Business Development Associate

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is seeking a Business Development Associate in Austin, TX. You will build relationships with clients and partners, source new opportunities, and support the division's growth objectives.

The role focuses on prospecting, qualifying, proposing, negotiating, and closing, with strong emphasis on accessible communications and community impact. Travel is required as part of outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong English writing skills and clear communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively in American Sign Language (required).
• Willingness to travel (required).

Responsibilities

• Assist across all stages of the sales pipeline: prospect, qualify, propose, negotiate and close.
• Prepare presentations and proposals representing CSD Access services.
• Maintain accurate CRM records for pipeline forecasting and reporting.
• Develop outreach to new prospects, nurturing early-stage relationships.
• Support grant and procurement responses with accurate submissions.
• Represent CSD Access at events to generate leads and opportunities.

Skills

Relationship management

Networking

Prospecting

Lead generation

ASL proficiency

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Business/Marketing/Communications or related)

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Business Development Associate is an entry-level sales role focused on building and nurturing relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders to drive revenue growth across CSD Access. In this role, you'll identify and develop regional and national business opportunities, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and contribute to the division's overall sales strategy and growth objectives.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven self-starter who is energized by connecting with external organizations seeking accessible communication services and solutions. You'll play a hands-on role in sourcing new business, supporting partnership development, and helping CSD Access expand its reach and impact in the communities we serve.

• Assist the business development team across all stages of the sales pipeline, prospecting, qualifying, proposing, negotiating, and closing, including helping prepare presentations and proposals that represent the full range of CSD Access services and solutions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of sales activities in the designated CRM platform to support pipeline tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
• Support outreach to new prospects by establishing initial contact, nurturing early-stage relationships, and connecting potential clients and partners with CSD Access solutions that align with their needs.
• Conduct research and gather information to support grant and procurement responses, ensuring submissions are accurate, compliant, and compelling.
• Support existing client and partner relationships by providing responsive follow-up, sharing relevant updates, and identifying opportunities for new services or process improvements.
• Leverages professional and community networks to generate intelligence that supports the development of discrete sales and partnership opportunities
• Represent CSD Access at industry, marketing, and customer-focused events in target markets to build awareness, generate leads, support relationship development, and contract opportunities.
• Develop foundational knowledge of CSD Access products, services, and the accessible communications landscape to grow into a credible resource for clients and partners.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Knowledge and skill using different sales techniques, including relationship management, networking, prospecting, and lead generation, all with the desire to learn how to move opportunities through the pipeline to close.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to interact with high-profile public individuals and to effectively communicate objectives across division lines.
• Exemplary research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management platforms
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of or interest in accessible telecommunications, relay services, or direct video calling.
• Goal-oriented mindset with a willingness to work towards defined sales benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Experience with or a strong interest in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and accessible communications.
• Collaborative mindset and openness to coaching

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent professional experience
• Strong English writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (required)
• Willingness to travel (required)