Corporate Development Associate

Connect Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A private investment firm is seeking a Business Development & M&A Associate to support the acquisition lifecycle, working closely with senior leadership. The role involves sourcing and screening acquisition opportunities, building relationships, preparing financial analyses, and coordinating with external advisors. Ideal candidates possess 2-5+ years in investment banking or private equity, with strong financial modeling and communication skills. This position offers exposure to the full transaction lifecycle and equity opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or a related transactional role.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with senior executives and business owners.

Responsibilities

• Source and screen acquisition opportunities through intermediaries, direct outreach, and proprietary channels.
• Build relationships with business owners, advisors, lenders, and M&A professionals.
• Prepare investment summaries, financial models, and valuation analyses.
• Support diligence, deal structuring, LOIs, and transaction execution.
• Coordinate with external advisors including legal, accounting, and financing partners.
• Assist with post-close transition and portfolio company initiatives.

Skills

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

A private investment firm is hiring a Business Development & M&A Associate to support acquisition sourcing, evaluation, and execution. This role works closely with senior leadership and provides hands‑on exposure across the full transaction lifecycle, from initial outreach through closing and early post-acquisition support. The position includes equity and co-invest opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Source and screen acquisition opportunities through intermediaries, direct outreach, and proprietary channels
• Build relationships with business owners, advisors, lenders, and M&A professionals
• Prepare investment summaries, financial models, and valuation analyses
• Support diligence, deal structuring, LOIs, and transaction execution
• Coordinate with external advisors including legal, accounting, and financing partners
• Assist with post-close transition and portfolio company initiatives

Requirements & Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or a related transactional role
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and communication skills
• Comfortable interacting with senior executives and business owners