Associate, Panel Business Development

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago, a world leader in research excellence, is seeking a motivated and commercially minded Panel Business Development Associate to support the growth of Ameri Speak’s client portfolio. In this early‑career role, you will help bring rigorous, probability‑based research solutions to organizations making consequential decisions. As an Associate, you will blend consultative outreach with foundational survey research knowledge.

You’ll work closely with senior team members to understand client needs, communicate Ameri Speak’s value, and support the progression of opportunities from initial conversation to successful project launch.

Location:

This hybrid role is based in NORC’s downtown Chicago office, with a minimum of six in-office days per month for collaboration, client development, and team connection. DEPARTMENT:
Ameri Speak Ameri Speak® is the first U.S. multiclient household panel to combine the speed and cost-effectiveness of panel surveys with enhanced representativeness of the U.S. population, an approach designed to achieve an industry-leading response rate and an innovative sample quality report card. Ameri Speak has become the primary survey partner of the nation's preeminent news service, The Associated Press.

Developed and funded by NORC, Ameri Speak randomly identifies Americans—including the country’s hardest-to-reach populations—and recruits them to provide their opinions and insights on a wide range of topics critical to our clients. The outcome is a truly representative picture of America and, thus, more accurate research results for use in statistical surveys. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist in identifying prospective clients and understanding their research needs through preliminary conversations and background research. Help articulate Ameri Speak’s methodology, strengths, and differentiators to potential partners. Contribute to early‑stage proposal development, meeting preparation, and follow‑up coordination. Maintain CRM entries, track outreach activity, and ensure timely movement of leads through the pipeline. Work with research, operations, and marketing teams to support business development initiatives and client engagements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Bachelor's degree. 1 year of survey, market research, or related research experience Basic knowledge of the principles and processes of survey research. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with sound judgment and strong attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple opportunities or projects, anticipate risks, and collaborate effectively with clients and internal partners. Self-starter who exercises sound judgment, works effectively with some supervision, and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Ability to write clearly and persuasively. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Basic proficiency in CRM applications such as Salesforce. SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The pay range for this position is $58,000 - $73,000. This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:
Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

NORC is committed to…