Business Development Director

Responsibilities

• Partner with studio and global leadership to clarify growth priorities, focus areas, and goals
• Translate strategy into a focused growth plan for the studio
• Maintain visibility into progress and adjust where needed
• Proactively identify and reach out to prospective clients in priority sectors
• Build and maintain a strong external network in Chicago and beyond
• Represent IDEO at events and conferences — and create opportunities for others to do the same
• Turn informal conversations into qualified early-stage opportunities
• Activate the broader studio — equipping design and portfolio leaders with tools, messaging, and systems that support proactive growth
• Partner closely with design leaders to shape opportunities from first conversation through signed contract
• Help determine where to invest energy for the highest impact
• Partner with Client Relationship Leads to develop account plans that deepen trust and surface new opportunities
• Maintain a clear view of early-stage relationships and ensure consistent follow-up
• Support Directors in reconnecting with former clients or reframing stalled relationships
• Identify whitespace within existing accounts and help turn it into new work
• Model effective growth behaviors and coach others to do the same
• Strengthen the systems and rhythms that support proactive business development
• Foster a culture of proactivity, curiosity, and follow-through

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience leading business development, growth, or client partnerships within consulting, design, innovation, or adjacent industries
• A strong ability to identify opportunities, build relationships, and translate early conversations into meaningful work
• Experience developing and managing a pipeline from early outreach through proposal and contract
• Confidence partnering with senior leaders and cross-disciplinary teams to shape pursuits and close new business
• A well-developed professional network, ideally within Chicago and/or priority industry sectors
• Skill in communicating complex ideas clearly, crafting compelling narratives, and positioning creative work with clients
• Experience supporting account growth and long-term client relationships, including identifying new opportunities within existing partnerships
• Comfort operating both strategically and tactically, setting direction while also executing day-to-day outreach and relationship building
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to activate others around growth, coaching teams and building shared ownership of business development
• Curiosity about human-centered design and innovation, and excitement about bringing these approaches to organizations tackling meaningful challenges

Compensation

• Salary range: $130,000–$180,000 USD
• Full-time position eligible for employee benefits