Director, Business Development
Monday through Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (additional hours as required) This role involves business demands that can regularly fall outside of standard business hours, and candidates are expected to be available to meet deadlines outside of such hours.
The Client & Practice Development (C&PD) team is a highly visible, partner and client-facing position. Embedded within the firm’s Finance Group, the C&PD Manager will work with the practice across a broad range of client-focused marketing and business development initiatives to support the group’s strategic priorities.
The C&PD Manager will work closely with practice leadership, the Finance Business Development and Practice Resources teams, and operational teams across the firm (e.g., PR & Communications, Digital Marketing, Events, Accounting) to develop and execute on key strategic initiatives for Davis Polk’s Finance practice.
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop a deep understanding of the Finance practice including each area of focus (e.g., investment grade and leveraged finance, direct lending, structured finance), attorney specialties, clients and business development and marketing needs.
- Collaborate with attorneys and the Finance Business Development and Practice Resource teams on the creation and implementation of strategic business initiatives.
- Planning and execution of annual business plan including identifying objectives, actions, and priority targets.
- Develop an understanding of each client’s business, relevant markets, product areas, issues, and strategy to proactively identify opportunities to develop the relationship and increase revenue.
- Drive progress and execution of business development activities carried out by the client coverage teams, including overseeing client events and receptions, and attending and participating in coverage team meetings.
- Manage secondment process, from pre-secondment briefings, regular check-ins during secondment, to debriefs and following up on agreed action items post-secondment.
- Work with the Finance Business Development team on creation of marketing collateral, pitch materials, and executive-level presentations.
- Collaborate with the Finance Business Development team on the enhancement of various processes/deliverables to improve the quality of work product, efficiency of production, and the ability to measure and track results.
- Marketing and business development experience, preferably within a law firm and/or large organization
- Knowledge of, and experience with corporate finance, (e.g., lender-side and private equity finance, leveraged finance, direct lending, restructuring finance)
- Experience managing direct reports
- Experience with legal-research / legal-news databases and resources (e.g., S&P Capital IQ, LSEG Data & Analytics, Bloomberg, Pitchbook, Debtwire, Preqin)
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization
- Ability to maintain professional composure in high- pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment
- Highly motivated, responsive, and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
- Six to 10 years of experience in business development & marketing (financial services or law firm background preferred), research intelligence, or relevant corporate finance experience in a professional services role (e.g., law, banking, consulting).
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing or economics (MBA, JD, or other advanced degree a plus)
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $190-225k. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.