Senior Business Development Manager

Business Development Senior Manager

Smithbucklin, a 650‑person, employee‑owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, has primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C. We are looking for a Business Development Senior Manager to join our New Business & Industry Relations team in either the Chicago or Washington, D.C. office.

In this role you will help shape how we find, pursue, and win new business. You will work directly with prospective clients to demonstrate how Smithbucklin’s services—including association management, education strategy, and research—can help clients grow, advance, and deliver better results for their members. You will also support uncovering opportunities for Smithbucklin Companies such as 360 Live Media (full‑service events agency) and McKinley Advisors (association consulting firm).

You will build strong relationships, manage opportunities from first conversation through closing, and collaborate with teams across the company to deliver solutions that fit client needs and support growth. The role reports to the Head of Business Development & Industry Relations.

• Build and grow relationships with senior decision makers at associations, trade organizations, and professional societies
• Lead the full sales process from prospecting and qualification to proposal development and deal closing
• Bring informed ideas, sharp insights, and creative solutions to every opportunity
• Partner with business stakeholders and shape strategy for proposals and presentations
• Represent Smithbucklin at conferences, trade shows, and industry events to build new connections
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity to identify and act on new opportunities
• Use Salesforce, Hub Spot, and Linked In Sales Navigator to track sales activity, manage your pipeline, and forecast revenue

• Have a proven, high‑impact track record in B2B sales and love the pursuit
• Do you thrive in a fast‑moving environment and bring calm and confidence when stakes are high?
• Think creatively and find a path forward even when it is not obvious
• Use data to make smart decisions and technology to work smarter and faster
• Have flexibility to travel to cultivate opportunities, attend industry events, and meet prospect‑driven deadlines

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience working with associations, trade organizations, or professional societies
• 10+ years of experience in business development or sales in a B2B environment
• Comfortable building relationships with executives and board leaders
• Proven track record of winning new business and consistently hitting or exceeding sales goals
• Ability to analyze markets, identify trends and anticipate prospect needs
• Experience using Salesforce (or similar CRM) and Linked In Sales Navigator
• Exceptional communication skills in writing, in person, and in presentations; highly organized, self‑motivated and collaborative
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Teams, Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Highly organized, self‑motivated and genuinely collaborative

Smithbucklin considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate’s recent coursework, training, experience, and certifications. The expected pay for this role is $110,000–$120,000. Smithbucklin operates a hybrid work environment with in‑office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Employees work a standard 40‑hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.

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.

Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment. You must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.