Client Relationship Specialist - Investment Banking (FSG Business Development)

About the Role: We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to work with the Financial Sponsor Group (FSG) within Global Investment Banking. This person will play an integral role in providing analytical and deal support between Global Investment Banking’s industry and product teams on mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and other financial advisory services we provide to our clients. In addition, the position will require the preparation of client presentations and company research to support new business generation with Baird’s private equity clients. This person will perform duties in support of the senior members of the Financial Sponsor Group and/or GP Solutions (GPS) Team. Activities and duties require the development of an understanding of investment banking (including the sell side mergers & acquisitions process), the private equity industry and a high level of organization, expertise and experience in planning and prioritizing tasks. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, knowledge of financial accounting and the ability to deal well with peak workloads. Finally, the candidate should be comfortable providing additional hours of support to the FSG team and the investment banking department outside of normal business hours. What You’ll Do: Learn by doing and be trusted with meaningful work from the jump Spearhead consistent and strong connectivity between GP Solutions (GPS) and the rest of Global Investment Banking (GIB) in new client development activities Coordinate internal and external secondary advisory business development efforts, working with the GPS team to partner with senior bankers across GIB Organize and maintain data on target clients and new business opportunities Coordinate internal discussions with Financial Sponsor Group bankers, driving efforts to deliver GPS capabilities to Baird’s covered sponsor clients Coordinate internal discussions with senior industry bankers, identifying opportunities to pitch GPS capabilities alongside M&A and other Baird GIB solutions Track, monitor and summarize ongoing internal and external dialogue with and regarding potential new GPS clients Track real time M&A pitch activities and spearhead efforts to integrate GPS content into those upcoming meetings, where relevant to do so Maintain and organize origination activity data in Excel and Salesforce Propel business development activities in support of GPS Coordinate client interaction, including topic-driven client dinners, client entertainment events and regular bi-lateral client market updates Coordinate efforts to engage with clients at Baird Conferences Coordinate efforts to participate in secondary market conferences and related events Prepare background summaries for GPS bankers ahead of client development meetings Assist GPS bankers in collecting and utilizing research on private equity firms and industry trends via access to external publications and database resources (i.e., Pitchbook, Preqin, CapIQ, etc.) Prepare content for GPS internal meetings, including summaries of the forward meeting calendar, live deal updates and summaries of the new client pipeline Establish and communicate best practices to enhance efficiency and productivity across GPS workflows What You’ll Gain: The kind of environment that turns early talent into lasting careers Opportunity to work directly with Director/MD level without layers in between Fast paced environment that will enable you to grow as a professional Unique culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives while emphasizing teamwork and a strong sense of partnership Opportunity to work with industry leaders - since 2010, Baird's Financial Sponsor group has played an integral role on nearly $130 billion worth of equity and M&A transactions What It Takes: We’re looking for people who want to go far, and go together Bachelor’s degree that includes at least one Accounting class is required. 2-5 years of previous experience in a financial services or professional services organization is preferred The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic, a demonstrated record for excellence and have the ability to function equally well in both a team setting and on a self-directed basis Must be able to work with internal and external clients, including directly reporting to and communicating with senior banker(s) in other Baird offices on a daily basis via email and telephone Must be detail-oriented and recognize errors in numbers, spelling, grammar and punctuation; must demonstrate good follow-through skills Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office, with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint is required. Must also be very skilled in the use of various internet information data providers and have demonstrated an ability to undertake research projects Strong critical thinking, analytical and communication skills required Compensation & Benefits: $75,000 – $100,000 annual salary with bonus potential Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or GIB profitability In addition to a strong culture that is focused on health and well-being, our organization offers competitive total compensation packages and comprehensive benefits including: protected Friday night and Saturdays, periodic sabbaticals during career, shareholder opportunities, mandatory paid time off (PTO) and robust 401k match and profit-sharing contribution Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: Baird does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not compensate for any placement resulting from such submissions. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be treated as valid applications. Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status. Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. Baird is an employee-owned, international financial services firm specializing in wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management. Our mission is straightforward. We strive “to provide the best financial advice and service to our clients and be the best place to work for all.” Our culture is like no other with extraordinary people who make Baird great for our clients and one another. Nationally recognized as a great place to work since 2004, we invite you to learn more about Baird, our culture and our people. Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey – one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.