (e.g., client origination, cross-selling, and revenue growth strategies)
Partner with Business Development Directors to create practice-specific content aligned with group priorities and individual attorney development plans
Build and maintain a repository of best practices and case studies drawn from firm successes and client relationships
Ensure all content reflects the firm’s brand, client development strategy, and market positioning
Continuously refine curriculum based on feedback, performance data, and evolving firm priorities
Program Management & Delivery
Own the annual BD training calendar, including scheduling, logistics, and delivery across offices and formats (virtual and in-person)
Facilitate BD training sessions directly and coordinate programs delivered by BD and Professional Development professionals, attorneys, and external facilitators
Collaborate with Professional Development, Diversity & Inclusion, and other teams to integrate BD training into broader attorney development initiatives
Lead onboarding training for lateral partners and associates to align them with the firm’s BD culture and expectations
Measurement & Reporting
Define success metrics for all training programs and track participation, engagement, and outcomes
Analyze feedback and performance data to drive continuous improvement
Provide regular reporting and insights to firm leadership on program effectiveness and attorney engagement
Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with attorneys, BD and PD leadership, and firm stakeholders
Act as a trusted advisor on business development skill-building and training strategy
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree a plus
Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, professional services marketing, or attorney professional development
Experience coaching attorneys or supporting individual business development plans
Familiarity with CRM systems, experience management tools (e.g., Foundation), and AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot)
Demonstrated expertise in instructional design and adult learning principles
Prior experience designing or leading training programs in a professional services environment
Strong understanding of business development within a law firm or professional services environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable frameworks
Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
Collaborative, consultative approach with strong relationship-building skills across senior stakeholders
High level of discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information
Ability to travel to firm offices as needed to deliver training and engage with attorneys
Demonstrated leadership capability and ability to drive firmwide initiatives
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
High attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (i.e., BD training program outline) for consideration.
The anticipated base salary for this position is $170,000 to $240,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, 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.
