Business Development Associate

About the Role

As part of the Business Development team, the associate will collaborate cross-functionally with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Merchant Risk. This role is not only crucial for the company's immediate goals but also provides a pathway for a successful sales career. The ideal candidate will be driven, thoughtful, and tenacious, with a passion for changing consumer finance for the better.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role are varied and challenging, involving the management of the first stages of the Sales and Business Development pipeline. This includes performing initial cold outreach and nurturing leads through different inbound channels such as phone, email, and social media. The ability to engage potential partners, understand their goals and challenges, and educate them on the value of Affirm's services is essential.

What You Will Do

• Drive new business by identifying, qualifying, and developing new partnership opportunities for Affirm.
• Collaborate closely with Account Executives and the rest of the Sales and BD team to strategize creative outreach campaigns.
• Determine the priority of outreach based on potential impact, using Excel for data analysis and strategic planning.
• Manage the first stages of the Sales and Business Development pipeline.
• Perform initial cold outreach and nurture leads through various inbound channels.
• Engage potential partners about their goals and challenges, and educate them on the value of Affirm.
• Contribute significantly to Affirm’s growth as the company scales its core business and product.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of Affirm's products and services.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities.

What We Are Looking For

• A driven, thoughtful, and tenacious individual with a passion for business development and sales.
• Experience in sales, business development, or a related field, preferably in the fintech industry.
• Strong understanding of sales principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and other sales and marketing tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with various teams.

Nice to Have

• Experience with CRM software and sales metrics analysis.
• Knowledge of the fintech industry and its trends.
• Previous experience in a remote work setting.
• Certification in sales or a related field.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a pioneering fintech company.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to the latest sales and marketing tools and technologies.
• Health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous PTO and holiday package.

• Tip: Ensure you have a strong understanding of Excel, as it is a key tool used in this role for data analysis and strategic planning.
• Develop a portfolio that showcases your previous experience in sales or business development, highlighting successes and challenges overcome.
• When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements of the role, emphasizing skills in strategic outreach and partnership development.
• Prepare for the interview by researching Affirm and the fintech industry, understanding the company's products and services, and practicing responses to common sales and business development interview questions.
• During the interview, be ready to provide specific examples of your experience in driving new business and developing partnerships, and demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Affirm to gain insights into the company culture and the day-to-day responsibilities of the Business Development Associate role.