Business Development Manager at MXD in Chicago, IL

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD

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. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more. 

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.

Position Overview

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.

Position 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.

Position 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.
• Onsite expectation 3-4 days a week

**Salary Range: $**85,000-$95,000

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting.

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.

• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.

• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement 

• We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.

Accommodations Include: 

• Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.

• Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.

• Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

MxD Pay

$85,000—$95,000 USD