Direct Sales Specialist, Business Development

Morningstar

. Grow revenue and build relationships within the largest strategic accounts .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $118,250 - $181,317 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in business development and account management within the finance and investment industry, with a strong focus on building client relationships and exceeding growth targets. Proficient in delivering persuasive presentations and understanding complex investment requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development ExperienceAccount Management ExperienceClient Relationship BuildingPresentation SkillsFinance Industry Knowledge

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Sales StrategyRevenue GrowthForecastingProduct DemonstrationsSolution Selling

Soft Skills

LeadershipTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsPersuasiveness

Tools & Technologies

Morningstar Direct

Industry Keywords

Investment IndustryStrategic AccountsClient Workflow ChallengesReport DistributionBusiness Growth Plans

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Grow revenue and build relationships within the largest strategic accounts
Deepen Morningstar's footprint within key areas of strategic accounts
Grow adoption of Morningstar Direct, Morningstar's core institutional platform
Represent Morningstar's solutions for client workflow challenges, particularly Report Distribution
Uncover client business needs and determine optimal solutions with the SVP of Business Development and internal teams
Establish and build relationships with key stakeholders
Identify new business groups and opportunities within accounts
Maintain and grow adoption of Morningstar Direct and deploy additional solutions
Master product demonstrations and product capabilities
Forecast and uncover opportunities within key business groups and develop account growth plans
Negotiate and close business to exceed growth targets
Cover opportunities across the U.S. with approximately 30% travel

Requirements

What you’ll need

4-5 years of business development, sales and/or account management experience in the finance and investment industry
Proven track record of exceeding prior targets
Hands-on, organized individuals who can build long-term client relationships
Strong leadership, long-range planning, and time-management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Ability to deliver professional and persuasive presentations
Ability to understand complex investment requirements
Bachelor's degree

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
Hybrid work environment
Tools and resources to engage meaningfully with global colleagues