What does a Business Development Associate do?
Business development associates help companies seeking to boost their growth and sales by conducting market research, developing business strategies, building client relationships, and identifying new business opportunities. They strive to attract new clients and build solid relationships while maintaining existing relationships. As experts in a company's vision and its mission, they seek to accomplish set goals and objectives by cultivating strong relationships with new clients and maintaining existing client relationships.
Business development associates conduct market research to identify potential new clients, and work closely with staff across all departments to implement agreed-upon growth strategies. They develop and implement sales strategies, client service and retention plans, and analyze sales data to inform or update the company’s marketing strategies. They draft business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material, and other outreach documents if needed and identify new business opportunities and partners through their research. Business development associates need a minimum bachelor's degree in business management, marketing, related fields, and one-to-two years of relevant work experience in business development or related fields.
- Follow up with tax, accounting, and others on new structure and new product opportunities.
- Track the results of and collect feedback for new business pursuits.
- Responsible for timely and accurate audits, expense tracking and budget management.
- Oversee final production and delivery of proposals, pitches, and presentations.
- Provide insight and input on planned giving marketing initiatives.
- Work closely with philanthropy operations to develop strategies for stewardship of planned gift donors.
- Stay up to date with marketing content and sales messaging.
- Develop and present proposals tailored to each individual client's specific needs.
- Ensure outstanding customer service through regular client follow up.
- Maintain a schedule of professional training in the areas of estate planning and gift planning program trends.
- Bachelor's Degree in business, engineering, or computer science.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Strong leadership, time management, and critical thinking skills.
- Requires careful attention to detail.
- Able to maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Business Development Associate Salaries
Average Base Pay
Business Development Associate Career Path
Learn how to become a Business Development Associate, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Business Development Associate Insights
RepeatMD“First and foremost this is the most positive and personal development driven company I have ever worked for.”
Avesdo“Establishing and maintaining a good work/life balance is critical there is never a shortage of work and projects”
TerraCycle“Pay isn't great and they didn't let me negotiate my salary when I interviewed”
SentinelOne “A career you can grow within the company and our leadership encourages your career path and potential.”
Coyote Logistics“There is very little job security and the industry is not rewarding in any way.”
Pluralsight“I've really enjoyed my onboarding process and I think my team and leader are great.”
Stord“I have enjoyed my experience and would recommend STORD to any professional looking to grow their career.”
Truckstop“In my first 6 months there I had my duties changed multiple times and had three different managers.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Business Development Associate
When working as a Business Development Associate, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Excellent Communication, Microsoft Office Suite, Prospects, CRM and Time Management.
- Business Development Manager
- Business Developer
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
The most common qualifications to become a Business Development Associate is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.