Business Development Senior Associate

Business Development & Origination Senior Associate | Chicago, IL An established lower middle market private equity firm is seeking to add a Business Development & Origination Associate to its growing team. The firm partners with founder-owned and privately held businesses across North America and has built a strong reputation for executing flexible, value-added investment solutions. Working directly alongside the firm's Partners, this individual will be responsible for developing relationships across the private equity, investment banking, lending, and intermediary communities to source new investment opportunities and enhance the firm's market presence. This is a highly visible, externally facing role offering significant exposure to senior leadership, broad responsibility, and a unique opportunity to become a key contributor to the firm's deal origination strategy. The Business Development Associate Will Be Responsible For:Develop and maintain relationships with investment banks, private equity sponsors, lenders, independent sponsors, and other transaction intermediaries.Generate proprietary and intermediary-driven investment opportunities for the firm.Conduct proactive outreach on behalf of the firm's senior leadership team.Build coverage across target bankers, sponsors, and referral sources within key industry verticals.Represent the firm at conferences, networking events, and industry meetings nationwide.Maintain an active pipeline of prospective investment opportunities and relationship targets.Partner closely with investment professionals to evaluate incoming opportunities.Support market mapping efforts to identify new sourcing channels and strategic relationships.Serve as an ambassador for the firm within the lower middle market private equity ecosystem. The Business Development Associate Should Have:3-8 years of experience in financial sponsor coverage, leveraged finance, direct lending, investment banking, private equity business development, transaction advisory, or a related role.Existing relationships within the private equity, lending, investment banking, or intermediary community are highly desirable.Strong interest in deal sourcing, relationship management, and private markets investing.Excellent communication and networking skills.Demonstrated ability to operate independently in an entrepreneurial environment.Willingness to travel regularly for conferences, sponsor meetings, and business development initiatives.