Business Development Associate

Job TitleBusiness Development AssociateCompensationCompetitive Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Deal-Based IncentivesOverviewA Dallas-based private equity firm is seeking a Business Development Associate to support deal sourcing, acquisition analysis, and transaction qualification across its investment platform. This individual will play a critical role in identifying new investment opportunities, managing relationships with intermediaries and founders, and supporting early-stage deal evaluation and negotiations.The ideal candidate is highly motivated, commercially minded, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment. This role offers direct exposure to senior investment professionals, active participation in transaction execution, and a clear path for advancement within the firm.Key ResponsibilitiesDeal Sourcing & OriginationProactively source new investment opportunities through outbound outreach, relationship development, and market research.Build and maintain relationships with business owners, founders, investment bankers, brokers, and other deal intermediaries.Manage inbound deal flow, ensuring timely follow-up and effective communication with potential sellers and advisors.Support the firm's proprietary sourcing initiatives and outbound origination campaigns.Acquisition Analysis & Deal QualificationConduct initial screening and qualification of acquisition opportunities.Analyze financial statements, operating metrics, and industry dynamics to assess investment fit.Prepare high-level investment summaries, teasers, and preliminary valuation assessments.Assist in developing investment theses and evaluating strategic alignment with the firm's platform and portfolio.Transaction Support & NegotiationsSupport senior team members through early-stage negotiations and deal structuring discussions.Participate in management calls, site visits, and diligence planning activities.Coordinate with internal investment, operations, and finance teams during deal evaluation.Help track deal progress and manage CRM and pipeline reporting.Serve as a key point of contact for prospective sellers during early engagement phases.Monitor market trends, competitive dynamics, and acquisition activity within target industries.Provide ongoing market intelligence to the investment team to inform sourcing strategy.QualificationsBachelor's degree required; finance, economics, accounting, or business preferred.1–4 years of experience in private equity, investment banking, corporate development, transaction advisory, or business development within financial services.Strong financial acumen with the ability to interpret financial statements and assess business performance.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging directly with business owners and intermediaries.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple active opportunities simultaneously.Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong desire to learn and grow within a private equity environment.Preferred ExperiencePrior experience in deal sourcing, origination, or transaction screening.Exposure to lower‑middle‑market or middle‑market private equity transactions.Experience working with CRM systems and deal-tracking tools.Familiarity with M&A processes, LOIs, and early-stage diligence.Why This RoleDirect exposure to live transactions and senior decision‑makers.Hands‑on involvement across the full deal lifecycle—from sourcing to close.Clear path for career advancement within the investment team.Opportunity to build a strong personal deal network in the DFW market.Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with strong mentorship.Seniority levelMid‑Senior levelEmployment typeFull‑timeJob functionAccounting / Auditing, Finance, and Strategy / PlanningIndustriesBusiness Consulting and Services, Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals, and Financial ServicesWe're unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.#J-18808-Ljbffr