SmithBucklin, a 100 percent employee-owned association management company, is looking for a Business Development Manager to join the New Business & Industry Relations team in our Chicago office.  This position is responsible for contributing to the company’s new business development goal which includes both association management and outsourced services. The ideal candidate will bring to this role proven business development experience and an understanding of the association landscape; highly collaborative team environment and the ability to interact with senior executives both within and outside of the company.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage assigned leads through the full business development cycle from prospecting and qualifying to close
• Educate prospects on solutions offered by SmithBucklin and our acquired companies
• Assist and/or lead internal discussions on how to position our “UVP” (unique value proposition) for all new business proposals
• Develop and maintain collaborative, professional relationships with senior management and business unit leaders throughout the company
• Participate in the development and execution of our relationship building efforts on our target client lists
• Attend tradeshows/conferences, participate in industry networking events, and other events to solicit business
• Prospect and develop leads and win new business opportunities
• Act as the primary contact (as assigned) on business development projects (i.e. pre and post con meetings for major industry events, proposal process, industry event education sessions, case studies, capability presentations, business development collateral, etc.)
• Support the development and management of various pipeline building strategies, campaigns and programs
• Actively support and participate in the use and management of Salesforce as a data repository, reporting tool, and forecasting tool—to manage customer relationships and active new business activity.
• Other duties as assigned

 Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years of relevant practical business development experience
• Professional sales experience to include demonstrated experience with C-level association executives and board members
• High level of proficiency in organizing and implementing an effective marketing/sales plans
• Proven ability to close new business opportunities and achieve sales results
• Understanding of professional services business model
• Familiarity with associations and association management companies a plus
• Ability to work independently yet in a team environment; able to build trust and relationships both internally and externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong proficiency in time management and organizational skills
• Experience with the Salesforce.com and/or other CRM platforms
• Proficiency with Microsoft Operating System (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Where Do You Fit?

Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, working at SmithBucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferrable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, SmithBucklin offers all of our people – regardless of position or compensation – an equal chance to experience the fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of SmithBucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At SmithBucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.