Senior Specialist, Business Development (M&A and Private Equity)

Davispolk Open · verified Sep 14, 2026

Hybrid 2 Locations Full-time Senior Business Development

Senior Business Development role at Davispolk. 2 Locations · full-time · $120,000–$140,000 base.

SalaryStated by Davispolk

$120,000 – $140,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You'll shape content for targeted pitches, proposals, and presentations
You'll manage complex pitch, RFP, and capabilities-presentation requests
You'll prepare submissions for legal directories, awards, and league tables
You'll keep marketing materials and matter databases current and useful
You'll research markets, competitors, clients, and events to inform M&A/PE efforts

What you bring

Knowledge of the energy and infrastructure landscape
Strong communication, research, analytical, and project-management abilities
Confidence with PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel
Working familiarity with CRM, experience-management, and transaction platforms
A bachelor's degree plus four to seven years in related business development or marketing

Who this fits

You’ll suit a collaborative, client-focused professional who takes initiative, manages competing deadlines, and brings a creative, solutions-oriented approach. The role is hybrid in the United States and works closely with lawyers, business development, PR, and marketing colleagues. It is positioned as a long-term opportunity with room for growth and progression

From the employer

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 team 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, upkeep of the databases that track firm experience and client information, competitive and market intelligence, and coordination of client events. The Business Development Senior Specialist will work closely with the Business Development Senior Manager and the rest of the M&A/PE business development team to drive and develop the implementation of business and client development initiatives alongside partners and other lawyers in our M&A/PE practice.

The Senior Specialist will also assist with client pitches, RFPs, presentations and business development materials, events, sponsorships, legal rankings, league table submissions and other activities. The Senior Specialist will have an understanding of the M&A and PE business, and will deepen this knowledge in the role. The ideal candidate will view this as a long-term position with opportunity for growth and progression.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic management and review of content development for targeted presentations, proposals and pitch materials
Manage requests for complex pitches, RFPs, and other capabilities presentations
Manage the drafting and submission of content for numerous legal directories, awards and related industry guides (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR)
Manage print and digital marketing materials to ensure content reflects substantive strengths, accomplishments and current activities
Manage league table process/relationships to ensure effective and timely submission
Maintain matter databases for precedent, marketing and business development purposes
Monitor and evaluate BD efforts and initiatives within the M&A/PE space
Prepare and maintain competitive analysis, including analyzing client’s and competitor’s market trends; leverage relevant industry research and news databases and resources to monitor, research and report on market trends and insights, competitor activity, existing and prospective client developments
Identify, plan and manage sponsorship of and participation in select conferences, industry events and client galas as needed
Collaborate with the PR and Marketing teams to promote the practice internally and externally

Qualifications/Position Requirements

Knowledge of the energy and infrastructure landscape
Exceptional oral/written communication skills
The ideal candidate should have the ability to think broadly and demonstrate a high level of initiative
Strong project development and management skills and a creative, solutions-oriented mindset
Strong PowerPoint and Microsoft Office skills with advanced Excel skills
Working knowledge of CRM/Experience Management Software, such as InterAction, Content Pilot and transaction platforms (Bloomberg, PitchBook, Capital IQ, LSEG, DealPointData, etc.)
Advanced research and analytical thinking skills
Ability to prioritize, organize and meet multiple projects deadlines at one time
High sense of responsibility, accountability, and focus on responsiveness
Ability to work collaboratively on a team
Promote effective work practices, maintain a positive attitude and show professionalism and respect for business services colleagues and firm lawyers
Possess a strong commitment to client service
Must be outgoing, comfortable demonstrating initiative, and able to think critically and creatively

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree required, Finance, Business or Marketing preferred
4-7 years of business development / marketing experience at a law firm or professional services firm related to energy and infrastructure

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$140,000. 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.