Business Development Associate (Early Career) - Chicago at Salesforce

Wayne State University; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University is looking for a Business Development Associate in Chicago. This hybrid role combines active sales development with operational excellence, using AI tools to streamline workflows and optimize lead flows.

The successful candidate will enjoy career acceleration through a 3-5 month program, developing essential skills to transition to a Sales Development Representative role. Prior experience in sales and a passion for the #1 AI CRM are preferred.

Qualifications

• Passionate about mastering the #1 AI CRM and building a career in sales.
• Energized by achieving targets and accountable to challenges.
• Ability to develop efficient technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Qualify inbound and outbound leads for high-potential opportunities.
• Identify SMB prospects and execute personalized outreach.
• Maintain Salesforce data integrity and improve sales productivity.

Skills

Sales Ready

Goal Oriented

Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Growth Mindset

Job description

Business Development Associate (Early Career) - Chicago

Start Date: July 6, 2026. Relocation is not provided for this opportunity.

Overview of the Role

As a Business Development Associate at Salesforce, you aren't just starting a career in sales. You are joining the #1 AI CRM to redefine how business is done. This role is a unique hybrid of active sales development and operational excellence. You will serve as the engine of our SMB (Small & Medium Business) team, tasked with both proactively hunting new business through targeted outbound prospecting and leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to streamline workflows. You will be the operational backbone of the team, using data-driven insights to refine our outreach strategies while building the foundational skills to become a world-class Sales Development Representative.

The Salesforce Business Development Associate Program is a fast-track, high-impact initiative. You will work at the intersection of human creativity and Agentic AI, mastering our Customer 360 platform to identify high-value opportunities, optimize lead flows, and drive scalable growth for our customers.

Career Acceleration

Successful completion of this 3-5 month program positions you to advance to the Sales Development Representative role, equipped with a technical and operational edge that sets you apart in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Pipeline Development: Qualify inbound and outbound leads via phone outreach to prioritize high-potential SMB opportunities.
• Strategic Prospecting: Master the art of the hunt by identifying SMB prospects and executing personalized outreach. You’ll be supported by proven playbooks and tools, with an expectation to provide input on what’s working to help us continuously sharpen our approach.
• Operations & Process Optimization: Drive organizational efficiency by maintaining Salesforce data integrity and deploying AI-powered insights to streamline workflows, improve pipeline hygiene, and scale sales productivity.

Required Qualifications

• Sales & Career Ready: Not just interested in sales but hungry for it. Passionate about mastering the #1 AI CRM and building a long-term career in professional sales. Previous internship or work experience in sales is a plus!
• Resilient and Goal Oriented: Energized by achieving/exceeding targets and KPIs, displays a high level of accountability, and brings unstoppable energy and resilience to every challenge along the way.
• Operational Problem Solver: A natural ability to break down complex challenges and develop efficient step by step technical solutions.
• Effective Communicator: Strong verbal and written skills with the ability to convey complex value propositions clearly and professionally.
• Growth Mindset: A self motivated learner who is eager to master the tools and skills required to progress into a full cycle sales role.

Why Salesforce

• Hands-on Experience: Gain real-world experience in lead qualification and customer profiling while serving as the operational backbone of the team. You will balance direct prospect engagement with critical business operations, ensuring our systems run at peak efficiency while you develop the core sales skills needed for your next career step.
• Growth Trajectory: Build your foundation on the #1 AI CRM. You will develop the technical and operational fluency that serves as a launchpad for your career at Salesforce. This role provides the blueprint to grow into a high-impact sales career.
• Community: Join a team built on Trust and Innovation. We prioritize continuous mentorship and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring you have the support to bring your full self to work while making a tangible impact on how businesses grow.

This position is ineligible for visa sponsorship.