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 Business Development Department supports the firm across a broad spectrum of new business and client relationship-building activities, including the creation of new business proposals and firm marketing materials, client development initiatives, attorney profiling and market recognition, the upkeep of the databases that track firm experience and client intelligence, competitive and market analysis, as well as the coordination of industry sponsorships, events and speaking engagements.
The Manager, Business Development – Corporate will work closely with practice leadership, client coverage and development teams, and operational teams across the firm (e.g., PR & Communications, Digital Marketing, Events, Accounting) to develop and execute on key business development and marketing initiatives for Davis Polk’s Intellectual Property (IP), Tax, and Trusts & Estates practices.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Serve as primary point of contact, supporting the group’s lawyers across practices in their marketing and business development goals and efforts.
- Coordinate and manage business development and marketing initiatives and work across practices firmwide.
- Work with group leaders to develop and implement strategic marketing and business development plans on an annual basis, with a focus on measurable actions and results.
- Be a subject matter expert for the groups and have a strong understanding of industry participants, competitors, and firm clients. Stay up to date on trends and apply that knowledge to identify opportunities for promotion.
- Work with group leads to develop best practices for IP, Tax and Trusts & Estates-focused business and client development initiatives and activities, including building out new precedents and collateral.
- Achieve fluency on client base and industry trends. Partner with practice group leaders to identify cross-selling opportunities and facilitate multi-disciplinary cooperation among colleagues. Be able to connect the dots across the firm to identify and leverage opportunities.
- Monitor and track existing and prospective clients, competitor activity, and industry or market trends.
- Possess strong pitch and proposal skills and be able to prioritize and manage tight and conflicting deadlines.
- Develop and manage:
- Responses to RFPs, customized pitches and business development presentations.
- Tombstones and deal lists for each area of focus, as well as relevant geographies and industries in connection with various business development opportunities for the group.
- Print and web marketing materials, including brochures, practice and industry group descriptions, attorney biographies.
- Industry group publications, reports, client alerts, newsletters and thought leadership articles authored by attorneys.
- Manage deal database and track matters for marketing and business development purposes through available practice-specific and firm-wide information systems.
- Manage the drafting and submission of content for numerous legal directories, awards, and related industry guides (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR1000).
- Marketing and business development experience in IP and/or Tax groups preferred.
- 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.
- Experience managing direct reports.
- 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.
- A sharp eye for detail.
- 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 $175,000-$225,000. 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.