Business Development Specialist/Marketing Coordinator - Chicago

About Rate Companies:

Rate is one of the nation’s top retail mortgage lenders, delivering a seamless, tech-driven experience that helps customers reach their homeownership and financial goals. Founded in 2000 and based in Chicago, Rate is licensed in all 50 states and D.C. and has helped over 2 million homeowners with a wide range of loan products, competitive rates and personalized service. With 5,000+ employees across 300+ offices and 12+ subsidiaries, Rate’s Loan Officers rank among the best in the country. From purchases and refinances to tapping into equity, Rate makes financing faster, simpler and less stressful. Our technology — including Same Day Mortgage, the Rate App, FlashClose℠, MyAccount and the Language Access Program — has earned recognition from HousingWire, Scotsman Guide, NerdWallet, the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business. Learn more at rate.com.

We are currently seeking a hard-working, dedicated Business Development / Marketing Coordinator to join our innovative and passionate team in Chicago.

Salary Range: $60K-$80K per year

What's the Role?

Guaranteed Rate is seeking an organized, outgoing, and relationship-focused Business Development & Marketing Assistant to support one or more high-performing Vice Presidents and their referral partner network. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating marketing initiatives, managing multiple projects, and helping drive business growth in a fast-paced environment.

As a key member of the team, you'll serve as the primary coordinator for referral partner initiatives, marketing projects, events, and day-to-day business development activities. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, highly organized, and enjoys working with people.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to new and existing referral partners to schedule appointments and strengthen business relationships.
• Manage ongoing communication, projects, and requests from referral partners to ensure a best-in-class experience.
• Track referral partner performance and relationship ROI to help determine the effectiveness of marketing investments and partnership opportunities.
• Prepare and submit expense reports while tracking reimbursements and marketing budgets.
• Coordinate marketing events, including planning, attendee invitations, RSVP management, and post-event follow-up.
• Coordinate the creation of co-branded marketing materials and fulfill marketing requests from referral partners.
• Manage monthly client closing gifts and ensure timely delivery.
• Coordinate holiday outreach campaigns and appreciation initiatives for referral partners.
• Maintain CRM records, calendars, and project timelines while keeping executives organized.
• Provide general administrative and marketing support to help drive business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and operations teams to execute campaigns and special projects.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in relationship management, client services, marketing, event coordination, business development, or a similar customer-facing role preferred.
• Mortgage or sales experience is not required.
• An outgoing, energetic, and sales-minded personality with a genuine passion for building relationships.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other standard business applications.
• Experience with CRM systems and social media is a plus.
• This is a relationship-driven role that requires a professional, polished, and customer-focused approach when interacting with referral partners, clients, and internal teams.

Guaranteed Rate is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reason protected by law.

The company offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; critical care insurance; personal accidental insurance; commuter benefits; pet insurance; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program); and other supplemental benefits (e.g. legal planning assistance; identity theft protection; pet insurance; wellness resources).

Please click this link to learn more about our benefit offerings for Washington State:

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.