Director of Business Development

SoTalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A growth-oriented marketing agency is seeking a Director of New Business to lead their new business process, from RFI through final pitch. This hands-on role requires strategic leadership combined with execution excellence, overseeing teams to create compelling proposals and pitch materials. The ideal candidate will have 8–10 years of experience in business, exceptional storytelling skills, and a passion for winning new business. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and promises a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of business experience.
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting complex, multi-disciplinary new business pitches.
• Deep understanding of marketing services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full new business process from RFI to final presentation.
• Create compelling proposals, narratives, and pitch materials.
• Track and report performance metrics including pipeline health and win rates.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Storytelling skills

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Type : Full time

Our Client is hiring a Director of New Business for driven, strategic, and creative professionals to join an organization that values growth, innovation, inclusion, and real career advancement. As part of a dynamic environment with diverse projects and clients,

They are seeking a Director of New Business to lead and accelerate revenue growth by owning the full new business process—from RFI through final pitch. This role partners closely with pitch leaders and senior stakeholders to ensure teams are aligned, prepared, and positioned to win.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where strategic leadership meets execution excellence.

What You’ll Do

New Business Strategy & Pitch Leadership

• Lead the full new business process from RFI to final presentation.
• Build and refine frameworks, tools, and workflows that elevate pitch quality and efficiency.
• Create compelling proposals, narratives, and pitch materials that clearly communicate the agency’s value and differentiation.
• Translate complex client challenges into clear, insight-driven solutions tailored for mid-market decision-makers.
• Ensure strong POVs, resonant storytelling, and deep understanding of prospect needs in every pitch.
• Prepare teams and leaders for presentations—aligning messaging, rehearsing roles, and ensuring readiness for Q&A.
• Stay ahead of industry shifts, competitive trends, and client expectations to continuously strengthen the new business approach.
• Lead the sales support team responsible for RFP responses, proposals, pitch materials, and presentations.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of each pitch: discovery, insights, positioning, solution design, pricing coordination, and delivery.
• Create and maintain best practices for pitch excellence and messaging consistency.
• Recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Roll up your sleeves—actively contributing to strategy, content, and delivery when needed.
• Track and report performance metrics including pipeline health, win rates, deal size, and profitability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Strategy, Creative, Media, Data, and Client Services to shape integrated and insight-led solutions.
• Facilitate collaborative working sessions that generate clarity, align perspectives, and define scope.
• Provide leadership throughout the pitch cycle, ensuring discipline, focus, and alignment across all teams.

What You Bring

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 8–10 years of business experience.
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting complex, multi-disciplinary new business pitches.
• Deep understanding of marketing services including strategy, creative, media, analytics, and technology.
• Experience in media strategy or media planning is a strong plus.

Skills & Strengths

• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills—able to influence senior-level audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and ability to balance creativity with business rigor.
• Highly organized, calm under pressure, and able to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• A collaborative, inspiring leader who brings teams together and motivates them to excel.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—proactive, resourceful, and adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate solutions and drive profitable outcomes.
• Passion for winning new business, paired with disciplined decision‑making around fit and scope.