American Operator is seeking a driven, high-energy Business Development Analyst to originate proprietary acquisition opportunities. You will sit at the start of the deal process, generating off-market deal flow through proactive outreach and relationship-building with business owners, often before a transaction is imminent.

This full-cycle role involves high-volume cold calling, consistent follow-up, and developing trust over time. Success requires persistence, discipline, and a results-oriented mindset. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy challenging work, and are looking to build a long-term career in private equity, investing, or M&A. This role is based in Austin, TX

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and contact target business owners to build a robust pipeline of off-market opportunities for American Operator to acquire. Execute high-volume, multi-channel outreach across email, phone, LinkedIn, SMS, and more.

• Lead early conversations with business owners, clearly articulating American Operator’s mission, the types of owners we partner with, and why owners choose to work with us.

• Conduct introductory meetings with interested business owners to gather baseline information, assess potential fit, and determine whether opportunities should be advanced, nurtured, or disqualified.

• Complete the initial evaluation of the acquisition opportunity for review by the Investments team. This includes a brief summary, scorecard, owner objectives, historic financials, areas for diligence and a pitch for the deal.

• After review & approval by the Investments team, own the scheduling of a hand-off call. Continue to nurture your owner contacts through our funnel to maintain momentum.

• This is a long sales cycle. Contribute to a robust CRM, logging activities and the latest information we know about target companies. Stay on top of follow-ups and nurturing of prospective clients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 1+ years of proven track record in deal sourcing or business development in an M&A setting (years of experience flexible for new grads with finance degree)

• Strong relationship management and communication skills

• Comfortable and enthusiastic about cold calling

• Ability to independently evaluate opportunities and lead pre-LOI conversations

• Capable of reading and analyzing SMB financial statements (e.g., P&L, balance sheet, tax returns)

• Comfortable working with multiple tools and managing pipelines across platforms

• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple deals simultaneously

• Experience using Hubspot or similar CRM systems required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or related field

• Past experience with small businesses (e.g., high school internship, family business, etc)

ABOUT THE TEAM

American Operator exists because we believe the American Dream is worth protecting, and that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. To do this well, we need a team that reflects the real world: operators, builders, investors, and problem-solvers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

We know that diversity of thought, discipline, and lived experience leads to better decisions and stronger businesses. We’re intentional about bringing together people who care deeply about ownership, stewardship, and keeping great companies in capable hands. Our work depends on collaboration, humility, and a shared belief in the value of Main Street.

We’re a team shaped by different industries, hometowns, and career paths, and we believe those differences are exactly what prepare us to serve small-business owners and future CEOs across the country.

MISSION-DRIVEN

Every company claims to be mission-driven, but our mission is simple, tangible, and urgent: preserve the legacy of America’s small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership.

We partner with operators who want to step into leadership, take responsibility for great companies, and continue the work that founders spent decades building. When we succeed, communities keep their employers, families keep their livelihoods, and operators get the chance to build wealth through real ownership.

We work hard because we know what’s at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive, and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. And while we measure our success in deals closed and businesses grown, the real reward is seeing these companies continue to serve their people and their towns, stronger than before.

Where else do you get the opportunity to help someone become a CEO, preserve a founder’s life’s work, and strengthen a community, all in the same job? That’s what makes our work both serious and incredibly fulfilling.