Senior Manager, Business Development- Capital Markets

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

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 Senior Manager, Business Development – Capital Markets serves as a strategic business development partner to practice leadership and partners across one of the world's premier Capital Markets practices. Working closely with partners and business services colleagues (e.g., PR & Communications, Digital Marketing, Events, Accounting), the Senior Manager is responsible for developing and executing business development, client growth, revenue generation and market positioning initiatives that strengthen the practice's competitive standing, deepen client relationships and support continued growth across equity and debt capital markets.

Acting as a key link between strategy and execution, the Senior Manager leverages market intelligence, client insights and competitive analysis to identify opportunities, support strategic decision-making and drive high-impact business development initiatives. The role partners closely with practice leadership to advance client development priorities, support major pursuits and enhance the market profile of the practice and its lawyers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop a deep understanding of capital markets products, market participants and industry trends, including equity offerings, investment grade and high yield debt offerings, liability management transactions and other strategic financing solutions.

• Collaborate with business development colleagues and partners to identify and pursue client development opportunities, including relationship expansion, cross-selling initiatives and targeted outreach to issuers, sponsors, financial institutions and other key market participants.Lead the strategy, development and execution of high-impact pitches, proposals and client presentations, ensuring alignment with client objectives, market developments and the firm's competitive strengths. Pitch, print and web marketing materials, including advising on key messaging for pitches/brochures, practice descriptions and attorney biographies.

• Responses for legal directories, awards and related industry guides (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500 and IFLR1000).

• Oversee league table reporting and performance analysis, partnering with practice leadership to identify opportunities to strengthen market position and highlight key achievements. Develop and execute on: strategic marketing and business development plans on an annual basis.

• Develop best practices for Capital Markets focused business and client development initiatives and activities.

• Monitor capital markets activity, league table performance, client developments and competitor trends to identify opportunities and provide actionable insights to practice leadership. Develop and execute initiatives that enhance the visibility of the Capital Markets practice, including thought leadership campaigns, client programs, speaking opportunities, rankings submissions and strategic industry engagements.

• Partner with practice leadership to develop and execute annual business development and client growth plans aligned with strategic priorities.

• Develop a thorough understanding of the Firm’s practice and industry areas, attorney specialties, clients, and business development needs.

• Prioritize and manage tight and conflicting deadlines.

• Manage and mentor junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment and supporting professional development.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Business development experience with law firms preferred.

• Demonstrated experience supporting Capital Markets business development initiatives is strongly preferred. Candidates with experience supporting equity and debt capital markets practices, investment banking clients, issuers, sponsors and other market participants are strongly preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with executive management and other senior business services professionals to create consensus-based support for strategies and processes.

• Ability to maintain professional composure in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment.

• Proven experience planning, developing, and implementing successful business growth strategies, support programs, and processes in a professional services environment.

• Experience with legal-research / legal-news databases and resources (e.g., S&P Capital IQ, Mergermarket, LSEG, Bloomberg, Pitchbook, Debtwire, Preqin).

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a sharp eye for detail.

• Experience managing direct reports.

• Ability to work confidently and collaboratively.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).

Education and/or Experience

• 8+ years of business development and marketing experience, ideally within a law firm or other professional services organization.

• Demonstrated experience supporting Capital Markets business development initiatives is strongly preferred, including exposure to equity and debt capital markets transactions, financial institutions and issuer-focused client development strategies.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing, finance, or economics (MBA, JD, or other advanced degree a plus).

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $230,000-$260,000. 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.