Business Development Manager

MXD•Chicago, IL

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees. MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation. The Business Development Manager drives the execution of MxD’s industry member recruitment efforts. This role manages the end-to-end recruitment process—from pipeline development to prospect engagement—while supporting strategic priorities and ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for prospective members. The role partners cross-functionally to align messaging, materials, and outreach efforts that support membership growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business operations, similar field, or equivalent experience.
6+ years of professional experience leading sales and/or sales operations (particularly in selling professional services), strategy consulting, and customer relations/engagement management at a successful enterprise (preferred).
Previous experience managing and leading client engagement activities.
Strong research acumen with an understanding of vertical markets/sectors and obtaining key findings/filings to obtain a full understanding of a prospect.
Proven background of understanding how to mine and then develop key relationships or key points of contact within a customer/member prospect.
Experience with leading customer relationship management software programs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with senior-level executives and stakeholders; strong team player.
Must be a highly organized self- starter and be able to operate independently.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and build business relationships throughout the organization and external contacts.
Experience excelling within fast-paced, high-energy environments.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Nice To Haves

6+ years of professional experience leading sales and/or sales operations (particularly in selling professional services), strategy consulting, and customer relations/engagement management at a successful enterprise

Responsibilities

Execute industry member recruitment strategies, including managing tools, processes, and CRM (MxD’s CRM) to track pipeline and performance.
Build and manage a pipeline of prospective members, guiding prospects through the recruitment lifecycle from initial outreach to conversion.
Support the development and implementation of prospect prioritization frameworks aligned with MxD’s strategic initiatives (e.g., Outlook, Supplier Program, modernization efforts).
Contribute to the development of project concepts and value propositions that attract prospective members.
Coordinate recruitment-related meetings, events, and conferences, including scheduling, logistics, and leadership participation.
Develop and maintain recruitment materials and communications tailored to target prospects.
Prepare internal stakeholders for prospect engagements by developing talking points, briefing materials, and recommended participants.
Lead post-engagement debriefs to capture insights and improve recruitment strategies.
Support Supplier Program business development activities.
Partner with cross-functional teams to align messaging and respond to ad hoc recruitment needs.
Assist in preparing prospect due diligence materials, including presentations, summaries, and key documentation.
Travel up to ~25% to support recruitment activities.