Business Development Director

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Chicago, IL, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Agency • Digital Media • Professional Services • Analytics
The Role
Lead end-to-end new business and pitch efforts (RFIs, RFPs, pitches), craft compelling narratives, coordinate cross-functional teams, coach senior presenters, maintain timelines and communications, and contribute to agency positioning and growth strategy.
Summary Generated by Built In

We’re looking for a high-energy Business Development Director who is equal parts strategist, storyteller, and ringleader to join our team. You’ll bring a hunter’s mindset and a builder’s touch driving growth with both precision and passion. This role is for someone who loves the chase as much as the close, thrives on momentum, and knows how to turn a spark of opportunity into a winning pitch.

As the bridge between leadership and pitch teams, you’ll shape narratives that stick, steer efforts from RFI to RFP to final handshake, and keep the process as inspiring as the ideas themselves. The ideal candidate pairs business savvy with creative empathy – comfortable structuring pitch timelines one moment and storytelling the next. You bring rigor, curiosity, and calm to the chaos of pitching, ensuring every pursuit feels purposeful, every team feels supported, and every story lands with impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead new business efforts including driving pitch strategy, shaping standout pitches, and pushing momentum forward at every stage.
  • Own the end-to-end pitch process, from RFIs and RFPs to narrative development, team coordination, and final delivery.
  • Collaborate with senior leaders to build and activate targeted prospecting plans.
  • Align executive stakeholders across the agency to ensure every pitch tells a compelling, unified story.
  • Partner with the SVP, Director of Growth Lead to maintain pitch timelines, expectations, and communications.
  • Write and refine persuasive RFI and RFP responses that reflect our voice, vision, and value.
  • Coach senior presenters to deliver with clarity, confidence, and energy.
  • Ensure processes run smoothly with precision, hustle, and attention to detail adhering to deadlines in the complex RFI/RFP landscape.
  • Demonstrate passion, adaptability, and a team-first mindset, especially when the pitch heat is on – win mentality.
  • Contribute to agency positioning, marketing, and business development strategy in collaboration with the growth and marketing teams.

Desired Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, agency growth, or strategic marketing preferably within a marketing, advertising, or integrated communications agency.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Proven track record of leading and supporting end-to-end new business efforts, including RFIs, RFPs, pitch development, and client engagement.
  • Exceptional storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and present with clarity, confidence, and persuasion.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with a history of coordinating cross-functional teams and meeting complex deadlines under pressure.
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization and unify diverse voices into a cohesive message.
  • High adaptability, resilience, and a team-first mindset, especially during high-stakes pitch scenarios.
  • Strong professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Skills Required

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, agency growth, or strategic marketing
  • Experience preferably within a marketing, advertising, or integrated communications agency
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Proven track record leading end-to-end new business efforts including RFIs, RFPs, pitch development, and client engagement
  • Exceptional storytelling and communication skills, with persuasive presentation ability
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, coordinating cross-functional teams and meeting complex deadlines
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills; ability to influence at all levels and unify diverse voices
  • High adaptability, resilience, and a team-first mindset under high-stakes pitch scenarios
  • Professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality
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The Company
0 Employees
Year Founded: 2016

What We Do

Eastport Holdings is an independent holding company and marketing services partner that operates a diversified portfolio of agencies specializing in advertising, media, and public relations throughout North and South America. The company provides comprehensive services, including brand strategy, media planning, creative production, and analytics, while ensuring its network of agencies maintains their independence and operational autonomy to drive competitive advantage.

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