Business Development Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Business Development Specialist jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in technology services, financial services, healthcare, and logistics, with openings at every level from entry-level associate to senior individual contributor and director-track roles. Chicago anchors the market as the dominant hiring hub, while Naperville and Schaumburg add significant volume through their dense concentrations of corporate headquarters and regional offices. Well-known employers with a lasting Illinois presence, including Salesforce, Aon, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, consistently recruit business development specialists, particularly those with expertise in enterprise sales, SaaS partnerships, and B2B account expansion. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Business Development Specialist jobs
We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.
If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Commercial department in our Chicago office as a Specialist: Business Development & Marketing.
The Specialist: Business Development and Marketing works collaboratively within the Advisory and Tax Practices and Marketing and Business Development team to develop and execute on key initiatives and business plan objectives. Manages day-to-day responsibilities to ensure that assignments and projects are effectively managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that our client service is exceptional.
- Supports responses to RFPs, and pitch, presentation, and other opportunities via the development of written proposal and presentation materials for assigned practice(s), and liaise with client teams and industry groups when relevant
- Supports direct marketing and business development programs for assigned practice(s), including planning and executing podcast and video recordings, seminars, sponsorships, and other events pursued by the firm including creating social media campaigns around engaging content and reporting on ROI and engagement
- Develops and maintains practice group-specific marketing content, including practice and matter descriptions, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, website/blog content, social media posts and biographies
- Develops and maintains league table/industry survey content for assigned practice(s); and responds to league table/industry surveys requests or ranking submissions
- Engages in research and analysis and competitive intelligence-gathering for strategic planning, competitive firm positioning and business development activities for assigned practice(s), and identify speaking opportunities
- Collects matter data for transactions practice globally and manages matter database to ensure data quality and the availability of matter data firm-wide
- Tracks transactions practice pipeline activity in the US
- Periodically, reviews and consults with lawyers in assigned practice(s) regarding their profiles and practice descriptions to ensure that they are kept current
- Provides additional ad hoc support for the transactions practice as required
- Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Research, Communications or related field, required
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
- Ability to quickly learn and utilize firm databases and outside vendor databases, required
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of four years of demonstrated success in a marketing, research, management, and/or communications-related field, either in the professional services (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors, required
Performance Traits:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
- Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
- Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
- Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
- Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
- May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.
#LI-HYBRID #LI-LG1
We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.
If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Commercial department in our Chicago office as a Specialist: Business Development & Marketing.
The Specialist: Business Development and Marketing works collaboratively within the Advisory and Tax Practices and Marketing and Business Development team to develop and execute on key initiatives and business plan objectives. Manages day-to-day responsibilities to ensure that assignments and projects are effectively managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that our client service is exceptional.
- Supports responses to RFPs, and pitch, presentation, and other opportunities via the development of written proposal and presentation materials for assigned practice(s), and liaise with client teams and industry groups when relevant
- Supports direct marketing and business development programs for assigned practice(s), including planning and executing podcast and video recordings, seminars, sponsorships, and other events pursued by the firm including creating social media campaigns around engaging content and reporting on ROI and engagement
- Develops and maintains practice group-specific marketing content, including practice and matter descriptions, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, website/blog content, social media posts and biographies
- Develops and maintains league table/industry survey content for assigned practice(s); and responds to league table/industry surveys requests or ranking submissions
- Engages in research and analysis and competitive intelligence-gathering for strategic planning, competitive firm positioning and business development activities for assigned practice(s), and identify speaking opportunities
- Collects matter data for transactions practice globally and manages matter database to ensure data quality and the availability of matter data firm-wide
- Tracks transactions practice pipeline activity in the US
- Periodically, reviews and consults with lawyers in assigned practice(s) regarding their profiles and practice descriptions to ensure that they are kept current
- Provides additional ad hoc support for the transactions practice as required
- Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Research, Communications or related field, required
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
- Ability to quickly learn and utilize firm databases and outside vendor databases, required
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of four years of demonstrated success in a marketing, research, management, and/or communications-related field, either in the professional services (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors, required
Performance Traits:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
- Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
- Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
- Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
- Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
- May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.
#LI-HYBRID #LI-LG1
See All 13 Business Development Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBusiness Development Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Business Development Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in business development specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field required
- Demonstrated experience managing B2B sales pipelines or strategic partnerships
- Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot
- Strong presentation and consultative selling skills for executive-level stakeholders
- Ability to meet or exceed quarterly revenue and new-account acquisition targets
- Familiarity with Illinois market territories and key industry verticals preferred
Business Development Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a business development specialist in Illinois?
Business development specialist roles in Illinois do not require a state-issued license or registration. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field. Illinois hiring managers consistently prioritize candidates who can demonstrate pipeline management experience, proficiency with CRM software, and a record of closing new accounts or partnerships. Certifications from organizations like the Sales Management Association can strengthen a candidacy at more competitive Chicago-area employers.
How much do business development specialists make in Illinois?
Business development specialists in Illinois earn a median of about $79,120 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,970 for the lowest 10% to over $139,110 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire business development specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring business development specialists in Illinois right now include Cintas, Atom, and Polsinelli, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense cluster of Fortune 500 headquarters and mid-market technology companies in the Chicago metro generates particularly consistent demand for this role year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most business development specialist jobs?
Chicago, Niles, and Hodgkins account for the most business development specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the majority of volume through its concentration of financial services firms, technology companies, and corporate headquarters, while Naperville and Schaumburg attract openings from the suburban office corridors where large regional employers and mid-market SaaS companies are headquartered.
Are there remote business development specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 63% of business development specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the role's desk-based and relationship-management nature. Prospecting, pipeline reporting, and partnership coordination are the tasks most commonly performed remotely, while high-value client meetings and onboarding calls tend to require occasional in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a business development specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a sales development representative or inside sales associate role, which large Illinois employers such as Salesforce, Morningstar, and Zebra Technologies use as a direct pipeline into business development positions. Applying to associate rotational programs at Chicago-area financial services firms or technology companies gives candidates structured exposure to account management and partnerships work. A relevant internship, a Salesforce Administrator certification, or a demonstrated portfolio of outreach campaigns will give a candidate a clear edge over other applicants without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to business development specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to business development specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and target location, and apply directly to each position.
See All 13 Business Development Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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