Client Development Specialist (Private Equity)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Client Development Specialist (CDS) is an integral position that provides critical client relationship support, as well as support with business development and marketing initiatives that help with market visibility and new business generation for the Private Capital Transactions Group and overall Private Equity Industry Group efforts. The CDS will accomplish this by working closely with the Client Development Managers (CDMs) and Client Development Director (CDD) to support existing client relationships, new pursuit targets, individual partner(s) plans and priorities, and collaborate with various internal departments and business support as needed. The CDS will also be a key supporter of market visibility and brand enhancement efforts and be involved with initiatives and projects that are aligned with the firm's overall Private Capital Transactions and Private Equity Industry Plans.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Support and Client Development

1. Work closely with CDMs and CDD in support of client team relationships, and new business pursuits; coordinating team meeting logistics; conducting and maintaining competitive intelligence on clients, industries and competitors; developing and maintaining all client team tools, including relationship summaries, quarterly client team snapshots and financial relationship analysis, and year in review accomplishments.
2. Assist with the development and execution of team client plans and /or new pursuit team plans, including identifying the key objectives and supporting actions for the development of the relationship. Also, help create and manage the annual client team budget(s) where applicable.
3. Commission/conduct appropriate research in support of specific pitches or to enhance general overall knowledge of the client relationship or pursuit's business.
4. Assist with new and existing-client RFPs and practice group pitches, working with members of the firm's practice development, legal operations management and pricing teams as needed.

New Business Initiatives, Market Visibility and Knowledge Marketing

1. Assist with the implementation of industry/practice initiatives that promote and enhance brand in the market. This includes, but is not limited to, working with the CDMs, CDD and members of the marketing communications team to support the production of: thought reports/articles by attorneys; service capabilities and new product development; industry updates; knowledge marketing initiatives that involve new product development; internal and external industry webpages, etc.
2. Assist in the review and diligence of industry conferences to determine sponsorship and track information (conference diligence; feedback; ROI of sponsorship, etc.). Support the CDMs and CDD with various other industry/practice initiatives (including cross-industry/practice initiatives): working with the CDMs and CDD to drive forward action items coming out of industry/practice meetings; applying best practices learned from client/pursuit teams; developing and maintaining resources, such as key documents/templates/toolkits, market studies, trackers, notes, etc.; and tracking industry trends and developments.
3. Work with CDMs and CDD on specific business developments efforts for individual partners as needed.
4. Assist with other initiatives and projects as the need arises, working with other firm departments as needed.
5. Build private equity industry knowledge base and knowledge of firm clients and services.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:

• Must demonstrate the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm's internal and personnel affairs
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel, including firm leadership, management, attorneys and Unified Support Team
• Ability to be a proactive self-starter, who understands the details within a much larger context and demonstrates good judgment
• Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities; ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks
• Ability to identify and solve problems, work independently, and take initiative
• Must be team-oriented and collaborative
• Must be proficient in how to leverage all of the firm's departmental resources, tools, and personnel needed to support the work of the department and execute essential functions, responsibilities or requirements
• Must have the knowledge, background and confidence to think beyond what is asked and challenge (when appropriate) the next steps being proposed
• Must exhibit high energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude; articulate and confident
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally and educationally diverse environment

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• An undergraduate degree is required
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in business development within a large professional services firm.
• Basic market knowledge of the private equity industry is a plus
• Experience in conducting market research
• Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and scheduling in Outlook
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills
• Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities; ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks
• Ability to identify and solve problems, work independently, and take initiative
• Must be team-oriented and collaborative

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment; incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Incumbent is expected to work on-site three days per week.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.