Business Development Specialist (Independent Consultant)

We are actively searching for a motivated and entrepreneurial Business Development Specialist (Independent Consultant) to generate new business opportunities and grow our client base of professional and trade associations. This individual will be responsible for identifying and pursuing leads, managing the proposal and bidding process, supporting interviews, and attending kickoff meetings for new client engagements.

This is a performance-based role, with a commission-only compensation structure. We are looking for an independent consultant and are offering schedule flexibility as well as the ability to work remotely.

About us

Founded in 2006, we are an Association Management Company that specializes in managing medium-sized Associations led by volunteers. Our headquarters is located in Madison and many of our employees work remotely across the country.

Our clients are Associations in a wide variety of industries and range from local chapters to international organizations and professional societies. Our clients look to us to provide impeccable management services. We partner with them to grow their organization, increase efficiencies, and ensure a relevant, thriving organization. Learn more at ImpactAMC.com.

About you

We are looking for an individual with the following qualities:

• Entrepreneurial drive: Motivated by results, thrives in a commission-based environment, and sees opportunities where others might not.
• Resilient & persistent: Comfortable with rejection and skilled at turning “no” into future opportunities.
• Relationship builder: Able to quickly establish trust and credibility with association volunteer leaders, boards, and executives. Your passion for what you do shines through!
• Strategic thinker: Can identify the right-fit opportunities and tailor approaches to different types of associations.
• Organized & detail-oriented: Able to manage multiple leads, proposals, and deadlines while keeping meticulous records.
• Consultative mindset: Listens to prospects’ needs and frames Impact AMC’s services as solutions to their challenges.
• Independent & self-motivated: Works effectively without day-to-day oversight, managing their own schedule and pipeline.
• Collaborative spirit: While independent, willing to work closely with Impact AMC leadership to align on strategy and hand off new clients smoothly.

Job duties

• Lead generation: Research and identify prospective association clients through targeted outreach, networking, and relationship building. An ideal client persona will be shared at the start of engagement.
• Pipeline development: Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities aligned with Impact AMC’s ideal client profile.
• Proposal management: Prepare and submit proposals, RFP responses, and bids, ensuring high-quality, tailored submissions.
• Client engagement: Participate in prospective client interviews and presentations alongside Impact AMC leadership.
• Onboarding support: Attend kickoff meetings for all new clients to ensure a smooth transition from sales to client services.
• Reporting: Submit regular activity reports summarizing outreach efforts, pipeline status, and results.
• Market awareness: Stay informed of trends in the association and nonprofit sector to uncover opportunities for Impact AMC to grow.

Compensation

• This is a commission-only independent consultant position. Compensation is based on contracted new business, with extremely competitive commission offerings.

Required experience

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or consulting, preferably in association management, nonprofits, or professional services.
• Proven success in using strong communication and presentation skills to build rapport and credibility with volunteer leaders and executives.
• Familiarity with associations, RFP processes, and professional/trade membership organizations is a plus.

Why take on business development for Impact?

• Unlimited earning potential: Commission-only structure rewards performance directly; the more business you bring in, the more you earn, without salary caps.
• Flexibility & independence: 100% remote and self-directed. You set your own schedule and work style while leveraging Impact’s reputation and support.
• Strong market need: Many associations are re-evaluating management options, and a large generation of Executives are retiring, creating consistent opportunities to connect with organizations that need Impact’s services.
• Backed by a trusted firm: You’ll represent a well-established, respected and accredited AMC with proven success in growing and supporting associations. This makes conversations with prospects easier and more credible.
• Diverse & engaging work: Each lead represents a new industry or professional community, so no two opportunities look the same. You’ll always be learning and expanding your network.
• Collaboration with leadership: Direct access to Impact AMC’s leadership team for strategy, interview prep, and client onboarding. You’re never selling “alone.”
• Impactful outcomes: Beyond revenue, you’re helping associations grow, strengthen their industries, and achieve meaningful missions.
• Career growth: This role can serve as a launchpad for expanding into broader consulting, strategic partnerships, or even transitioning into a larger role, including potential employee opportunities, within Impact AMC as the business grows.

Impact embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-racism, and cultural competence among our leadership, staff, and members. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.