Business Development Manager

Smith, Bucklin & Associates

Chicago, IL

Full Time

Senior

85k-95k

11 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

Smithbucklin, a 100% employee-owned association management company, is experiencing rapid growth and evolving our market presence. We are seeking a driven, tech-savvy Business Development Manager to join our expanding New Business & Industry Relations team. This position can be based in either our Chicago or Washington, D.C. office. Smithbucklin offers a hybrid work environment with in-office days established as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The role reports into the Senior Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations. In this role, you won't just follow a process - you'll help shape how we find, pursue, and win new business. You'll work directly with prospective clients to show how Smithbucklin's services - including association management, education, strategic planning, and 360 Live Media's event strategy and marketing - can help solve their most important challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Build and grow relationships with senior decision makers at associations.
Lead the full sales process - from finding new prospects to writing proposal copy and closing deals.
Bring ideas, insights, and solutions to every opportunity.
Work closely with internal teams to design proposals and presentations.
Attend conferences, tradeshows, and industry events to build new connections.
Keep an eye on industry trends and competitive activity to spot new opportunities.
Use Salesforce to track activity, manage the pipeline, and forecast revenue.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience in business development or sales, preferably in professional services, consulting, or associations.
Comfortable building relationships with executives and board leaders.
Proven track record of winning new business and hitting sales goals.
Able to analyze markets, spot trends, and anticipate client needs.
Experienced using Salesforce (or similar CRM).
Strong communicator - in writing, in person, and in presentations.
Organized, self-motivated, and collaborative.
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Nice to Have

Experience in association management, education, strategic planning, or event marketing is a plus.
Experience working in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

Formal educational background includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Benefits & Perks

Hybrid work environment with in-office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Standard 40-hour work week with potential for additional hours based on project deadlines.
Competitive salary range of $85,000 - $95,000.
Opportunity to develop transferable skills and gain meaningful knowledge.
Ownership benefits as a 100% employee-owned company.

Working at Smith, Bucklin & Associates

Smithbucklin values collaboration, ambition, and genuine effort. Employees work with smart, multi-talented colleagues in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth. As a 100% employee-owned company, employees have an equal opportunity to experience ownership benefits and influence the company's future. The company emphasizes building meaningful relationships, continuous development, and a unified goal of creating a great, enduring organization.

Apply Now