Director of Business Development
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Greenwood Project
The Greenwood Project was founded in 2016 based on two core principles:
Students cant be what they cant see
and
There is no lack of talent only a lack of opportunity.
GPs mission is bold essential and long overdue. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for qualified Black and Latino college students to attain high-trajectory careers in financial services through rigorous training and internships. At Greenwood Project we dont just talk about change; we are the catalyst for it breaking barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse financial industry. Our people are the foundation that allows us to achieve our ambitious goals. Becoming part of the Greenwood Project team means joining a group of driven passionate and intellectually curious individuals. To work here is to be crucial to the organizations success.
Director of Business Development
Ready to build relationships that fund futures Were seeking a Director of Business Development to drive revenue growth by closing deals with foundations high net worth individuals and family offices. This role reports to the CEO and is designed for experienced sales and business development professionals who have closed major accounts exceeded revenue targets built trusted client relationships and who are excited to bring that expertise into a mission-driven context. We also welcome seasoned fundraisers with a proven track record of driving major gift strategies and closing significant gifts.
This is an opportunity to build and own this revenue function from the ground up. Youll have the autonomy to design your own prospecting strategies create cultivation processes and establish the systems that will scale with our growth.
Every relationship you cultivate and every gift you close directly creates opportunities for our scholars to break into finance careers.
This role offers the deal complexity and deal sophistication of high-stakes sales with the mission-driven purpose of creating generational wealth-building opportunities.
Why Now
Greenwood Project is at an inflection point. Weve proven our model works and our programs are scaling rapidly. We need someone who can capitalize on this momentum and turn warm relationships into transformational commitments. With current donor relationships being maintained by our existing team this person can focus purely on expanding our donor base. Youll operate like a founder-level revenue leader in a lean high-growth environment. This is your chance to join during our expansion phase where your efforts will have an outsized impact on both revenue and organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Leadership: Build and execute $1M annual revenue strategy targeting high-net-worth individuals foundations and family offices. with an emphasis on closing five- and six-figure deals.
Deal Execution: Own the full revenue cycle prospecting discovery proposal development negotiations close and expansion. Operate with the urgency and discipline of a quota-carrying sales professional.
Portfolio and Pipeline Management: Maintain a qualified pipeline of 75 qualified prospects with systematic tracking strategic follow up and data-driven forecasting.
Executive Collaboration: Collaborate with the CEO and cross-functional teams (Programs Partnerships Governing Board Young Professionals Board) to align donor engagement with organizational priorities.
Sales & Development Operations: Implement and manage the infrastructure that drives success; CRM tracking reporting pipeline forecasting and performance metrics. Maintain pipeline discipline with systematic relationship tracking across all prospect interactions.
Executive Presence: Represent Greenwood Project at high-level meetings and events delivering compelling pitches that clearly communicate the ROI for donors.
Qualifications
A note to potential candidates: Multiple studies have shown that BIPOC and other candidates from marginalized populations are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description. Greenwood Project is committed to building a diverse equitable and inclusive organization and finding the best candidate for the job. We would strongly encourage interested individuals to apply even if they dont believe they meet every one of the qualifications described below.
Required:
5 years in revenue-generating roles with at least 3 years in a closing or quota-carrying capacity. OR equivalent experience in major gifts fundraising with consistent success securing five- and six-figure commitments. Finance industry experience is a strong plus and were especially interested in sales professionals eager to apply their skills in a mission-driven setting
Excellent relationship management and communication skills: Comfortable presenting to C-suite executives family office principals and foundation boards. Able to command a room build trust quickly and close complex deals
5 years in revenue-generating roles with at least 3 years in a closing or quota-carrying capacity. OR equivalent experience in major gifts fundraising with consistent success securing five- and six-figure commitments. Finance industry experience is a strong plus and were especially interested in sales professionals eager to apply their skills in a mission-driven setting
Excellent relationship management and communication skills: Comfortable presenting to C-suite executives family office principals and foundation boards. Able to command a room build trust quickly and close complex deals
Self-starter with exceptional organizational discipline and strategic thinking - a prospecting athlete comfortable managing complex long-cycle relationships
Proficiency in CRM platforms (HubSpot preferred)
Deep commitment to Greenwoods mission of education access and workforce development
Preferred:
Revenue generation in sales account management business development or fundraising
Experience in financial services fintech or fast-growth startups building client relationships
Familiarity with Chicagos philanthropic community is helpful but we are equally enthusiastic about candidates from sales or business development backgrounds who are excited to apply their expertise in a new and impactful space
Knowledge of corporate sponsorships foundation funding cycles and high-net-worth client events is valuable
Familiarity with the financial services industry is also a strong plus
Knowledge of corporate sponsorships foundation funding cycles and high-net-worth client events is valuable
Familiarity with the financial services industry is also a strong plus
Benefits
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Greenwood Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity disability age religion ancestry marital status familial status or any other legally protected classification federally or in the State of Illinois. The Greenwood Project does not discriminate in its activities educational programs hiring practices or employment practices as required by Title VI IX and Section 504.
Compensation and Benefits
This position is based in Chicago with a hybrid work environment.
Base Salary: $00
On-Target Earnings (OTE): Approximately $150000 at 100% of goal with total compensation potential up to $265000 based on performance
This role offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee health care dental and vision coverage disability insurance 401(k) plan and generous paid time off.
Base Salary: $00
On-Target Earnings (OTE): Approximately $150000 at 100% of goal with total compensation potential up to $265000 based on performance
This role offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee health care dental and vision coverage disability insurance 401(k) plan and generous paid time off.
Shared Values
- Cultural Competency: All team members strive to build a working knowledge of the historical social and economic history of this country with a particular value for diverse identities ideas and experiences. As team members we consistently work to acquire and apply cultural knowledge and adapt to the cultural context of various communities. We are reflective and often think about the impact of our actions words and thoughts on various components of their and others intersectional lines of identity. We strive to self-monitor our various layers of privilege and push the organization to be the strongest collection of voices possible.
- Influence and Impact: We value learning about the working styles and preferences of others and strive to adapt our approach to maximize the success of everyone on the team.
- Strategic Thinking: We critically analyze inputs and think through the long-term outputs of the organization working to create systems and structures that are scalable and sustainable.
- Self-Direction: Our team members operate with both initiative and follow-through to ensure that we can operate in ways that build trust in each other.
- Balance: We value in-person collaboration and independent flexible work. That is why we have a hybrid schedule with most associates finding a balance between office and home.
- Growth: We want your career to be satisfying for the long term. If you want to try a new project or attend a meeting with another group we welcome it. We want you to learn stretch and grow as much as you want.
If you thrive in a dynamic fast-paced environment and are eager to be part of a team dedicated to creating opportunities for qualified college students while driving meaningful change we encourage you to apply for this role at Greenwood Project.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
About Company
We connect finance firms who want to make DEI a reality with Black and Latino students who want to change their lives by joining the world of finance.