Envision Unlimited
Business Development Manager
Chicago, IL
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- Role family
- Sales
- Seniority
- Lead / management
- Country
- US
- Work mode
- On-site / unstated
- First seen by hirly
- 29 Sept 2026
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the posting
Description
Position: Business Development Manager
Department: External Affairs
Reports To: Chief External Affairs Officer
FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt
Union Status: Non-Union
Work Location: Field-Based
Human Resources Review: 09/2026
Summary:
The Business Development Manager serves as Envision Unlimited boots-on-the-ground relationship builder in priority communities and growth markets. The position is responsible for increasing awareness of Envision Unlimited programs and services, developing relationships with referral sources, generating qualified member and client referrals, supporting local market visibility, and identifying potential community and corporate partnerships.
This is a highly external, field-based position requiring the Business Development Manager to spend significant time in the communities Envision Unlimited serves and seeks to serve. The Manager will build trusted relationships with hospitals, schools, healthcare providers, social service organizations, state and local agencies, case managers, community organizations, businesses, civic groups, elected officials and other stakeholders who can connect individuals and families to Envision Unlimited services.
The Business Development Manager will work closely with program and operations leadership to understand available services, capacity, eligibility requirements and organizational growth priorities and translate those priorities into targeted community outreach and referral-development strategies.
The Manager will also serve as a local ambassador for Envision Unlimited, identifying community events, networking opportunities, partnerships and local marketing opportunities that strengthen Envision Unlimited presence and reputation.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:
Referral Source Development & Member/Client Growth
Develop and execute market-specific business development plans designed to increase qualified referrals to Envision Unlimited programs and services.
Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with organizations and professionals positioned to refer prospective members and clients.
Develop relationships with hospitals, healthcare systems, behavioral health providers, schools, transition programs, case managers, service coordinators, state agencies, local government entities, social service organizations and other referral sources.
Conduct regular in-person visits with current and prospective referral partners.
Educate referral partners about Envision Unlimited services, eligibility requirements, geographic reach and referral processes.
Identify barriers to referrals and work internally to improve the referral experience.
Maintain consistent follow-up with referral partners and track referrals generated through individual relationships.
Develop strategies to convert new referral sources into consistent, recurring referral partners.
Partner with program leadership to prioritize outreach based upon program capacity and organizational growth goals.
Community Relationship Development
Serve as a visible Envision Unlimited representative within assigned communities.
Build relationships with community organizations, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, healthcare networks, schools, municipalities and other local stakeholders.
Attend community meetings, networking events, resource fairs, conferences and other gatherings where Envision Unlimited should have a presence.
Develop relationships with community leaders and connectors who can increase awareness of Envision Unlimited.
Identify opportunities for Envision Unlimited leadership and program staff to participate in community conversations, presentations and events.
Build a network of community ambassadors who understand and can communicate Envision Unlimited mission and services.
Field Marketing & Local Visibility
Serve as the primary field marketing representative for assigned markets.
Identify local events, conferences, resource fairs and community activities that provide meaningful opportunities to reach potential members, families, referral partners and community stakeholders.
Coordinate Envision Unlimited participation in appropriate community events.
Distribute and maintain current program and referral materials throughout assigned communities.
Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop market-specific outreach materials and campaigns.
Identify opportunities for local media, community newsletters, digital groups and partner communications to increase awareness of Envision Unlimited.
Gather market intelligence and community feedback to inform organizational marketing and growth strategies.
Corporate & Business Relationship Development
Develop relationships with businesses and employers within assigned communities.
Introduce corporate and business leaders to Envision Unlimited mission, services and opportunities for engagement.
Identify businesses with potential interest in philanthropy, sponsorship, volunteerism, employment partnerships, cause marketing or other forms of engagement.
Qualify potential corporate partners and transition high-potential relationships to the Director of Corporate Engagement for further cultivation and solicitation.
Collaborate with the Director of Corporate Engagement on local corporate cultivation strategies when appropriate.
Identify employers and business partners that may support Envision Unlimited employment services and workforce development efforts.
Market Intelligence & Growth Opportunities
Develop a strong understanding of the disability, behavioral health and social service landscape within assigned markets.
Monitor community needs, referral trends, service gaps, competitor activity and emerging partnership opportunities.
Identify unmet needs and potential opportunities for Envision Unlimited to expand or adapt services.
Provide regular market intelligence to External Affairs and program leadership.
Identify potential strategic partnerships that could accelerate Envision Unlimited growth.
Participate in market-entry and expansion planning for new communities.
Internal Collaboration & Referral Coordination
Work closely with program and operations leadership to understand current capacity, eligibility requirements, intake processes and growth priorities.
Establish clear processes for transitioning qualified referrals to appropriate internal teams.
Track the progression of referrals from initial inquiry through intake and enrollment when possible.
Communicate feedback from referral partners and prospective members to internal teams.
Collaborate with the Director of Corporate Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Advocacy & Government Affairs, and other External Affairs team members on shared relationship opportunities.
CRM, Tracking & Reporting
Maintain accurate records of referral sources, community relationships, corporate prospects, meetings, events and opportunities in Salesforce or other designated systems.
Maintain a market-specific relationship and referral pipeline.
Track referral sources and identify which relationships generate the strongest results.
Prepare monthly reports on outreach activity, referral pipeline, community engagement and market trends.
Participate in regular pipeline and growth strategy meetings with leadership.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or based upon a person's legally protected characteristics or conduct, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression
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