Strategic Partnerships Business Development Consultant (B2B) | Contractor Role (Chicago)

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $4,000 per month

• Contractor: Strategic Partnerships Business Development Consultant (B2B)
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Contract Term: 69 months
• Travel Required: Frequent travel within the Chicago, IL region
• Compensation: Retainer + Signed agreement bonuses
  • Monthly base rate plus performance-based payments for each signed agreement with employer partner (details below)
  • Pre-approved travel expenses for conferences, events, meetings, including conference tickets, travel, and accommodations.
  • Monthly Retainer: $4,000 per month for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension.
  • Signed Agreement Bonus: $2,000 for each signed partner agreement.

• About Commonwealth
  Commonwealth is a national nonprofit building financial security and opportunity for financially vulnerable people through innovation and partnerships. Our work has influenced more than 3 million people and led to policy change and product innovations across industries.

• About Benefits for the Future
  Supported by JPMorganChase, Benefits for the Future is a national initiative focused on expanding access to high quality workplace benefits such as workplace savings, retirement savings, student debt retirement match, and healthcare affordability. Commonwealth works with employers, HR leaders, benefit providers, and advocates to create more inclusive benefit solutions particularly for low- and moderate-income workers.

Role Overview
Commonwealth is seeking a Chicago-based contractor to lead strategic employer engagement for its Benefits for the Future (BFF) initiative. This role focuses on cultivating high-impact partnerships with HR and business leadersparticularly Chief People Officers, CHROs, and CFOsacross mid-to-large employers in the Chicago region.

Ideal for a connector with deep roots in the employer and HR ecosystem, the contractor will drive B2B relationship development and help expand access to inclusive financial security solutions in the workplace. Candidates should bring experience in new business development and strategic partnerships, along with a clear passion for workplace employee financial wellbeing.

The contractor will collaborate closely with Commonwealths team and benefit from access to:

• A curated list of target companies and decision-makers
• Strategic guidance on partnership goals
• Opportunities to represent the initiative at high-value events
• Subject matter expertise and support during meetings
• Initiative materials, value proposition, and more.

This is a high-autonomy, high-impact role for a mission-aligned professional who knows how to open doors and build lasting partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

This role will support the growth of our Benefits for the Future (BFF) initiative by identifying, cultivating, and securing meaningful partnerships with employers committed to inclusive financial security for their workforce. We are seeking a contractor with a proven track record in business-to-business (B2B) new partnership development, particularly someone who can act as a connector, facilitating introductions between Commonwealth and senior business leaders in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Key Qualifications:

• Deep experience in B2B new relationship building, especially with mid-to-large employers (5,000+ employees)
• An existing portfolio or network of executive-level contacts, ideally including:
  • Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs)
  • Chief People Officers
  • Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
  • Head of Talent
• Familiarity with employee benefits, financial wellness programs, or workplace innovation
• Ability to represent Commonwealths mission and value proposition clearly and compellingly
• Experience in new business development and strategic partnerships preferred

Scope of Work:

• Actively source and connect with potential employer partners for BFF
• Leverage existing executive-level relationships to open doors
• Support preparation and refinement of outreach materials, messaging, and pitch decks
• Advise on partnership strategy and ensure alignment with employer interests
• Provide insight into employer needs, motivations, and potential barriers to entry
• Guide and secure relationship to a signed formal agreement and scope of work

Qualifications:

• Located in or near Chicago, IL with the ability to attend in-person meetings and events as needed
• 10+ years of experience in business development including new business development, employer engagement, or corporate partnerships
• Familiarity with B2B partner networks, including connections to decision-makers such as CHROs, Chief People Officers, and CFOs An established or growing network within the employer ecosystem in Chicago in the Chicago region and broader Midwest business community
• Proven success initiating, managing, and deepening partnerships across sectors, particularly within mid- to large-sized companies
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working with or alongside nonprofits, social impact initiatives, or mission-driven organizations is a plus
• Ability to self-direct, prioritize competing needs, and manage multiple touchpoints across stakeholders
• Willingness to travel within the C region for meetings, events, or employer convenings
  
  

Travel & Event Expenses:

• Commonwealth will cover the costs associated with attending and participating in relevant conferences, events, and meetings, including conference tickets, travel, and accommodations.
• The contractor will be responsible for coordinating and managing their travel logistics, ensuring timely attendance at all scheduled events.
• All event-related expenses must be approved in advance by Commonwealth.

Payment Structure:

This is a performance-based contractor role with a two-part compensation structure:

• A monthly base rate
  of $4,000 to support ongoing relationship-building and outreach efforts.
• Additional payments of $2,000 for each signed legal agreement that establishes a formal partnership with:
  • A Commonwealth-priority company, or
  • A company with a large frontline workforce (e.g., 5,000+ U.S. employees or with significant Chicago, Illinois regional presence).
  • Other strategic partners as mutually agreed upon

Performance- Based Outcomes & Engagement Definitions:

Stages:

Nurture As the business development consultant, you will have initiated contact with a targeted employer and set up an initial meeting with a decision maker in the organization; preferably in the HR/Benefits side (e.g. Head of Total Rewards, Global Head of Benefits, Sr. Director of Benefits) to explore Benefits For the Future (BFF) collaboration opportunities. We have had 3+ conversations within the organization with the right stakeholders (decision makers, influencers to decision makers, etc.), and theres clear interest in our work. They are continuing to arrange meetings to deepen the relationship and identify potential partnership pathways.

Signed Agreement A formal partnership has been established with a signed legal agreement.

Employer Criteria:

• Industry Leaders
• 5,000+ employees
• Significant portion earn under $75,000 per year (e.g. 50%)
• Chicago based