Business Development Manager

Portal Innovations; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision

Life and Disability Benefits

Flexible PTO Policy

401K Program

Job summary

A biotech venture development organization based in Chicago is seeking a Business Development Manager to generate new business and enhance memberships. The ideal candidate will thrive in a startup atmosphere, drive revenue growth, and create partnerships in the life sciences sector. This full-time on-site role offers a competitive salary of $80-90k annually plus incentives, along with benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and a flexible PTO policy.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in business development or sales.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business development process for Portal's Chicago location.
• Build relationships with member companies and identify opportunities.
• Grow membership revenue with tailored proposals.

Skills

Prospecting and developing new business

Sales experience and lifecycle knowledge

Market research and analysis

Excellent communication skills

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Job description

**PLEASE APPLY ON OUR INTERNAL LINK TO BE CONSIDERED***

LINK: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9696a53-1dce-4546-a7a4-cc7f67acfdc3&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US

Who Is Portal Innovations:

Portal Innovations is a biotech venture development engine, focused on early‑stage life science enterprises. We help exceptional life sciences innovators build their companies where they live and beyond. Launched in 2020, we surround these entrepreneurs with the resources and network they need for seed capital, state‑of‑the‑art lab space, a community‑based ecosystem, and access to experts in their fields and prospective investors and partners.

We are looking for colleagues who bring grit to our daily opportunities, seeing every task as a chance to grow. Our team strives to have a deep understanding of our members’ needs, and we are dedicated to ensuring Portal is a vibrant and uplifting environment for everyone. Our people‑centricity begins with how we empower each other—prioritizing a culture of mutual care so we can provide world‑class service to the companies we support. In our collaborative space, we celebrate our wins and approach new challenges with resilience, viewing them as fuel for innovation to enhance the lives of our members. If you are excited to work alongside a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact, we want to meet you!

About the Role:

Portal Innovations is seeking a driven and dynamic Business Development Manager to join our team – based in Chicago to generate new business and revenue in our Chicago locations and for a new virtual membership offering. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a startup environment and is passionate about the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and innovation. By joining our team as a Business Development Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the advanced sciences industry and contribute to the success of groundbreaking startups.

This is a FULL‑TIME role. This role offers a dependable, ON‑SITE routine from Monday through Friday. While we primarily stick to our standard business hours, our team does need to have flexibility and occasionally extends the day to meet the evolving needs of our growing business.

In This Role You Can Expect To:

• Lead the full business development process for our Portal location in Chicago—from sourcing and touring prospective member companies to negotiating terms and securing new memberships
• Build strong, long‑term relationships with current member companies, ensuring their needs are met while proactively identifying opportunities for contract renewals and space expansion
• Take charge of identifying and managing a pipeline of potential member companies.
• Take point on all Chicago membership deal negotiations, balancing member needs with Portal’s pricing and revenue goals
• Grow membership revenue by identifying high‑potential startups, developing tailored proposals, and guiding them through the close
• Act as a key representative of Portal in the Chicago innovation community, engaging founders, VCs, researchers, and ecosystem partners to raise visibility and attract new business
• Help shape, expand and close new Portal’s membership offerings, including flexible, non‑traditional options that meet the evolving needs of early‑stage innovators
• Develop and close revenue‑generating partnerships with pharma, tech, AI, universities, and other strategic players
• Partner cross‑functionally to hit revenue goals and drive business forward across the organization

To Be Successful in This Role, You Have:

• Proven ability to prospect and develop new business, including building prospect lists and successfully transitioning prospects to clients
• Proven sales experience and sales lifecycle knowledge
• Experience in market research and analysis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience building and managing relationships
• Experience working in or selling to the life sciences or other science industry a plus

Qualifications We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• 2+ years of relevant experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or sales.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Strategic planning and project management abilities
• Strong work ethic, organized and detail oriented; a closer
• Flexibility and adaptability to grow as the role evolves
• Background in real estate sales and/or business development a plus
• Knowledge of the Life Sciences, Biotech or Pharma industry a plus

Competitive salary based on experience

Salary Range for This Role: $80-90k annually + sales incentive

• Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life and Disability Benefits
• Flexible PTO Policy
• 401K Program

Work Authorization/Security‑Clearance Requirements:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

**PLEASE APPLY ON OUR INTERNAL LINK TO BE CONSIDERED***

LINK: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9696a53-1dce-4546-a7a4-cc7f67acfdc3&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US

Portal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis under provincial, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances.