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Business Development Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Assists in business development at the direction of the RSM or BDO such as: meeting with existing or new prospects, contacting existing client base to review current relationship, planning and ...

Associate, Business Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Summary As a Business Development Associate, your primary responsibility is to support pipeline growth for our Solutions Development sales teams within an assigned group of industry verticals. To ...

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Business Development Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$54K

$89.2K

How much do business development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development associate in Illinois is $54,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $59,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a business development associate do?

A Business Development Associate is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and supporting the growth strategies of an organization. They conduct market research, help develop proposals, and assist in negotiating deals. Their role often involves collaborating with sales and marketing teams to generate leads and expand the company's customer base. Business Development Associates play a key part in driving revenue and ensuring long-term business success.

How does a business development associate typically collaborate with sales and marketing teams?

Business Development Associates often work closely with both sales and marketing teams to identify and pursue new business opportunities. They may coordinate with marketing to develop targeted campaigns or gather insights on market trends, and partner with sales to qualify leads and support the sales pipeline. Regular meetings and cross-departmental projects are common, ensuring alignment of goals and strategies. This collaborative approach helps maximize outreach efforts and ensures potential clients receive consistent communication throughout their journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a business development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Business Development Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, sales acumen, and a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, market research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills help you stand out in this client-facing role. These skills are vital for identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and driving company growth.

What is the difference between Business Development Associate vs Sales Representative?

AspectBusiness Development AssociateSales Representative
Primary FocusIdentifying new business opportunities and building strategic partnershipsClosing sales and meeting sales targets
Required SkillsMarket research, networking, communicationPersuasion, product knowledge, negotiation
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, client outreach, collaborationCustomer interaction, sales pitches, negotiations
Common Industry UsageBusiness development teams, startups, B2B companiesRetail, B2C companies, direct sales roles

While both roles involve client interaction and revenue generation, a Business Development Associate focuses on creating new opportunities and strategic growth, whereas a Sales Representative primarily aims to close deals and meet sales quotas. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a business development associate a good career?

A business development associate role involves identifying growth opportunities, building client relationships, and supporting sales strategies, making it a valuable entry point in sales and marketing careers. It often requires strong communication, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge, with potential for advancement into management or specialized roles.

What is a typical business development associate career path?

A business development associate typically progresses to roles such as business development manager, account executive, or sales manager, gaining experience in client relations, sales strategies, and market analysis. Advancement often requires strong communication skills, industry knowledge, and performance metrics, with some professionals pursuing certifications like the Certified Business Development Expert (CBDE) to enhance prospects.
More about Business Development Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Business Development jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Business Development Associate jobs in Illinois?

For Business Development Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Business Development Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Business Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Business Development Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,045 per year, or $26 per hour.

Business Development Associate

Entertainment Fuse

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
As a website that covers multiple mediums that millions of people are highly enthusiastic for, Entertainment Fuse is seeking an experienced and talented Business Developer. The main duties consist of:
  • Initializing business to business communications and seeking possible investment opportunities
  • Generate new and maintain existing business partnerships
  • Manage, track, and optimize projects related to website traffic and membership acquisition

Since we are a website, all positions are telecommute, so your location doesn't matter. Currently, all of our positions are on a volunteer/internship basis... for this position specifically the right candidate who later produces major results will possibly be given a percentage of the company and promoted. We also provide invaluable hands-on work experience in a highly competitive field, which is why we've had staff members go to popular companies such as NBC, Marvel, Ubisoft, EGM, and others.
Qualifications
Job Requirements:
  • Internet and business savvy
  • Goal-oriented professional with discipline to work independently as required
  • Strong command of the English language
  • Can be personable and articulate through text
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Pluses
  • Bachelor's degree, MBA in a business, marketing, PR, or similar field
  • An interest in all or most of the mediums we cover

Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like to apply then please send two writing samples to Jobs@entertainmentfuse.com with the name of the position as the title.