Business Development Lead

Atomic is growing a diverse and inclusive team of curious, creative people who love creating great software for our clients.

We’re looking for thoughtful problem solvers who are passionate about finding success for our clients, teams, and end-users through the human-centered design process.
Company

Since 2001, Atomic Object has designed and developed software products for web, mobile, desktop, and embedded devices. We were founded on the belief that not all software is created equal. Many people can write code, but it takes a close-knit team of passionate people to create exceptional, innovative products that change the way people do business.

We’re an employee-owned company and a certified B Corporation with 100+ Atoms based in our Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Raleigh offices. Unlike many other technology companies, we have a flat organization. There is no corporate ladder to climb. As a company that values transparency, we practice open-books management. At Atomic, you can stay close to the craft of making software for your entire career without missing out on owning a part of the company and its profits.

Job Overview
POSITION

The Business Development Lead plays a key role in the growth and success of the Atomic Object Chicago office. They are a strategic connector, explorer, and trusted ambassador who builds relationships that unlock opportunity. 

Focused on maintaining a deep network of key influencers and decision-makers in the healthcare and financial services industries in Chicago, the Business Development Lead is deeply embedded in the local business ecosystem. They facilitate early-stage prospective client relationships, identify strategic partnerships, and grow Atomic’s Chicago presence through a mix of 1:1 business development meetings and attending relevant events in the local community.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who is energized by connecting with people and takes pride in shaping how a local company builds its brand in the Chicago market.

The Business Development Lead adds value by acting as both a connector and strategist. They build high-quality relationships, surface qualified leads, and create local visibility opportunities that influence how the Chicago office grows. They love being out in the city, meeting people, and creating connective tissue between ideas and relationships. In close collaboration with the Chicago Managing Partner, they will amplify Atomic’s reputation, help convert relationships into results, and become a recognized face of our brand in the Chicago technology community. Ultimately, the Business Development Lead plays an important role in building a thriving Chicago office. Along the way, they will sharpen their skills in strategic networking, partnerships, and business development.
DETAILS

• Home base in Chicago, IL
• Expectation to be generally present in the office and/or in the community five days per week

Key Responsibilities
MARKET PRESENCE & RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING

• Strategically cultivate and maintain a diverse network of local leaders, decision-makers and influencers across industries through consistent 1:1 meetings and high-quality outreach 
• Represent Atomic Object at local industry events, meetups, conferences, and community gatherings to expand brand visibility and build new relationships
• Organize and host Atomic events (roundtables, dinners, panels, etc.) targeted at relevant industry leaders and partners

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & ECOSYSTEM ENGAGEMENT

• Consistently source early-stage relationship opportunities and warm introductions for Managing Partner
• Maintain a relationship tracker (CRM or similar) to capture insights, contacts, and follow-ups
• Partner with marketing team to identify strategic event sponsorships, speaking engagements, and content collaborations
• Engage with strategic partners (e.g., technical platforms, industry partners, adjacent consultancies, etc.) to surface co-selling and co-marketing opportunities
• Source warm referrals from partner orgs into potential client companies
• Maintain an active online presence through LinkedIn to stay engaged with local network

INTERNAL COLLABORATION & STRATEGY SUPPORT

• Meet regularly with the Managing Partner and create reports to share updates on opportunities, market intel, trends, contacts made, event recaps, and strategic next steps 
• Work closely with marketing to amplify local wins and elevate Atomic’s presence in the market

BRAND & CULTURE ACTIVATION

• Be a culture carrier — helping bring Atomic’s values to life through external touch points and partnerships
• Identify opportunities for Managing Partner and Atomic consultants to participate in relevant local community and thought leadership opportunities

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work a full-time job (generally 42 hours per week) with 4-8 hours/week spent attending events outside of core business hours.
• Track time daily.
• Travel occasionally—as needed and possible.

Desired Skills and Qualities
DRIVE, ORGANIZATION & FOLLOW-THROUGH

• Self-starter that is geared toward action
• Strong work ethic
• Comfort with ambiguity and evolving priorities; thrives in fast-paced, self-directed environments
• Strong sense of ownership and follow-through
• Able to develop a clear plan of action, stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain momentum on long-term relationship-building efforts

RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING & COMMUNICATION

• Enjoys people and has a natural ability to connect with diverse individuals across industries and roles
• Strives to build trust and add value in long-term relationships by offering relevant insights, connections, and support
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and authentically in both 1:1 and group settings
• High emotional intelligence and situational awareness; knows when to lead a conversation and when to listen

STRATEGIC THINKING & INSIGHT GENERATION

• Strategic mindset with the ability to spot patterns, identify opportunities, and connect dots across people, ideas, and communities
• Ability to translate informal conversations and observations into actionable insights and follow-up

Requirements

• 7+ years of relevant experience in business development, community building, partnerships, or ecosystem engagement in professional services, ideally within the healthcare or financial services industries
• Strong professional network in Chicago
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining professional relationships that lead to meaningful business or brand outcomes
• Experience participating in or organizing local in-person networking events, roundtables, panels, or community gatherings
• Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or equivalent) and comfort tracking contacts, follow-ups, and insights

Compensation & Benefits

Atomic pays on-market salary based on experience level and provides generous benefits:

• Quarterly and Annual cash profit sharing
• Paid time off and holidays
• Atomic-sponsored health insurance (including dependents) with HSA contributions
• Access to Dental & Vision Insurance with Competitive Premiums
• Employee ownership
• Sustainable working pace
• Regular 401(k) company contributions (3%)
• Parental leave
• Long and short-term disability insurance
• Support for professional development

Reports To

The Business Development Lead will report to Atomic’s Chicago Managing Partner, Jordan Schaenzle. Jordan will also serve as your Career Development Manager to help you pursue professional and career goals and find success within company guidelines and expectations.

Why Atomic?

Atomic is a great place to do awesome work. As an Atom, you'll:

• Join a tight-knit group of makers working in an atmosphere of friendship, exploration, and respect.
• Be part of a transparent, employee-owned company that's active in making the software community stronger, smarter, and more diverse.
• Receive great benefits, including support for professional development, schedule flexibility, employee ownership, 401(k) contributions, and generous vacation time.