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Business Development Executive Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RR Donnelley

Sales Development Executive

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$50K - $150K/yr

... business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 ... Ability to present to C-Level and Senior Management Executives, excellent written & verbal ...

RR Donnelley

Sales Development Executive

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$50K - $150K/yr

... business process consulting, with services designed to lower environmental impact. With 22,000 ... Ability to present to C-Level and Senior Management Executives, excellent written & verbal ...

Lube-Tech

Account Sales Executive

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Career advancement opportunities The New Business Development Executive drives Ascentek's growth through 100% net-new customer acquisition. This role is designed for a highly motivated sales ...

Ascentek

Account Sales Executive

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Career advancement opportunities The New Business Development Executive drives Ascentek's growth through 100% net-new customer acquisition. This role is designed for a highly motivated sales ...

Lube-Tech

Account Sales Executive

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Career advancement opportunities The New Business Development Executive drives Ascentek's growth through 100% net-new customer acquisition. This role is designed for a highly motivated sales ...

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All JobsBusiness Development JobsBusiness Development Executive JobsBusiness Development Executive Jobs in Iowa

Business Development Executive information

See Iowa salary details

$32.9K

$87.5K

$185.5K

How much do business development executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for business development executive in Iowa is $87,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a Business Development Executive a stressful job?

Being a Business Development Executive can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and the need to meet sales goals. The role often requires strong communication skills, resilience, and the ability to handle rejection, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What is the highest salary in BDE?

The highest salary for a Business Development Executive can vary based on experience, industry, and location, but senior-level BDEs in top companies can earn upwards of $80,000 to $120,000 annually, often supplemented with commissions and bonuses. High performers with strong negotiation skills and a proven track record may earn even more through incentives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Business Development Executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Business Development Executive, you need strong sales acumen, market research abilities, and a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, lead generation tools, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills help set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing new clients, and driving sustained business success.

What work does a business development executive do?

A business development executive is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and promoting the company's products or services. They often conduct market research, develop sales strategies, and negotiate deals to increase revenue and expand the company's market presence.

Is a BDR an entry-level role?

A Business Development Executive (BDR) role is often considered entry-level or suitable for candidates with limited experience, focusing on developing sales pipelines and lead generation. It typically requires strong communication skills and may involve training on CRM tools and sales processes, making it accessible to recent graduates or those new to sales roles.

What is the difference between Business Development Executive vs Sales Executive?

AspectBusiness Development ExecutiveSales Executive
Primary FocusIdentifying new business opportunities and strategic partnershipsClosing sales and achieving sales targets
ResponsibilitiesMarket research, lead generation, relationship buildingProduct presentations, negotiations, client follow-up
Required SkillsCommunication, networking, strategic thinkingPersuasion, product knowledge, negotiation
Work EnvironmentClient meetings, market analysis, strategic planningSales pitches, client meetings, CRM management

While both roles aim to increase revenue, a Business Development Executive focuses on creating long-term growth opportunities, whereas a Sales Executive concentrates on closing individual sales. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate professional.

What are Business Development Executives?

Business Development Executives are professionals responsible for driving a company’s growth by identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and developing strategies to increase revenue. They research market trends, approach potential partners, and negotiate deals to expand the company’s reach. Their role often involves collaborating with sales, marketing, and product teams to ensure business objectives are met. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills are essential for success in this position.

What Is a Business Development Executive?

A business development executive is responsible for developing growth in the company through increased sales and customer acquisition. Your job duties as a business development executive are to generate sales leads, contact potential clients, and nurture existing customer relationships. You also promote products and services, represent the company at networking events and conferences, travel to events and meetings with key clients, conduct online research via social media platforms to discover leads and new target markets, and help plan and oversee marketing and advertising initiatives. This career requires excellent sales, management, and interpersonal skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Business Development Executives when entering new markets, and how can they be addressed?

Business Development Executives often face challenges such as understanding unfamiliar market dynamics, building trust with local clients, and navigating regulatory requirements when entering new markets. To address these, it's important to conduct thorough market research, leverage local partnerships, and stay informed about legal and cultural considerations. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, legal, and product development—also helps ensure a smooth market entry and long-term success.
More about Business Development Executive jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Business Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Business Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Business Development Executive jobs in Iowa? For Business Development Executive jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Business Development Executive jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Business Development Executive jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Business Development Executive jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Business Development Executive job openings:
Business Development Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development Executive job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,502 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Business Development Executive

leeenterprises

Davenport, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Business Development Executive - Davenport, IA
The Quad-City Times, a publication of Lee Enterprises, is seeking an energetic, skilled sales executive to drive digital multi-media account growth for new and existing accounts through prospecting, developing, and closing leads using a variety of sources in the greater Quad City area. Lee offers a vast array of digital marketing products, tools and partners to meet the advertising needs of any current or future client. We are the fastest growing digital subscription platform in the nation for four years running. 
The ideal candidate will possess these critical sales competencies:
  • Drive and initiative: We seek someone who thrives on exceeding goals, takes ownership, and hunts for new opportunities.
  • Prioritization and organization: You must excel at setting priorities, managing time effectively, and staying organized amidst a busy workload.
  • Strategic thinking and business sense: Your ability to think strategically, adapt to changing landscapes, and understand the business side of things is crucial.
  • Digital marketing creativity: We need someone who can develop innovative and effective digital advertising solutions.
  • Communication and persuasion: You must be a confident speaker and negotiator who can clearly communicate ideas and win over clients.
  • Resilience and problem-solving: We value your ability to overcome challenges, stay motivated, and find solutions under pressure.
  • Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity: You thrive in dynamic environments, embrace change, and can think critically in complex situations.
  • Fast learner and strategic mind: You possess a sharp intellect, grasp concepts quickly, and can apply them strategically to our team's success.
  • Client-centric mindset: You are passionate about understanding and catering to the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.
  • Digital advertising enthusiast: You have a deep understanding and passion for the digital advertising and marketing world.
Preferred Education & Experience
  • 3 or more years in Sales, preferably in Digital Advertising but not required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in expanding and growing sales revenue through existing and new business.
  • Experience with current digital advertising technology and 3rd party research skills such as Google Analytics.
Why Join Us?
Lee Enterprises offers competitive wages in a dynamic, interesting work environment with career growth opportunities.  We offer an extensive benefit program that can be personalized to your needs. Our benefit program includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, company provided life insurance and supplemental life insurance. In addition, we offer a 401K retirement plan with company match.  We also offer generous paid time off to allow flexibility to balance personal life and work.  This includes paid parental leave for new parents.
Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving over 70 markets in 25 states. Year to date, Lee's newspapers have an average daily circulation of 1.0 million, and our legacy websites, including acquisitions, reach more than 33 million digital unique visitors.
Lee Enterprises is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We participate in E-Verify. We respect and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information about Lee, check us out at www.lee.net.
We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply at https://lee.net/careers/

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