Market Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
Market Development Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in enterprise technology, healthcare services, food and beverage manufacturing, and industrial distribution, with openings at every level from early-career territory representatives through senior strategic managers. Chicago drives the majority of hiring, with additional activity in Naperville and Rosemont, where companies like Abbott Laboratories, Kraft Heinz, and CDW maintain deep commercial teams. The most sought-after specialties are channel development, B2B account growth, and new market entry strategy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Market Development Manager jobs
Position Overview
Clark Construction is seeking a highly-motived junior level team member to serve as a Market Development Analyst. If you have considered a high-energy career in corporate consulting, investment banking, or private equity, and want the reward of seeing your creative grit turn into a high-rise construction project, this job is for you.
This role acts as the engine room for our regional growth strategy and serves as a key player supporting regional executive team with client-engagement. Working directly under the Regional Project Development Lead, you will map the competitive landscape, identify the next major high-rise likely to be built before news agencies know, and curate the strategic presence of our leadership team at key industry gatherings.
Position Mission
Expand Clark’s Chicago market share by proactively uncovering target projects ahead of the competition and cultivating relationships that directly secure $50M+ opportunities we otherwise wouldn't have won.
Location & Working Schedule
Office Presence: In downtown Chicago office 4+ days per week.
Market Engagement: Frequent attendance at evening industry events, networking mixers, and client engagements as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Market Intelligence & Tracking: Maintain a "real-time" view of the regional pipeline using CRM tools, public articles, and geospatial mapping to track commercial projects. Map out all publicly known projects currently in approval, in design, and under construction.
Public Project Tracking: Monitor public databases for upcoming public RFPs/RFQs well in advance of issuance (e.g. CDB projects, etc).
Strategic Event & Brand Programming: Act as the regional "scout" for industry organizations and events (e.g., REIA, Bisnow, ULI, NAIOP). You will vet conferences and mixers to provide ROI-based recommendations for attendance, panel positions, sponsorship, etc. Interface with these organizations to evaluate and execute decisions made internally. Additionally, you will find unique ways to digitally strengthen Clark’s brand awareness to hyper-targeted audiences. Engage with communications team as necessary.
The "Deep Dive" Research: Investigate potential clients, stakeholders, and design firms to identify strategic connections. You will build comprehensive profiles of potential clients, including their project histories, preferred designers, top professional concern . Monitor which events we should consider attending/sponsoring close to active/potential clients, and run lead on organizing appropriate attendees.
Outreach & Internal Strategy: Support the regional lead in crafting creative intro strategies, actionable "Pre-Meeting Briefs," and helping develop "win strategies" for newly identified projects. Maintain a strong focus on relationship development over merely chasing immediate projects. You will "manage up" by educating senior teammates on attractive leads and ensuring proper outreach is executed.
Relationship Management Network: Develop and maintain a matrix of relationships and regularized touchpoints, to aid senior regional management in creating a culture of client engagement first. Follow up with relationship leads to ensure touchpoints.
Zoning, Permitting, and Code Expertise: Understand the comprehensive process of zoning and permitting approvals in Chicago by thoroughly mapping permit and zoning process nuances via detailed graphic representation/tool. Stay in the know of key code changes in the pipeline and proactively educate team members to ensure compliance and strategic advantage. Support regional leadership and project teams by conducting a ‘lunch-and-learn’ type meeting for knowledge sharing - keep key people informed with process updates.
Business Integration: Participate in project site walks to become familiar with unique technical aspects of our work, and developers’ brand standards, to use as leverage in discussions with potential clients. You will also develop a detailed understanding of why certain projects are more attractive than others to regional leadership.
The Ideal Candidate
Education: Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Economics, Construction, Engineering, Business, Real Estate, Economics, Construction Management, or a related field.
Self-Starter Mentality: High energy with the ability to function effectively when there is not a clearly defined organizational process for every step of a task. While this position does regularly engage with a manager, it is expected that some days may not have touchpoints and that productive advancements are made to the goal without a manager's direct involvement.
Doggedness & Grit: An energetic researcher who uses subscription services, social media scraping, and local news alerts to find the one contact or "off-market" project others missed.
Tools: Proficient (or soon to be proficient) in Salesforce, Google Earth/GIS mapping type-tools, and lead generation software (e.g., Dodge, Chicago Cityscape, YIMBY, Crain’s). Takes ownership of existing or potential software/subscription services.
Automation: Find a way to automate, using AI or other means, tracking of public and project status updates regarding potential RFPs/RFQs, zoning changes, land sales, etc.
Organization: Develop some sort of shared project interface (via Trello, Google Keep, etc.) to communicate the various efforts/progress of this position to keep leadership informed.
Communication: Comfortable and professional when interfacing with executive-level leadership; skilled at creating and refining graphics and data for initial communication and on-going tracking. Assertively communicate when clarity or action is needed (actively "manage-up").
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $55,000 - $80,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers/clark-experience
Position Overview
Clark Construction is seeking a highly-motived junior level team member to serve as a Market Development Analyst. If you have considered a high-energy career in corporate consulting, investment banking, or private equity, and want the reward of seeing your creative grit turn into a high-rise construction project, this job is for you.
This role acts as the engine room for our regional growth strategy and serves as a key player supporting regional executive team with client-engagement. Working directly under the Regional Project Development Lead, you will map the competitive landscape, identify the next major high-rise likely to be built before news agencies know, and curate the strategic presence of our leadership team at key industry gatherings.
Position Mission
Expand Clark’s Chicago market share by proactively uncovering target projects ahead of the competition and cultivating relationships that directly secure $50M+ opportunities we otherwise wouldn't have won.
Location & Working Schedule
Office Presence: In downtown Chicago office 4+ days per week.
Market Engagement: Frequent attendance at evening industry events, networking mixers, and client engagements as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Market Intelligence & Tracking: Maintain a "real-time" view of the regional pipeline using CRM tools, public articles, and geospatial mapping to track commercial projects. Map out all publicly known projects currently in approval, in design, and under construction.
Public Project Tracking: Monitor public databases for upcoming public RFPs/RFQs well in advance of issuance (e.g. CDB projects, etc).
Strategic Event & Brand Programming: Act as the regional "scout" for industry organizations and events (e.g., REIA, Bisnow, ULI, NAIOP). You will vet conferences and mixers to provide ROI-based recommendations for attendance, panel positions, sponsorship, etc. Interface with these organizations to evaluate and execute decisions made internally. Additionally, you will find unique ways to digitally strengthen Clark’s brand awareness to hyper-targeted audiences. Engage with communications team as necessary.
The "Deep Dive" Research: Investigate potential clients, stakeholders, and design firms to identify strategic connections. You will build comprehensive profiles of potential clients, including their project histories, preferred designers, top professional concern . Monitor which events we should consider attending/sponsoring close to active/potential clients, and run lead on organizing appropriate attendees.
Outreach & Internal Strategy: Support the regional lead in crafting creative intro strategies, actionable "Pre-Meeting Briefs," and helping develop "win strategies" for newly identified projects. Maintain a strong focus on relationship development over merely chasing immediate projects. You will "manage up" by educating senior teammates on attractive leads and ensuring proper outreach is executed.
Relationship Management Network: Develop and maintain a matrix of relationships and regularized touchpoints, to aid senior regional management in creating a culture of client engagement first. Follow up with relationship leads to ensure touchpoints.
Zoning, Permitting, and Code Expertise: Understand the comprehensive process of zoning and permitting approvals in Chicago by thoroughly mapping permit and zoning process nuances via detailed graphic representation/tool. Stay in the know of key code changes in the pipeline and proactively educate team members to ensure compliance and strategic advantage. Support regional leadership and project teams by conducting a ‘lunch-and-learn’ type meeting for knowledge sharing - keep key people informed with process updates.
Business Integration: Participate in project site walks to become familiar with unique technical aspects of our work, and developers’ brand standards, to use as leverage in discussions with potential clients. You will also develop a detailed understanding of why certain projects are more attractive than others to regional leadership.
The Ideal Candidate
Education: Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Economics, Construction, Engineering, Business, Real Estate, Economics, Construction Management, or a related field.
Self-Starter Mentality: High energy with the ability to function effectively when there is not a clearly defined organizational process for every step of a task. While this position does regularly engage with a manager, it is expected that some days may not have touchpoints and that productive advancements are made to the goal without a manager's direct involvement.
Doggedness & Grit: An energetic researcher who uses subscription services, social media scraping, and local news alerts to find the one contact or "off-market" project others missed.
Tools: Proficient (or soon to be proficient) in Salesforce, Google Earth/GIS mapping type-tools, and lead generation software (e.g., Dodge, Chicago Cityscape, YIMBY, Crain’s). Takes ownership of existing or potential software/subscription services.
Automation: Find a way to automate, using AI or other means, tracking of public and project status updates regarding potential RFPs/RFQs, zoning changes, land sales, etc.
Organization: Develop some sort of shared project interface (via Trello, Google Keep, etc.) to communicate the various efforts/progress of this position to keep leadership informed.
Communication: Comfortable and professional when interfacing with executive-level leadership; skilled at creating and refining graphics and data for initial communication and on-going tracking. Assertively communicate when clarity or action is needed (actively "manage-up").
Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $55,000 - $80,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers/clark-experience
See All 19 Market Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsMarket Development Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Market Development Manager 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 market development manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution
- Three or more years of B2B sales, account management, or market expansion experience
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with channel partners or distributors
- Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Salesforce to manage pipelines and report activity
- Experience developing go-to-market strategies for new territories, verticals, or product lines
- Strong communication skills to present growth plans to internal stakeholders and external partners
Market Development Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a market development manager in Illinois?
Most market development manager roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field, followed by several years in sales or account management. Illinois has no state-issued license specific to this role. Employers in Chicago and the broader metro typically look for candidates who have worked in a named industry vertical, such as healthcare technology, food distribution, or industrial supply, before stepping into a market development title.
How much do market development managers make in Illinois?
Market development managers in Illinois earn a median of about $162,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $95,990 for the lowest 10% to over $276,340 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire market development managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring market development managers in Illinois right now include Bank of America, ADM, and Molex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and major distribution networks means hiring activity stays consistent across both enterprise and mid-market companies throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most market development manager jobs?
Chicago, Illinois, and Lisle have the most market development manager openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors the list because it houses the regional headquarters of major technology, healthcare, and consumer goods companies, while Naperville and Rosemont attract commercial roles tied to the logistics corridors and corporate campuses that ring the western and northwestern suburbs.
Are there remote market development manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many sales-adjacent roles, because market development work often centers on strategy, partner communication, and pipeline analysis rather than daily in-person visits. About 100% of market development manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how broadly distributed the role's client base tends to be. Territory-facing responsibilities that require on-site meetings with distributors or partners are the parts most likely to remain in-person.
How can I get hired as a market development manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a business development representative, inside sales, or marketing coordinator role at a mid-size Illinois company. Large Illinois employers in food manufacturing, healthcare technology, and industrial distribution, including companies headquartered in the Chicago metro and collar counties, regularly promote internally from these positions. Completing a recognized sales certification and building a portfolio of territory analysis or go-to-market projects helps candidates without a long resume stand out when applying to associate-level market development openings.
Where can I find and apply to market development manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to market development manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and target industry, and apply directly to each position.
See All 19 Market Development Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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