Client Development Associate (Deal Origination)

Excel Capital Advisors (ECA) is an independent, boutique M&A advisory firm focused on the lower middle market. We provide financial and strategic advisory services and private capital solutions for founder‑led and family‑owned businesses generally valued between $10 million and $500 million. Who we are A middle‑market investment bank providing financial and strategic advisory services and private capital solutions for founder‑led and family‑owned businesses. What we do We provide strategic advice on mergers & acquisitions and source growth capital—equity, debt, and mezzanine—for private businesses and select family offices. Who we help Owners of closely‑held businesses and enterprising families navigating complex financial and strategic challenges, whether that’s preparing for a sale, raising growth capital, or positioning for an eventual transition. Our track record Senior bankers bring more than 20 years of average investment banking experience and have closed over 460 transactions totaling more than $17.5 billion in value. ECA maintains a specialized footprint in telecommunications and infrastructure (wireless towers, fiber/broadband, specialty construction) alongside a broader generalist mandate across technology, business services, home services, industrials, and consumer products. Why business owners choose ECA 100 % focus on founder‑led and family‑owned businesses A highly experienced team led by senior M&A professionals Independent, conflict‑free advice A proven M&A process A relentless commitment to maximizing client transaction outcomes The Opportunity ECA is hiring its first Client Development Associate, a foundational role working directly alongside the Managing Director to build and run the firm’s origination engine. This is not a generic sales seat; it’s a chance to learn the lower middle market M&A business from the inside while owning research, relationships, and outreach that feed our deal pipeline, with a defined path toward a senior business development or origination leadership role as the function grows. You’ll often be the first point of contact for founders and owners that ECA represents: identifying the right companies, understanding their journey, and opening the door to a conversation with the Managing Director. What You’ll Do Build and maintain target lists of founder‑ and family‑owned businesses ($10 M–$500 M) across ECA’s focus sectors, using tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Grata, and ZoomInfo. Lead multi‑channel outreach across LinkedIn, email, and phone, grounded in market intelligence and industry insight rather than a sales pitch. Track trigger events (ownership age and succession signals, leadership changes, sector consolidation, competitor transactions) that suggest a business may be nearing a capital raise or transition. Qualify inbound and outbound conversations and set introductory “market read” calls for the Managing Director. Maintain disciplined CRM hygiene, logging every contact, touchpoint, and follow‑up. Prepare brief research packages on target companies and owners ahead of MD calls. Continuously test and refine outreach messaging based on response and conversion data. Report regularly on pipeline activity, conversion rates, and qualified meeting volume. What Success Looks Like The role is to help us scale output: more qualified conversations, more consistently, while retaining the relationship‑driven approach that got us here. Who You Are Genuinely curious about business; comfortable talking about legacy and succession as well as EBITDA and valuation. A self‑starter with an owner’s mindset; needs minimal direction to stay productive. Persistent without being pushy, understanding the difference between staying top‑of‑mind and wearing someone out. Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable corresponding with CEOs and founders. High integrity; represents the firm’s reputation in every interaction. Motivated by growth; role is designed to develop into senior business development or origination. Background & Qualifications 1–4 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, transaction advisory, commercial banking, or business development within financial/professional services. Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or related field. Comfort with (or working knowledge of) financial statements, valuation basics, and what makes a business attractive to buyers and investors. Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce, Affinity), and prospecting/data tools (Grata, ZoomInfo, Apollo, or similar) is a plus. Willingness to obtain or have already obtained FINRA SIE, Series 79, and Series 63 registrations; ECA will sponsor registration. Compensation & Growth Path Base salary commensurate with experience. Performance‑based bonus tied to qualified meetings and new client engagements. Discretionary bonuses based on deal flow and performance. Direct mentorship from the Managing Director, with exposure to live deal flow, client conversations, and, over time, transaction execution. A defined path toward a senior business development or origination leadership role as the function grows. All candidates must comply with local and federal equal employment opportunity laws. This position is open to all qualified applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr Excel Capital Advisors, LLC