Category: Business Development & Client Strategy
Location: Chicago, Illinois (Hybrid)
About the Opportunity
Lavner has partnered with a nationally respected advisory and communications organization to identify a Business Development Manager to support continued expansion across executive-facing and stakeholder-intensive markets.
The organization operates within a highly relationship-driven environment and is seeking someone capable of developing thoughtful client relationships while representing the firm with professionalism, credibility, and strategic awareness.
This role is intended for individuals who are naturally consultative, commercially aware, and comfortable engaging with senior decision-makers across complex organizations.
The position offers direct exposure to leadership, meaningful autonomy, and the opportunity to contribute to long-term growth strategy rather than transactional short-cycle sales activity.
The role is based in Chicago with hybrid flexibility.
The Environment
The company has built its reputation through long-term relationships, strategic advisory work, and a measured approach to client engagement.
Leadership is intentionally selective regarding both client partnerships and internal hiring. The environment values maturity, communication quality, responsiveness, and professionalism over aggressive sales tactics or excessive process layers.
The business development function operates closely with leadership, communications, and research teams, creating an environment where market understanding and relationship intelligence are viewed as strategic advantages.
The organization is particularly interested in individuals who can balance commercial instincts with strong interpersonal judgment.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Relationship Development
Build relationships with executive stakeholders, leadership teams, and organizational decision-makers across target markets and industries.
Growth Strategy Support
Assist with business development initiatives tied to new partnerships, market expansion, referral generation, and strategic client engagement.
Market Research & Opportunity Mapping
Track organizational movement, leadership changes, growth activity, and market developments relevant to the firm’s client strategy.
Consultative Outreach
Engage prospective clients thoughtfully and professionally while helping identify areas where the organization’s advisory capabilities may provide value.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with leadership, communications, and research teams to ensure business development efforts align with broader organizational positioning and priorities.
Ideal Background
The organization is open to a variety of professional backgrounds provided candidates demonstrate strong communication capability, relationship management maturity, and commercial awareness.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
- Business Development
- Executive Search
- Account Management
- Professional Services
- Strategic Partnerships
- Client Advisory
- Consulting
- Communications or agency environments
- Corporate relationship management
- Leadership-facing sales environments
Experience engaging with executive or enterprise stakeholders is strongly preferred.
What the Organization Values
The strongest candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Executive presence
- Strategic thinking capability
- Emotional intelligence
- Professional maturity
- Curiosity regarding organizations and markets
- Strong listening ability
- Low-pressure consultative communication style
- Ability to build trust gradually
- Comfort operating with autonomy
Compensation & Structure
- Competitive base compensation
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid flexibility
- Long-term advancement opportunity
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives
Compensation will be aligned competitively based on overall experience and market background.
Confidential Search
This search is being conducted confidentially on behalf of the hiring organization.
Additional details regarding company identity, market focus, and compensation structure will be shared with qualified individuals during the process.
Apply
Professionals interested in confidential consideration are encouraged to apply through Lavner.
All inquiries will be handled with discretion.