About Us

DDB Chicago is a communications agency dedicated to making creative work that works.

We believe in the power of creativity to create the change we want to happen in the world and develop audacious and famous ideas for our clients that help to grow their businesses and shape culture by driving behavior change at scale.

We are a global network of agencies who believe firmly in respect, kindness, openness, self-expression, and creativity, making spaces for the lived and learned experiences of all our people, and helping them to be the best they can be. We are intellectually curious about difference, embracing change for the better, and are committed to opposing injustice and constantly challenging the status quo. We are a place packed with the energy and passion to make things happen.

DDB Chicago is seeking a self-motivated, well-connected individual capable of identifying, pursuing, and winning strategic and tactical new business opportunities. The Growth Manager will use their 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 can support new business operations.

Responsibilities 

• Help to set the vision for, define, and develop new business strategies tailored to the needs of the agency
• Develop and maintain new client relationships and opportunities, keeping abreast of latest developments within the industry
• Follow up on and prioritize new business leads and identify organic growth opportunities
• Drive responses to RFI and RFPs in an innovative, flawless, and timely manner
• Lead internal new business meetings and agency updates whilst also ensuring alignment with NAM leadership on ALL briefs and opportunities:
• Aligning on the brief / the ask
• Aligning on the strategy & the creative brief
• Reviewing the work
• Attending the final client-ready rehearsal
• Create and manage capabilities presentations and other marketing materials – fully leveraging the NAM narrative and assets and integrating Chicago-specific needs
• Coordinate internal resources within Chicago and cross-office to develop client proposals, working in partnership with the assigned Project Manager
• Ensure alignment with program management to set clear critical paths, project deliverables, milestones, timetables, and calendars
• Maintain upkeep of Chicago assets, archives, and other prospects information within the NAM database and asset library
• Work with Chicago leadership to create assets and updating prospect listings
• Leverage existing partnerships and develop new ones to drive growth
• Nurture meaningful relationships with database of industry pitch consultants, ensuring DDB remains top of mind for pitch shortlists
• Ensure always-on communication between office and NAM leadership
• Work with the agency management team to meet overall agency vision and objectives, providing strategic input based on market activity
• 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

• Previous business development experience within advertising agency or creative service
• Solid track record of developing successful relationships with internal and external partners
• Communicates effectively and with influence at all levels and across all functions
• Strategic decision-making toward achieving objectives and maximizing business performance
• Understands industry developments, market trends, and their impact on business
• Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to quickly understand client needs
• Moderate ability to design and build presentation decks in Keynote, PowerPoint, and Google Slides preferred
• 3 years of agency experience preferably within business development

What We Offer

• 💰 Competitive Salary
• ⚕️Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• 🏝️Generous Time Off
• 👶Paid parental leave
• 🎒Tuition Reimbursement
• 🥕Family Planning Assistance
• 📈Stock Discounts
• 🚌Transit Discounts
• 💡LinkedIn Learning Access
• 🧠Employee Assistance Programs

Please let us know should you require any additional support or assistance through the recruitment process.

DDB is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment.

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.