Business Development Director

Ideas United is a creative studio built on the power of storytelling. Our progressive model allows our team to take an unconventional approach – by finding and fostering emerging talent, we have built a global talent network of 3,500 storytellers working alongside our in-house creatives. We partner with the best in the business — from trailblazing brands to pioneering universities and nonprofits. Through authentic, story-driven content, we create high-quality videos (from television ads to digital), events, and more. Our clients (partners) have included leading brands such as Disney, Southern Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and PGA TOUR, along with incredible university & nonprofit partners such as Smithsonian Institution, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, University of Cincinnati Health, and many others. We push boundaries — investing in purpose-driven collaborations that create a lasting impact. Together, we lift voices and drive change, amplifying underrepresented perspectives and celebrating the storytellers who shape our world.

We are a team of people with diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and unique interests. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability has equal opportunities to thrive, collaborate, and create. 

Click here to learn a bit about our team!

Summary

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Business Development Director to join our dynamic business development team and help us continue to scale. Our company is experiencing significant double-digit growth, with success across multiple industries including universities and nonprofits, Atlanta premier brands, healthcare organizations, golf organizations, and more. This role is ideal for someone with a proven track record of creating successful partnerships, especially in branded content, universities, and/or nonprofit organizations. Our Business Development Director will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining key partner (client) relationships, closing deals, and driving revenue growth. You will work closely with senior leadership to strategize and execute on high-impact opportunities that align with iU’s mission and goals. This is not a management position.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate with leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities, expanding iU’s partnerships in branded content, nonprofit, and/or university sectors.
• Establish and nurture relationships with key decision-makers, leveraging networking and prospecting to grow our client base.
• Develop and present customized proposals based on a deep understanding of client needs and iU’s capabilities.
• Lead pitches and presentations to potential partners and clients, effectively communicating iU’s value proposition.
• Negotiate and close deals from start to finish, managing the full sales cycle with precision.
• Consistently meet and exceed quarterly and annual sales targets by developing and maintaining a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with Creative, Production, and Account Management teams to ensure a seamless transition from partnership initiation to launch.
• Remain a key point of contact for current and future partnership growth, fostering long-term relationships and strategic alliances.
• Occasionally present at industry conferences to showcase iU’s thought leadership and build business opportunities.

What we'll love about you:

• Experience: 4–10 years of business development, sales, or partnership experience, ideally in university partnerships, nonprofit, or branded content. A proven track record of closing high-value deals, including $1M+ projects, is a plus.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills. Ability to lead and support pitches, manage complex negotiations, and build lasting client relationships.
• Self-Starter: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive. Capable of working independently and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ambition: A competitive, results-driven mindset with a passion for growth. You thrive on achieving and exceeding sales goals.
• Team Player: Collaborative, flexible, and able to work cross-functionally with various internal departments to ensure smooth business processes and exceptional client service.

What you'll love about us:

• Competitive salary and sales commission
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Robust 401k with company-matching 
• Flexible working schedule + hybrid work environment
• Frequent team activities to keep spirits high
• Professional growth + internal educational events
• Dog-friendly office

If you require reasonable accommodation in interviewing, completing any employment testing, or otherwise participating in this hiring process, please use our application to indicate any specific inquiries. Only requests related to accommodations will be responded to.

All offers of employment at Ideas United are contingent upon clear results of a background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.