Director of Business Development – Investment Banking Advisory Firm (Middle Market Focus)

Location: Cleveland, OH - Open to considering out of state candidates

Have you been waiting for the perfect role that blends account management, business development and the ability to actually have an impact within an organization with NO COLD CALLS involved? Keep reading!

Overview

Our client is a nationally recognized, advisory-focused investment banking firm that helps middle-market business owners, corporations, and private equity firms navigate mergers and acquisitions. With a strong reputation built on trust and results, the team is looking to add a Director of Business Development to help expand its reach and deepen its referral networks across the U.S.

This is an opportunity for a relationship-driven professional to lead growth efforts through building connections, nurturing centers of influence (COIs), and creating new business opportunities, all within a collaborative, high-integrity culture.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop outreach strategies to strengthen partnerships with attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professional service providers.
• Build and maintain a strong network of COIs, transforming key relationships into consistent referral sources.
• Represent the firm’s expertise and value proposition to prospective partners and clients.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, marketing, and advisory teams to execute targeted campaigns and industry outreach.
• Mentor others on effective business development practices — balancing persistence, professionalism, and creativity.
• Participate in firmwide initiatives including marketing support, referral pipeline development, and client transition management.

What You Bring

• Strong understanding of M&A or professional services business development.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills; able to build trust quickly.
• Professional, polished, and persistent approach to relationship-building.
• Experience working with COIs (attorneys, accountants, consultants, etc.).
• Emotionally intelligent, collaborative, and naturally curious mindset.
• “Give first” attitude — focused on adding value and helping others succeed.

Ideal Background

This role is perfect for someone who has excelled in:

• Business development within law, accounting, consulting, investment banking, or wealth management firms.
• Roles such as commercial banker, corporate development associate, or M&A business development professional looking to take the next step in their career.

Interested? Give me a call and send an email - the best candidates do both

lexi@emeraldresourcegroup.com

440-627-6901