Sports Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Summary

The Marketing & Business Development Manager, Sports, Media & Entertainment Sector, plays a key leadership role driving strategic growth initiatives. This individual partners closely with sector leadership, lawyers, and firmwide Marketing & Business Development colleagues to identify, develop, and pursue business development opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and proactively drive go-to-market strategies that support sector growth and market positioning.

This individual will lead cross-functional collaboration, drive internal stakeholder engagement, and provide hands-on execution support for strategic pursuits, client targeting, thought leadership campaigns, sponsorships, events, and client development initiatives. The Marketing & Business Development Manager brings a business development-first mindset and experience in a legal or professional services environment.

Working closely with sector leadership, practice leaders, and business development teams, this individual will help drive the strategic priorities of the Sports, Media & Entertainment Sector through innovative business development initiatives, market-facing programs, profile-raising activities, and client engagement strategies. The successful candidate will possess strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across a global organization.

Location

This position can sit in our New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Austin, or other approved DLA Piper office locations and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive sector-specific strategic plans in partnership with sector leadership to support business development, client engagement, and growth objectives.

• Lead and execute marketing and business development initiatives aligned with the Sports, Media & Entertainment Sector strategy.

• Drive cross-practice and cross-sector collaboration to identify opportunities, emerging trends, and client needs.

• Identify and pursue client targeting initiatives and strategic business development opportunities.

• Develop and manage thought leadership campaigns, client alerts, industry publications, and market-facing content.

• Lead directory, ranking, and award submission efforts that enhance the sector's profile and market recognition.

• Collaborate with Communications and Public Relations teams to promote sector capabilities, thought leadership, and lawyer visibility.

• Partner with Pursuits and Pricing teams to develop strategic pitches, RFP responses, proposals, and presentation materials.

• Build and maintain sector-specific marketing collateral, website content, credentials, and pitch materials.

• Utilize data, market intelligence, and CRM tools to identify opportunities, track business development activities, and measure ROI.

• Leverage AI-enabled business development and marketing tools to support efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence.

• Scope, plan, and execute client-facing events, webinars, seminars, sponsorships, conferences, and business development programs.

• Evaluate sponsorship opportunities and oversee participation to maximize business development impact and return on investment.

• Support sector leadership in managing key client programs, strategic account initiatives, and client development opportunities.

• Develop and maintain business development resources, sector materials, intranet resources, and knowledge repositories.

• Support onboarding and integration efforts for lateral hires within the sector, including relationship building and cross-selling opportunities.

• Monitor industry trends, client developments, and competitive intelligence, sharing relevant insights with stakeholders.

• Manage and mentor team members where applicable, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and client-centric culture.

• Manage and contribute to additional business development and marketing projects as assigned.

Desired Skills

This multifaceted position requires a unique blend of legal industry knowledge, business development expertise, and relationship management skills. Strong understanding of professional services marketing and business development principles. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with lawyers, clients, and business professionals. Demonstrated strategic thinking, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong commercial awareness and experience identifying and pursuing growth opportunities. Experience managing pitches, thought leadership initiatives, client programs, sponsorships, events, and profile-raising activities. Proficiency in CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, and business development technology platforms. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while delivering high-quality results.
Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree.

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business, or related field preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 6 years of marketing and business development experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
  

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified at the Firm's discretion in the future.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $129,808 - $197,799 per year depending on the candidate's geographic market location.
The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate's experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in thejurisdictionin which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocationassistance. Anyrelocationbenefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation isrequiredat the firm's direction andin accordance withapplicable policy and law.
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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.Job applicant poster viewing center.