AmeriSpeak Panel Business Development, Manager I

NORC at the University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

18d • Hybrid

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a commercially minded survey research professional to expand AmeriSpeak’s client portfolio and provide probability-based research solutions to organizations. The role combines consultative business development with survey research expertise, helping clients define their needs, understand AmeriSpeak’s value, and move from opportunity to successful project launch. The position is hybrid and based in NORC’s downtown Chicago office, with a minimum of six in-office days per month.

AmeriSpeak is a probability-based sample of U.S. households that combines the speed and cost-effectiveness of modern survey panels with rigorous research methods. It reaches populations that other survey panels often miss and serves clients including The Associated Press, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AARP, universities, and others.

The manager develops prospective and existing client relationships, leads opportunities of basic to moderate complexity, and contributes to complex opportunities led by senior team members. The role also supports AmeriSpeak’s market presence and provides coaching to junior staff. Occasional travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five years of survey, market research, or related research experience, including one year in client management, account management, consultative sales, or business development.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or guiding colleagues in client-facing, proposal, or project delivery work.
• Strong knowledge of the principles and processes of survey research.
• Expertise in at least one substantive or methodological area.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with sound judgment and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities or projects, anticipate risks, and collaborate effectively with clients and internal partners.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to write clear, persuasive technical proposals, budget justifications, and client-facing business development materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Basic proficiency in CRM applications such as Salesforce.
• Occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with consultative selling, pricing strategy, proposal development, CRM use, or business development in a research, data, insights, or professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow a portfolio of prospective clients by connecting their research goals to AmeriSpeak’s products, services, and methodological strengths.
• Strengthen relationships with existing clients by identifying opportunities for repeat work, expanded engagement, and long-term partnership.
• Guide client opportunities of basic to moderate complexity from early consultation through proposal, pricing, contracting, and internal transition to delivery teams.
• Lead client conversations that translate research questions into practical, high-quality survey solutions.
• Create clear, persuasive pricing, proposals, and contract materials that help clients make confident decisions.
• Ensure newly awarded projects begin with clear scope, expectations, responsibilities, and success measures.
• Contribute to complex, high-value opportunities led by senior team members, including solution development, proposal inputs, opportunity tracking, and client communications.
• Present AmeriSpeak to research, policy, academic, nonprofit, government, and commercial audiences with clarity and credibility.
• Help shape AmeriSpeak’s market presence by improving products, sales materials, messaging, and go-to-market resources.
• Coach and support junior staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• A defined contribution retirement program and a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program.
• Group life insurance and long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Paid parental leave and bereavement leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• World-class benefits and an emphasis on continuous learning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager