American Operator is seeking a driven high-energy Deal Sourcing Associate to generate proprietary acquisition opportunities. This role sits at the very start of the deal process focused on building relationships with business owners and sourcing off-market opportunities. If you thrive in high-volume results-driven environments enjoy outbound prospecting and want to build a career in private equity investing or M&A this role is for you. This role is based at our Austin TX office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively research and reach out to target business owners via cold calls emails LinkedIn SMS and other channels to generate off-market deal flow.

• Lead early conversations with business owners clearly explaining who we are the types of businesses we partner with and why owners choose to work with us.

• Conduct initial discovery meetings to gather baseline information evaluate fit and determine next steps for each opportunity.

• Maintain and update our CRM with all outreach activity prospect information and follow-ups to keep deals moving forward.

• Work closely with the Investments team to hand off qualified opportunities and continue nurturing owner relationships.

• Consistently follow up with prospects over time building trust and rapport to maintain a healthy pipeline.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 years of experience in sales business development or deal sourcing (cold calling experience highly preferred).

• Comfortable and confident making high-volume outbound calls.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple prospects simultaneously.

• Experience with CRMs (Hubspot or similar) and tracking outreach activity.

• Interest in private equity investing or M&A and willingness to learn financial basics.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in business finance or related field.

• Exposure to small business operations (family business internships etc.).

• Familiarity with basic financial statements (P&L balance sheet tax returns) is a plus.

Compensation: This role offers substantial performance-based upside. We pay 50 bps per acquisition which equates to $25000 (per closed deal). At 6-12 deals per year that equates to $150000$300000 in total compensation for strong performers. Bonus payouts are tied to individual performance metrics and closed transactions and are subject to plan terms and company performance.

ABOUT THE TEAM

American Operator exists because we believe the American Dream is worth protecting and that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. To do this well we need a team that reflects the real world: operators builders investors and problem-solvers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

We know that diversity of thought discipline and lived experience leads to better decisions and stronger businesses. Were intentional about bringing together people who care deeply about ownership stewardship and keeping great companies in capable hands. Our work depends on collaboration humility and a shared belief in the value of Main Street.

Were a team shaped by different industries hometowns and career paths and we believe those differences are exactly what prepare us to serve small-business owners and future CEOs across the country.

MISSION-DRIVEN

Every company claims to be mission-driven but our mission is simple tangible and urgent: preserve the legacy of Americas small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership.

We partner with operators who want to step into leadership take responsibility for great companies and continue the work that founders spent decades building. When we succeed communities keep their employers families keep their livelihoods and operators get the chance to build wealth through real ownership.

We work hard because we know whats at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. And while we measure our success in deals closed and businesses grown the real reward is seeing these companies continue to serve their people and their towns stronger than before.

Where else do you get the opportunity to help someone become a CEO preserve a founders lifes work and strengthen a community all in the same job Thats what makes our work both serious and incredibly fulfilling.

Required Experience:

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