1

Business Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Showing results 41-60

Business Development Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$57.5K

$94.8K

How much do business development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development associate in Chicago, IL is $57,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $62,900.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Business Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Business Development Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Business Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Business Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Business Development Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,499 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Utility Scale Business Development Associate

Chicago, IL • On-site

Nexamp
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$72K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Do you want to be a part of the clean energy movement? Are you passionate about improving our environment for this generation and those to follow? Are you ready to take on new challenges and collaborate with a future-focused team leading the way into new markets? Join Nexamp! 

This is where you can learn from industry leaders and become one yourself. It's fast-paced, mission-based work that challenges the status quo. Be on the team that's changing the world. 

What we're looking for: 

Nexamp is looking to hire a Utility Scale Business Development Associate. You will be responsible to support the Utility Scale development team throughout the entire development cycle. This role will support the origination of new large-scale projects and help develop them to the point they are financed, and ready for construction.  

We are accepting candidates across our hub offices of Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX, where you will be hybrid. You will report to the VP, Utility Scale Development .   

What you'll do:  

  • Learn Nexamp's project site selection parameters and development approach. 
  • Source new project sites using direct mailers and cold calls. Generate proposals and outreach materials to support project development efforts. 
  • Evaluate potential ground and rooftop solar sites using GIS applications. 
  • Maintain detailed reports using Salesforce and other applications. 
  • Build and preserve relationships with property owners and potential partners. 
  • Coordinate with Engineering, Finance, and Legal teams to identify potential project flaws.
  • Provide general administrative support and coordination to the Business Development team as needed.  

What you'll bring: 

  • Bachelor's degree 
  • 1+ years of experience in renewable energy, business development, sales, or real estate. 
  • Strong sales voice and comfort with persuasive communication, including cold-calling potential prospects. 
  • Experience using Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Earth (or similar mapping tool). 
  • Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects, initiatives, and data.
  • GIS experience is preferred. 
  • Commitment to Nexamp's mission and have a passion for solving tomorrow's climate crisis today.
  • Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating information, ideas, and perspectives with people inside and beyond your organization.   
  • Experience in showcasing initiative to make improvements to current work, processes, products, and services across the organization. We value accountability and an ownership mentality. 
  • Ability to ask appropriate questions, analyze data, identify the root causes of problems, and present creative solutions. 
  • Expertise in building strong internal and external relationships with customers and stakeholders, instilling trust and loyalty across the industry. 
  • Eagerness to develop a fundamental understanding of how Nexamp operates and then apply that knowledge effectively to inform business decisions.  

If you don't meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please apply.

 At Nexamp, our mission is to build the future of energy so it is clean, simple, and accessible for all. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. By encouraging a culture where ideas and decisions come from all people, we believe it will help us grow, innovate, and be a part of environmental and social change.

You'll love working here because:  

Not only will you get to take part in meaningful work and have the chance to change the world alongside innovative, dedicated, and motivated peers, but you will also have access to all the benefits that Nexamp offers! This includes our competitive compensation package; a 401(k) employer-match; health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one; flexible paid time off and holiday PTO; commuter benefits, and cell phone reimbursement. We have headquarters in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL, in addition to growing offices nationwide. We provide healthy snacks, coffee, service days and other volunteer opportunities, company outings, and more!  

Compensation 

The reasonably estimated salary for this role at Nexamp ranges from $72,000 - $77,000. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual bonus programs based on individual and company performance, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans). Additionally, you may be eligible to participate in the Company's stock option plan. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but is not limited to, skills and qualifications, internal equity, performance, and geographic location. 

Nexamp's People team manages all aspects of recruitment and hiring within our organization. We want to inform third-party recruiters, staffing firms, and related agencies that Nexamp does not accept unsolicited resumes. Resumes will only be considered from these entities if a signed agreement is in place and the People team explicitly authorizes external recruiting assistance for a specific position. Any unsolicited resumes received will be deemed the property of Nexamp. We want to emphasize that Nexamp is not liable for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.Â