Enterprise Leader

Cambridge, MA

At IDEO, we use design to create new products, services, experiences; tangible strategies; and creative capabilities. We blend creativity, strategy, and human-centered design to drive change and shape the future. We are seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead, inspire, and elevate our craft, business, and leadership capabilities.

In this role, you will work alongside other leaders to shape and drive the studio’s success. You are a blend of business development savvy, design acumen, and a passion for building and nurturing a thriving creative community. Deep digital design expertise is critical, and healthcare knowledge a big plus. Most importantly, you are an inspiring leader—someone who thrives on mentoring and developing future talent while championing bold, human-centered design.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Establish and maintain high-value client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor.
• Own and drive revenue growth, meeting or exceeding annual targets.
• Lead the end-to-end business development process, identifying opportunities and securing projects that align with our mission and capabilities.
• Strategically position offerings to penetrate new industries and markets, aligning local and global strategies.
• Develop and present compelling business cases, proposals, and narratives that drive competitive advantage.

Craft Excellence

• Serve as a champion for design quality and creative excellence across all projects.
• Ensure the growth and evolution of design expertise within the organization, upholding high standards of application across industries.
• Establish a culture of critique to refine and enhance the impact of our work.
• Develop and oversee training initiatives to upskill designers in new methodologies and emerging trends.
• Bridge strategic viewpoints on craft and content excellence with the organization's offerings and market needs.
• Activate and nurture an external network to build design credibility and future hiring pipelines.

Leadership

• Participate in talent development, recruiting, onboarding, and succession planning for top design talent.
• Mentor, coach, and guide teams, fostering an environment of collaboration, psychological safety, and continuous learning.
• Lead and support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, ensuring a culture of belonging and cultural humility.
• Engage in global strategic initiatives, community engagements, and leadership forums to drive organizational impact.

Portfolio & Project Leadership

• Actively engage in market-making—identifying opportunities, shaping new offerings, and driving business development beyond traditional client work.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and industry leaders to expand the hub’s influence and impact.
• Own and drive alignment on project scopes, ensuring work meets or exceeds creative and contractual expectations.
• Support and mentor Project Guides and Leads, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and share knowledge, case studies, and thought leadership pieces to strengthen our market presence.

Skills & Mindset

Skills

• 15 years of experience in design, innovation, or a related discipline.
• 5 years of experience, with expertise winning & owning client relations and leading and managing design teams.
• Deep expertise in digital product design, including experience in designing and delivering innovative digital experiences, products, and services that drive business and user value.
• Strong business acumen with a proven track record in business development and client management.
• Expert ability to guide large, complex projects while maintaining strategic focus.
• Strong C-suite communication and presentation skills, able to influence at all levels.
• Advanced delegation, decision-making, and leadership skills to drive organizational success.
• Ability to translate complex design and business concepts into accessible, compelling narratives.
• Skilled in mentoring and coaching teams, fostering a culture of growth and high performance.

Application Requirements and Instructions:

This application will remain open until March 7th.  Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis.

Salary & Benefits

IDEO is committed to paying its employees equitably, regardless of gender identity or race/ethnicity/cultural identity. We support the holistic well-being of our community by providing a thoughtfully designed benefits package.

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $250,000 USD. This range is influenced by a wide range of factors considered in compensation decisions at IDEO. This includes, but is not limited to: skills, industry knowledge, and experience. Final offers may vary from the amount listed based on geography, candidate experience & expertise, and other factors.

In addition to base compensation, IDEO offers a rich benefits package including the following:

Health Benefits: Vision, Dental, Healthcare

Financial Benefits: 401K "safe harbor" plan

Family & Caregiving: Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance, Fertility Assistance, Transgender Medical Assistance, Breastmilk shipment, Back-up/Dependent Care, Pet Insurance

Other Benefits: Flexible Work, Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays, Annual Education Stipend, Home Office Stipend

Commitment to Diversity

At IDEO, we are committed to the work of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and in the world. Our purpose of having disproportionate, world-changing impact through design is directly connected to our ability to bring many different perspectives to the table. This applies to our candidates, the people we hire, the clients and customers we serve, and the communities we learn from in our research.

As a human-centered organization, we are committed to working with and designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief. We recognize that this commitment requires ongoing work and sustained attention, as well as adaptation to new insights and best practices. We keep our diversity data public for the sake of accountability and transparency. These commitments will also be part of your journey at IDEO, so please feel free to read more about them here.

Salary : $180,000 - $250,000