Overview:
We have a simple belief — Unexpected Works. It means that the best idea is the one you never saw coming. The thing that catches you so off guard that you can‘t look away. And the only path to genuinely unexpected works is through creativity. Not just what passes for creativity because it answers a brief, looks the part and helps everyone sleep at night. But creativity that is foreign, surprising and interesting enough to cause jaws to drop and sales to soar. It’s having the fresh perspective and raw energy to bring something into the world that no one’s ever seen before. We’re talking about the courage to shake things up and maybe even tear a few things down. And knowing that what most would call the finish line is where the real work starts. We believe in people, product, and profit, in that order. For us, people always come first. They’re the soul of our agency. It takes amazing folks to make amazing work. That’s why we make sure everyone who comes through the door is as great as the people who are already here. It’s also why we constantly strive to build diverse teams where everyone brings something unique to the table. Because you can’t make the unexpected if you only work with the usual suspects. By bringing together diverse thinkers with different backgrounds and perspectives, we validate Bill Bernbach’s notion that an idea can turn to dust or magic, depending on the talent that rubs against it. So, come be part of the magic.
DDB Chicago is seeking a self-motivated, well-connected individual capable of identifying, pursuing, and winning strategic and tactical new business opportunities. The Growth Director will use their current depth of knowledge along with a swiftly acquired knowledge of agency network and local office history, case studies, current business, and strategic direction to contribute to the growth and financial success of the office. They will be a first-class operator who is able to work into the Chief Growth Officer as well as lead and drive new business operations in our Chicago office, as part of Chicago leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Chief Growth Officer to set the vision for, define, and develop new business strategies tailored to the needs of DDB Chicago, a combination of local, regional or global growth
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Drive responses to RFI and RFPs in an innovative, flawless, and timely manner
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Lead internal new business meetings and agency updates whilst also ensuring alignment with NAM leadership on all briefs and opportunities:
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Aligning on the brief / the ask
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Aligning on the strategy & the creative brief
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Reviewing the work
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Attending the final client-ready rehearsal
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Create capabilities presentations and other marketing materials – fully leveraging the North America narrative and assets and integrating Chicago-specific needs
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Coordinate internal resources within Chicago and cross-office to develop client proposals, working in partnership with the assigned Project Manager
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Ensure alignment with program management to set clear critical paths, project deliverables, milestones, timetables, and calendars
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In partnership with other Growth colleagues, maintain upkeep of North America / Global assets, archives, and other prospects information within the North America database and asset library
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Work with Chicago leadership to create assets and updating prospect listings
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Leverage existing partnerships and develop new ones to drive growth
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Proactively initiate new client relationships and opportunities, keeping abreast of latest developments within the industry
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Follow up on and prioritize new business leads and identify organic growth opportunities
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Nurture meaningful relationships with database of industry pitch consultants, ensuring DDB remains top of mind for pitch shortlists
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Work with the agency management team to meet overall agency vision and objectives, providing strategic input based on market activity
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Partner with the DDB NAM leadership & the DDB Global Communications lead to raise the agency’s local/regional profile - executive speaking engagements, thought leadership editorial, industry events/organization outreach, and relationship-building.
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of agency experience preferably with 5 years of business development experience
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Previous business development experience within advertising agency or creative service
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Solid track record of developing successful relationships with internal/external partners
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Proven strong relationships with new business consultant community
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Communicates effectively and with influence at all levels and across all functions
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Confirmed and proven record of closing major accounts
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Strategic decision-making toward achieving objectives and maximizing business performance
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Understands industry developments, market trends, and their impact on business
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Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to quickly understand client needs
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Confidence building presentation decks in Keynote, PowerPoint, and Google Slides
DDB is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and to review all of our job postings to minimize biased language. DDB Chicago does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
