Corporate Development Associate

Wipfli; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (8 options)?

Dental and vision coverage

HSA with firm contribution

401(k) with match

Flexible time off

Job summary

Wipfli is seeking a proactive Corporate Development/BD professional to drive outbound outreach to prospective acquisition targets and schedule meetings with firm leadership. You will identify targets, perform research, and manage multi‑step outreach sequences to build a robust pipeline.

You will support exec‑level discussions, maintain CRM data, and contribute to evaluation of acquisition opportunities. This role blends strategic outreach with hands-on scheduling in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in professional services.
• Proven outbound prospecting: cold calling, email outreach, and setting meetings with owners or senior executives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily outbound outreach to owners and managing partners of prospective acquisition targets to generate interest and build an M&A pipeline.
• Set qualified introductory meetings between targets and Corporate Development leadership; manage scheduling and follow-up.
• Build, launch, and manage multi-step outreach sequences using sales engagement tools; refine messaging based on responses.
• Conduct market research to identify targets by service mix, geography, size, and strategic fit.
• Prepare briefing materials, capture notes, and coordinate next steps for discussions with targets.
• Cultivate relationships with prospects and industry contacts to sustain engagement and generate introductions.
• Assist leadership in evaluating acquisition opportunities and advancing qualified prospects through transactions.
• Maintain CRM data and prepare activity reports and pipeline metrics.

Skills

Outbound prospecting

Cold calling

Email outreach

Meeting scheduling

Relationship building

CRM usage

Tools

CRM systems

Sales engagement tools

Job description

At Wipfli, people count.

At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.

We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.

People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Execute daily outbound outreach to owners and managing partners of prospective acquisition targets, including cold calling and personalized email campaigns, to generate interest and build a robust M&A acquisition pipeline.
• Set qualified introductory meetings between prospective acquisition targets and Corporate Development leadership, managing scheduling, confirmations, and timely follow-up.
• Build, launch, and manage multi‑step outreach sequences (calls, emails, and follow‑ups) using sales engagement tools, refining messaging based on response and meeting conversion rates.
• Conduct market and prospect research to identify, profile, and prioritize acquisition targets based on service mix, industry focus, geography, size, and strategic fit.
• Support introductory and exploratory discussions with prospective targets by preparing briefing materials, capturing notes, and coordinating next steps.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with prospects, referral sources, and industry contacts to sustain long‑term engagement and generate new introductions.
• Assist Corporate Development leadership in evaluating acquisition opportunities and advancing qualified prospects through the transaction process.
• Maintain accurate outreach activity, contact, and pipeline data in CRM platforms and prepare regular activity reports and pipeline metrics (calls, emails, meetings set, and conversions) for leadership.

Responsibilities:

• One (1) or more years of experience in professional services.
• Demonstrated success in outbound prospecting, including cold calling, email outreach, and setting meetings with business owners or senior executives.
• Strong ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence engaging firm owners and senior executives by phone and email.
• Strong relationship‑building and networking skills.
• Ability to collaborate across organizational levels, including firm leadership and external prospects.
• Strong research skills and business acumen, with the ability to assess the potential fit of acquisition targets.
• Persistent, self‑motivated, and resilient, with the ability to handle rejection and sustain high outreach activity levels.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and know when to elevate opportunities to leadership.
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; working knowledge of CRM and sales engagement platforms.

#LI-AF1 #LI-Hybrid

Additional Details:

Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at [e-mail]

Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay range for this role is $73,000 to $98,000, with offers typically not made at the maximum, allowing for future salary increases. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.

Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, subject to participation rules and based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual and Firm performance.

Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well‑being. Highlights include 8 health plan options (both HMO & PPO plans), dental and vision coverage, opportunity to enroll in HSA with potential Firm contribution and an Employee Assistance Program. Other benefits include firm-sponsored basic life and short and long‑term disability coverage, a 401(k) savings plan & profit share as well as Firm matching contribution, well‑being incentive, education & certification assistance, flexible time off, family care leave, parental leave, family formation benefits, cell phone reimbursement, and travel rewards. Voluntary benefit offerings include critical illness & accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal, long‑term care, pet insurance, ID theft protection, and supplemental life/AD&D. Eligibility for all benefits programs is dependent on annual hours expectation, position status/level and location.

"Wipfli" is the brand name under which Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC and its respective subsidiary entities provide professional services. Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its respective subsidiary entities) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Wipfli Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. Wipfli Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.