Business Development Director – Real Estate Industry (Chicago)

Are you a dynamic sales professional with a passion for the real estate industry? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can drive growth and make a significant impact? If so, RSM US LLP is looking for you! As the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, RSM empowers clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our culture and ability to serve our clients effectively. Join us and find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Role Overview

The Business Development Director will be responsible for driving growth of the firm's professional services within the real estate industry. This includes targeting private equity firms, portfolio companies, corporate users, publicly-owned pension plans, REITs, institutional lenders and investors, and owner-managed real estate across all industry sectors within the Chicago market. You will represent all services provided by our three primary functional areas: audit, tax, and consulting. This role involves selling a wide range of professional services, including tax and audit annuity contracts, as well as substantial business consulting engagements such as Fund Administration, Technical Accounting Consulting, Financial and Accounting Outsourcing, Valuation, Fund Admin, Risk/Internal Audit, SOC/Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, Information Technology/System Selection, Construction Cost Auditing, and Construction Cost Segregation.

A Day in the Life

As a Business Development Director, your day-to-day activities will be varied and challenging, including:

• Prospecting: Identifying and qualifying new business opportunities within the real estate industry.
• Sales Strategy: Developing and executing sales plans to secure new clients.
• Networking: Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and leveraging your network to generate leads.
• Client Meetings: Meeting with prospective clients to understand their needs and present RSM's capabilities.
• Proposal Development: Preparing and delivering compelling proposals that showcase RSM's value proposition.
• Negotiation: Negotiating and closing sales agreements with clients.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Pipeline Management: Managing the sales pipeline and providing accurate sales forecasts.
• Collaboration: Working closely with industry and line of business leaders to drive growth efforts.
• Market Research: Staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is a major hub for the real estate industry, offering a wealth of opportunities for business development. With a diverse and dynamic economy, Chicago is home to numerous real estate companies, institutional investors, and developers. The city's central location and strong transportation infrastructure make it an ideal place to build a successful career in real estate. Chicago's thriving business community, combined with its rich cultural scene and high quality of life, makes it an attractive place to live and work.

Career Path

RSM offers a clear career path for ambitious professionals. As a Business Development Director, you will have the opportunity to advance your career and take on increasing levels of responsibility. Potential career paths include:

• Senior Business Development Director: Leading larger sales teams and managing key accounts.
• Business Development Manager: Overseeing business development efforts for a specific region or industry.
• Partner: Becoming a partner in the firm and taking on leadership responsibilities.

RSM is committed to providing employees with the training and development opportunities they need to succeed. We offer a variety of programs to help you enhance your skills and advance your career.

Salary & Benefits

RSM offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is designed to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for this role is $150,000 to $250,000 per year. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will also be eligible for an uncapped incentive compensation plan. Other benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities and training programs
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee referral bonus program
• Wellness programs and initiatives

RSM Culture

At RSM, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we encourage employees to bring their whole selves to work. Our culture is built on the following values:

• Respect: We treat each other with respect and value diverse perspectives.
• Integrity: We act with integrity and honesty in everything we do.
• Collaboration: We work together to achieve common goals.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do.
• Stewardship: We are responsible stewards of our resources and our community.

We are proud to be an employer of choice, and we are committed to providing our employees with a rewarding and fulfilling career experience.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and results-oriented sales professional with a passion for the real estate industry, we encourage you to apply for the Business Development Director position at RSM. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Business Development Director?

   The Business Development Director is responsible for sourcing and qualifying new business opportunities, executing the sales plan, networking with industry contacts, and building relationships with clients.

2. What qualifications are required for this position?

   A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required, along with 10+ years of experience in business development or sales within the real estate industry.

3. What is the salary range for this role?

   The estimated salary range for this role is $150,000 to $250,000 per year, plus an uncapped incentive compensation plan.

4. What benefits does RSM offer?

   RSM offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and professional development opportunities.

5. What is the company culture like at RSM?

   RSM has a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees are valued and respected. The company culture is built on respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence, and stewardship.

6. What is the career path for this position?

   Potential career paths include Senior Business Development Director, Business Development Manager, and Partner.

7. What types of services will I be selling?

   You will be selling audit, tax, and consulting services to clients in the real estate industry, including tax and audit annuity contracts, as well as business consulting engagements such as Fund Administration and Financial Outsourcing.

8. What is the focus of this role?

   This role focuses on selling to clients in public and privately held real estate entities, pension plans, institutional lenders/investors, real estate investment trusts (REITs), opportunity funds, portfolio companies, joint ventures, developers, FORTUNE 1000 companies, and owners of diversified real estate.

9. How does RSM support employee growth?

   RSM provides professional development opportunities and training programs, tuition reimbursement, and a supportive work environment to help employees grow and advance their careers.

10. Is there potential for remote work?

    This position is based in Chicago and is not fully remote, but flexible arrangements may be possible. It's best to confirm the options during the interview process.