Business Development Associate - Private Equity Firm

CarterPierce, INC.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CarterPierce, INC. is seeking a Business Development Associate to identify and cultivate proprietary partnership opportunities across multiple verticals in the micro-cap space.

You will drive acquisition growth by setting initial meetings for the Investment Team, including VPs, Principals, and Partners, using a structured multi-channel outreach approach. In this role you will prospect outreach, engage decision-makers, and qualify leads, while tracking activity in Salesforce.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of sales experience with a proven track record.
• Money motivated and driven to exceed goals.
• Active cold-caller who’s comfortable reaching out to prospects.
• Confident communicator – persuasive without being pushy.
• Strong work ethic and self-starter mentality.
• Background check required, including education verification.

Responsibilities

• Prospect Outreach: Identify and contact target companies, engage with decision-makers, and qualify leads to build a robust opportunity pipeline. Conduct multi-channel outreach including cold calling, appointment setting, emails, and direct mail.
• Initial Engagements: Lead early conversations with business owners, clearly articulating the Firm's value proposition and differentiating it from other options.
• Reporting & Communication: Keep management updated on all activity, including timely preparation of reports and insights.
• Incoming & Outgoing Calls: Handle incoming calls from prospective partners and schedule appointments for the Investment Team.
• Make outgoing calls following structured processes using automated dialing systems, prospect lists, and research from websites, email, or direct mail.
• Target Research: Conduct research to identify potential acquisition targets that fit the Firm's investment thesis.
• CRM Management: Accurately enter and maintain data in Salesforce to ensure a complete and organized record of all prospect activity

Skills

Sales experience

Money motivated

Cold caller

Confident communicator

Work ethic

Background check

Education verification

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Outlook

Word

Job description

Business Development Associate

The Business Development Associate plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s growth by identifying and cultivating proprietary partnership opportunities across multiple verticals within the micro-cap space. The BD Associate drives acquisition growth by setting initial meetings for the Investment Team, including Vice Presidents, Principals, and Partners, leveraging a structured, multi-channel outreach process that includes targeted calls, emails, LinkedIn engagement, and other strategic messaging.

What We’re Looking For

• 3-5+ years of sales experience with a proven track record of success
• Money Motivated and driven to exceed goals
• Active cold-caller who’s comfortable reaching out to prospects
• Confident communicator – persuasive without being pushy
• Strong work ethic and self-starter mentality
• Background check required, including education verification

Key Responsibilities:

• Prospect Outreach: Identify and contact target companies, engage with decision-makers, and qualify leads to build a robust opportunity pipeline. Conduct multi-channel outreach including cold calling, appointment setting, emails, and direct mail.
• Initial Engagements: Lead early conversations with business owners, clearly articulating the Firm's value proposition and differentiating it from other options.
• Reporting & Communication: Keep management updated on all activity, including timely preparation of reports and insights.
• Incoming & Outgoing Calls:
• Handle incoming calls from prospective partners and schedule appointments for the Investment Team.
• Make outgoing calls following structured processes using automated dialing systems, prospect lists, and research from websites, email, or direct mail.
• Target Research: Conduct research to identify potential acquisition targets that fit the Firm's investment thesis.
• CRM Management: Accurately enter and maintain data in Salesforce to ensure a complete and organized record of all prospect activity

Position Qualifications:

• The ideal Business Development Associate will embody the Firm's core values and demonstrate a proven ability to drive results in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Core Attributes & Values:

• Commitment to Excellence: Strives to deliver the highest quality work in every interaction.
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively across teams and contributes to a positive culture.
• Passion & Purpose: Brings energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the role and the firm’s mission.
• Integrity: Upholds the highest ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Discipline & Focus: Maintains consistent productivity and attention to detail under pressure.
• Balance: Effectively manages competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and perspective.

Professional Skills & Experience:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a persuasive, outgoing, and highly motivated demeanor.
• Strong listening and analytical skills to uncover business needs, identify opportunities, and navigate complex conversations.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated persistence and drive in developing new business opportunities.
• Goal-oriented, with a clear focus on career growth and performance outcomes.
• Technologically proficient, including Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and internet research.
• Experience extracting, analyzing, and consolidating data from multiple sources to inform outreach strategy.
• Excellent time management, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think on your feet.
• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) or equivalent experience.