Economic Development Manager Jobs in Evanston, IL

Business Development Manager – Jefferson Wells

What to expect when you join Sikich

Team members at Sikich have a lot in common while also being part of a rich and varied group of contributors, creating a distinct and thriving culture. Chief among our commonalities is a desire for growth and a shared unity of purpose in our professional lives. We believe that through diverse perspectives, challenging the status quo and rewarding action, we accelerate innovation and drive growth – for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

The professional services landscape continues to evolve. For Sikich, this means we have an opportunity to further cement our leadership position in this industry and continue to grow our organization in increasingly exciting ways. This growth is meaningful for every team member at our company because larger companies simply see more interesting client opportunities and can attract impressively talented individuals like you. Through a dedicated focus on key business priorities and intentionally creating a rewarding employee experience, Sikich has developed into a highly regarded provider of professional services and a sought-after employer of choice.

Do you want to work with other skilled practitioners and serve clients in a way that makes a difference? Are you seeking a supportive environment backed by a deep and extensive set of skillsets? Are you ready to make an impact and be acknowledged for your contributions? If you answered yes to these questions, we see a mutually beneficial and gratifying relationship on the horizon!

Are you ready to grow with us?

Position Summary

The position of Business Development Manager will be responsible for building and managing a territory in collaboration with practice directors and fulfillment teams. The Business Development Manager will partner with new and existing clients to provide solutions within the risk advisory services, finance and accounting operations, and tax business areas.

What will you do in this role?

• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective clients through proactive outreach, networking, and market research. Monitor marketplace trends and industry changes to identify new business opportunities.
• Assess prospective client needs by asking targeted questions to determine alignment with service offerings and delivery capabilities. Evaluate opportunities objectively and decide whether to advance or disqualify prospects based on business fit.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients by demonstrating responsiveness, professionalism, and a strong sense of urgency in resolving challenges and advancing opportunities.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to retain existing business and expand share of wallet within client accounts. Stay attuned to changes in client needs or business conditions and adjust engagement strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate effectively across teams and value diverse perspectives to leverage internal expertise and deliver the best possible outcomes for clients and the organization.
• Demonstrate persistence, focus, and accountability in pursuing goals, maintaining momentum, and delivering results despite obstacles or distractions.
• Pursue continuous professional development to strengthen skills, stay current on market trends and emerging technologies, and apply new knowledge to enhance client solutions and internal processes.
• Navigate complex organizational and client environments with sound judgment and political awareness. Build credibility across functions and leverage relationships to support broader business objectives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external executives through active listening, influence, and partnership. Prepare and deliver clear, compelling written and verbal communications that support the organization’s value proposition across multiple channels.
• Be a student of the firm, the industry, and your clients and prospects.
• Comfortable using technology to improve sales efficiencies.

What do you need to succeed in this role?

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Accounting/Finance/Economics, or related field
• 7+ years of solutions sales experience within professional services, management consulting industry.
• 7+ years’ experience in Accounting, Audit, Public Accounting, Industry accounting, and/or auditing experience
• Professional sales experience in public accounting, consulting, or professional services firm. CPA is a plus as is industry experience and/or internal audit experience. 
• Experience prospecting to open doors and get meetings

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the base compensation range for this role is $101,430.74 - $131,560.12 - $161,689.50. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on several factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Compensation ranges for roles in our Government Services pillar are determined by contract with the specific government agency Sikich is servicing.

In addition, specific skills/experience required are as follows: …..

• Servant Leader – You are hyper focused on engaging employees, fostering their development, and building a positive culture.
• Solutions Focused – You see opportunities in every business problem and can develop, articulate, and implement solutions.
• Collaboration – You are a relationship builder across all levels of the organization and across all business units.
• Instills Trust - You do what you say, and you follow through on commitments, you act with integrity, you are consistent and are perceived as credible.
• Impact & Influence Thinking – You gain support for ideas, proposals, and solutions, and get others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives/objectives.

About Sikich

Sikich offers the public and private sectors a diverse platform of professional services across consulting, technology and compliance. Highly specialized and hands-on teams deliver integrated solutions rooted in deep industry experience. Our approach is strategically and thoughtfully designed to help our clients, teams, and communities accelerate success.

Sikich Total Rewards

Our team members enjoy expansive benefits ranging from competitive compensation and insurance options to wellness programs and a flexible time off policy, to name only a few. Sikich also takes pride in prioritizing team members’ health, total wellbeing and time spent with family, friends and in the pursuit of personal goals, hobbies, and endeavors.

Some examples of our many benefits:

• Sikich maintains a Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy. We encourage every full-time employee, as your role permits, to utilize paid time off (personal time, mental/physical health care, vacation, sick leave, etc.). Waiting for time off to accrue is common at other companies. At Sikich, you do not have to wait for this benefit to kick in. FTO is activated on your first day with our organization.
• Sikich will also recognize paid holidays during the year and strives to permit employees to have time off the last week of the calendar year when client and project work permits. 
• Sikich offers a comprehensive wellness program to engage, challenge and empower team members to take responsibility for their wellbeing. Activities can be tracked through our wellness provider to obtain gift cards and other rewards.
   

We also offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options
• HSA employer contribution
• Nine (9) paid holidays annually.
• A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster     children.
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• CPA bonus with four (4) paid exam days & four (4) paid study days.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous employee referral bonus program
• Client referral bonus program
• Pet insurance
• FORCE – Sikich community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in their local communities.

Want to learn more? Visit our Careers website or Glassdoor profile.