Lead, Business Development

About Project Equity

Project Equity is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering economic security and resilience by transitioning businesses to employee ownership models. Established over a decade ago, the organization provides direct services that facilitate and promote employee ownership transitions, especially for workers in low- to middle-wage jobs. By collaborating with businesses, Project Equity aims to create more equitable communities and sustainable futures. The organization positions employee ownership as a viable alternative to traditional business models, believing that such transitions can transform workplaces and communities by uplifting employees with shared ownership stakes. Project Equity is known for its innovative, scalable programs that marry elements of traditional M&A with employee ownership strategies.

About this Role

Project Equity is seeking a dynamic Lead for Business Development focused on Employee Ownership (EO) Acquisitions to expand its EO Transitions practice. The role demands strategic vision to develop and refine Project Equity’s EO services pipeline, ensuring effective market reach, particularly within small to lower middle-market business sectors. The ideal candidate will execute strategies for pipeline development, cultivate relationships within the business community, and lead campaigns to broaden Project Equity’s visibility. With emphasis on mentorship and relationship-building, the role requires collaborating with various internal departments to align strategies and enhance the organization’s outreach and impact.

Responsibilities

• Work with Executive Leadership to further develop the strategy for pipeline development for EO services & acquisitions.
• Support advancing PE ability to engage addressable M&A market with EO.
• Bring strategy and tactics for traditional deal sourcing into the strategy.
• Lead execution and continuous refinement of the strategy.
• Develop work plans and KPIs for the team and individuals.
• Supervise and support team members to be highly effective.
• Work collaboratively with other department leaders to advance the strategy.
• Advance multiple work streams, balancing team and organizational priorities.
• Become an expert communicator of Employee Ownership and Project Equity messaging.
• Stay up to date on industry trends, be knowledgeable about the competitive landscape.
• Build internal understanding of how employee ownership fits into the broader M&A landscape.
• Establish and nurture relationships with influential business associations, business community leaders, business advisors, and individual business owners.
• Effectively communicate the value of Project Equity’s capital forward EO acquisitions services.
• Manage the sales cycle from initial contact through closing.
• Utilize CRM tools and marketing automation to track leads, monitor progress and maintain an accurate and up-to-date pipeline.
• Represent Project Equity at industry conferences, workshops and events to expand visibility and build connections.

Requirements

• Proven business services sales experience with small and lower middle market businesses, 7+ years of experience in sales, business development or similar roles.
• Demonstrable background in corporate finance and/or transaction deal structuring is required.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Management of staff experience required.
• MBA is a plus.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to pivot approach mid-pitch based on reactions or feedback.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and outreach tools.
• Familiarity with EO, business transitions or related fields is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical (PPO, HSA, or HMO options where available), dental and vision coverage: employer covers 100% of employee premium and 30% for dependents.
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Basic Term Life, additional voluntary life for employee, spouse, and dependent children available.
• Short and long term disability.
• Voluntary Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.
• Retirement 401K: A dollar for dollar employer match of the employee’s contribution, up to 3% of gross wages and 50 cents on the dollar match for the next 1% (3.5% total match).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous holiday, vacation and sick leave.
• Holidays: 15 days annually, which includes 2 floating holidays.
• Vacation: 15 days (years 1 – 4) & 20 days (year 5+).
• Sick: 10 days annually.