Associate Director, Development

American Oncology Network•Urbana, IL

1d•$119,000 - $179,600•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director of Business Development helps build AON's top-of-funnel pipeline of physician groups, referral partners, and health-system relationships that may become acquisitions, partnerships, and network growth. The role combines knowledge of oncology practice operations and local markets with AON's internal data tools to identify opportunities, qualify them, and hand them to the Vice President of M&A and Chief Development Officer for evaluation, negotiation, and close. The position focuses on sourcing and qualifying opportunities with complementary specialty groups—such as rheumatology, urology, neurology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology—and independent oncology practices. It also maps local markets so AON understands referral sources, hospitals, multi-specialty groups, and other services patients need outside oncology practices. The role uses internal data tools and third-party databases to identify prospects and stakeholders; analyzes referral flows, affiliations, and competitive position; evaluates strategic, clinical, operational, and cultural fit; and supports early-stage due diligence. It also contributes to partnership models with hospitals, health systems, and multi-specialty groups, coordinates outreach with internal teams, maintains prospect and relationship records, and provides pipeline and market-activity reports. Travel is 10%–25%, including travel to satellite offices and offsite meetings.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in healthcare or medical strategy, sales, finance, or operations.
Deep understanding of physician practice operations.
Proven ability to execute strategy and vision, set goals and plans, stay on track, measure results, and continuously improve.
Experience working across multiple geographies in a virtual working environment and fully using technology and communication tools.
Proven ability to build and execute integrated business development plans across a geographic market.
Outstanding communication skills and ability to influence with and without authority, adapt interpersonal style, and relate to a wide variety of stakeholders and constituents.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong Microsoft Office skills, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Strong customer service, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
Valid state driver's license for travel to satellite offices and offsite meetings.
Compliance with the company Driver Safety Operations and Motor Vehicle Records Check Policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business, healthcare, marketing, or a related discipline.
Master's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Identify, research, and make initial contact with prospective partners, including independent oncology practices and complementary specialty groups.
Screen prospects against AON's investment criteria, model, and market growth strategy.
Prepare concise profiles of qualified opportunities for the VP of M&A and Chief Development Officer, covering the practice, key physicians, market position, referral patterns, and strategic fit.
Represent AON in early conversations with physicians and administrators and communicate its value proposition and differentiators.
Attend industry conferences, medical society meetings, and local health care events to build awareness and expand the pipeline.
Use AON internal data tools and third-party databases to identify transaction candidates, referral partners, and key market stakeholders.
Map priority-market ecosystems, including practices, hospitals, health systems, imaging and infusion sites, radiation oncology, pathology, laboratories, palliative care, and other patient services.
Analyze referral flows, physician affiliations, and competitive position to identify opportunities for AON to add value or address gaps.
Track market changes, including consolidation, new service lines, physician recruitment and departures, and health-system moves, and promptly inform leadership.
Explore and evaluate acquisition and relationship opportunities in complementary specialties for clinical alignment with oncology pathways, operational fit, and cultural fit.
Work with the VP of M&A and finance, legal, and operations teams as opportunities progress, providing clinical and market context for analysis.
Help develop the rationale for which specialties to pursue, in which markets, and in what order.
Support early-stage due diligence by gathering market, referral, and operational information from practices and local contacts.
Help develop partnership and collaboration models with hospitals, health systems, and multi-specialty groups, including joint ventures, co-management, service agreements, clinical collaborations, and referral alignment.
Identify decision-makers and likely shared interests or areas of tension, and prepare background briefings for leadership meetings.
Provide market-specific insight to shape AON's positioning with local hospitals and groups, including as a partner rather than competitor where appropriate.
Coordinate outreach with practice leadership, clinical operations, and Provider Relationships and Referrals teams.
Build and maintain a current database of prospects, referral partners, stakeholders, and relationship history, with clear ownership, status, and next steps.
Keep pipeline stages, contact notes, and activity logs accurate and current.
Produce regular pipeline and market-activity reports for the Chief Development Officer and Development team.
Follow data-quality standards and handle contact and practice information confidentially in accordance with AON policy and applicable law.