Client Development Director Jobs in Columbus, OH

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 26 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.

We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager (BDM) to collaborate closely with Practice Groups, Industry Teams, cross-functional departments, and firm leadership to create and implement business development strategies that drive revenue for the Energy Industry team and infrastructure-related practices/initiatives, including data centers, public-private partnerships (P3s) and other areas. This includes strategic planning, execution of tactics that support strategic initiatives, budget planning, and identifying, tracking and reporting on KPIs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of market trends and client demands impacting the energy sector, including oil, gas and minerals, utilities, renewables and infrastructure projects such as data centers. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with infrastructure-related practice areas, such as project finance and P3s. Experience in a B2B professional services or legal environment is required.

This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX, Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; or Pittsburgh, PA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio that includes the Energy Industry Team, associated practice groups and initiatives, including data centers and public-private partnerships, and key client teams. Make independent decisions related to business development priorities, resource allocation, and tactical execution, while consulting with Practice Group and Industry Team leaders, the Business Development Director (BDD), Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) and other firm executive leadership.
• Work closely with the BDD and CBDO on strategic firm initiatives and, when needed, serve as a delegate for leadership functions and presentations.
• Collaborate with Directors of Practice Services and Department Chairs on Practice Group performance, individual attorney issues and determination of productizing new service offerings.
• Drive and/or administer the expected level of support for varying Industry Team and Practice Group pursuits.
• Create and implement business development strategies; own and execute tactics to support plan elements. Strategies and tactics include, but are not limited to, key client identification, client engagement, cross-servicing and integration opportunities; client/prospective client proposal and presentation development; individual attorney coaching and lateral support; client feedback implementation; and marketing and thought leadership related efforts (i.e., content marketing, events and sponsorships, speaking engagements and trade/professional organization involvement).
• Oversee the work of Business Development Associates and Business Development Coordinators assisting with portfolio projects.
• Define timelines and benchmarks for strategic business development opportunities and drive accountability.
• Manage and assist with the preparation and strategy of requests for proposals (RFPs) and pitches for new business.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Marketing, Finance, Data & Innovation, Information Systems, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Pricing, Project Management, and Legal Talent departments on new or ongoing initiatives that impact assigned groups.
• Contribute to departmental leadership functions, including process and resource development and meeting facilitation.
• Assist in the development and management of budgets affecting assigned Practice Groups, Industries, client teams or initiatives.
• Develop and present insights and analysis on legal industry trends, client feedback, practice group and industry trends and awareness and outreach opportunities.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required – degree in marketing, communications, business or other relevant area preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a B2B professional services or legal setting required.
• Strong strategic planning and development skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to think critically.
• Self-starter with high energy and intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively work and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the firm, including the Chairman, Executive Committee, attorneys across all practice areas, and business professionals.
• Strong negotiation skills and solution-orientation.
• Ability to travel as needed across the firm’s national footprint; some overnight travel required.

FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing. Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements.

The pay range for this role accounts for the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. For applicants physically based in Denver, a reasonable estimate of the current annual range is $105,000 - $140,000. Actual pay will be determined based on skills, relevant experience and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The application deadline for this position is October 16, 2026.

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