The Business Development Associate (BDA) collaborates with a Relationship Manager (RM) to promote growth by engaging warm leads, supporting referrals, gathering prospect data, arranging meetings, and guiding prospects through the sales process. The role adheres to a focused business development method centered on referrals, client introductions, centers of influence (COIs), inbound inquiries, and other approved lead channels. There is no cold calling or unsolicited prospecting involved.
For candidates with strong performance, licensing progress, good judgment, compliance adherence, and readiness, this position might open a path to an RM role, as evaluated by Sales Leadership and business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Prospect Development & Engagement
- Perform outreach to warm prospects sourced from referrals, COIs, inbound inquiries, RM networks, and approved lead sources.
- Respond to inbound inquiries and assess prospect interest.
- Gather preliminary information and coordinate introductions with the RM.
- Schedule meetings, maintain follow-up activities, and document prospect interactions in firm systems.
- Support growth efforts within existing client and professional networks.
Sales Process & Pipeline Management
- Direct prospect activity and pipeline progress during the client acquisition process.
- Ensure accurate documentation in MOSAIC and other sanctioned CRM tools.
- Track prospect progression, coordinate follow-up, and find opportunities requiring RM attention.
- Support process improvements that enhance sales effectiveness and client acquisition.
Business Development Support
- Investigate referral prospects, centers of influence, and business growth activities.
- Track prospect involvement and business growth indicators.
- Produce reports and insights regarding prospect activity and conversion trends.
- Support execution of RM growth strategies using MOSAIC and firm technology tools.
Client Acquisition Support
- Assist with information gathering and coordination throughout the prospect and onboarding process.
- Help ensure a professional experience for prospective clients.
- Collaborate with RMs and Client Service Associates to ensure a seamless transition from prospect to client.
- Ensure adherence to firm policies, regulatory requirements, and business development procedures.
Team Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with RMs, Client Service Associates, Practice Management, and Sales Leadership.
- Participate in pipeline reviews, planning discussions, and special projects.
- Share guidelines and process improvement recommendations.
Success Measures
- Warm lead outreach and engagement effectiveness.
- Qualified opportunities generated and routed to RMs.
- Appointment scheduling and meeting coordination quality.
- Pipeline management, follow-up completion, and CRM accuracy.
- Responsiveness to prospect inquiries.
- Compliance with business development policies and regulations.
- Close collaboration with RMs and contribution to practice growth.
Development Readiness Indicators
Potential readiness for future RM opportunities may be demonstrated through:
- Licensing progress and completion.
- Professionalism, reliability, and business judgment.
- Strong prospect interactions and communication skills.
- Problem-solving ability and appropriate handling of customer concerns.
- CRM proficiency, coachability, and positive performance feedback.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- 1-3 years of experience in business development, sales support, client service, financial services, or a related field.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, organization, and multitasking skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
Preferred
- Experience supporting Relationship Managers, wealth management, or insurance-based sales teams.
- Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms.
- Familiarity with financial services, insurance, wealth management, and planning concepts.
- Industry licensing or willingness to obtain required licenses.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Committed to improvement, self-starting, and attentive to client needs.
- Strong communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to identify client needs and route opportunities appropriately.
- Strong problem-solving, time management, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, use sound judgment, and work independently within a team environment.
- Proficiency with CRM systems and business technology tools.
Additional Information
- The role centers solely on warm leads, referrals, client introductions, COIs, inbound inquiries, RM relationships, and authorized lead sources. Cold calling, bought lead solicitation, and self-initiated outreach are not allowed.
- Hybrid work environment with standard office technology; occasional travel may be required.
- Additional duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.
What We Offer:
We're proud to offer a competitive salary, PTO & paid holidays, 401(k) with match, exclusive discount programs, health & wellness programs, and more. Our PeopleFirst culture emphasizes building and nurturing lifelong relationships with our employees because our mission is to support others. The base salary range for this position is $48,000.00 - $55,000.00. The salary offered takes into account experience, credentials, education, certifications, required skills, position scope, and geographic location. Each salary offer is made on a case-by-case basis. This position may also be eligible for performance-based incentives.
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NFP is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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