Description

Location: Kansas City, MO
Department: Sales
Reports To:  Sales Leadership
Position Type: Full-Time

So, what is Crux? It’s the nitty gritty, the heart of the matter.  We know the traditional agency model isn’t a fit for everyone, so we take a different approach. Think of us as the “un-agency.” 

When you join Crux, you become part of an entrepreneurial team committed to elevating brands and amplifying missions. We’re trusting, accountable and unrelenting driven to help each other and our clients succeed. 

We’re seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Business Development to lead how Crux grows. In this role, you will own new business strategy and execution, build meaningful partnerships, and translate market opportunity into long term client relationships that align with our values and vision.

This role requires a confident storyteller and trusted advisor who thrives in ambiguity, understands how to sell without selling, and can balance big picture growth with hands on execution. You bring energy, credibility, and discipline to the work, helping Crux expand thoughtfully while staying true to who we are.

Who You Are:

You are someone who:

• Models Team Crux values with a collaborative, kind, and accountable approach
• Thrives in relationship driven environments and brings energy to every interaction
• Builds trust quickly and maintains a strong, authentic network across industries and communities
• Sees opportunity everywhere and knows how to turn conversations into long term partnerships
• Communicates with clarity and confidence, whether one on one or in a room full of stakeholders
• Understands how to sell without selling, leading with insight, credibility, and care
• Balances big picture growth with thoughtful, hands-on execution
• Moves comfortably through ambiguity and adapts as priorities and opportunities evolve
• Takes ownership of the firm’s growth efforts and follows through from first connection to signed partnership
• Finds purpose in helping Crux grow in a way that feels aligned, intentional, and true to who we are

What You Will Do:

Business Development and Growth Leadership

·  Lead Crux’s new business strategy from opportunity identification through close

·  Build and maintain a strong pipeline of aligned prospective clients and partners

·  Drive outbound and inbound business development efforts through networking, referrals, and strategic outreach

·  Represent Crux in the market through events, meetings, and community presence

·  Own early stage conversations and discovery to understand client needs and assess fit

·  Partner with internal leaders to shape proposals, scopes, and pricing that reflect client goals and Crux capabilities

·  Guide prospects through the decision process with clarity, confidence, and care

·  Track opportunities and momentum to ensure follow through from first conversation to signed engagement

Relationship and Network Development

·  Act as the primary steward of Crux’s external relationships and reputation

·  Build long term partnerships with clients, referral sources, and industry peers

·  Leverage an active, authentic network to open doors and expand Crux’s reach

·  Nurture existing client relationships to support expansion, renewals, and referrals

·  Collaborate closely with leadership to align growth efforts with business priorities

·  Provide market insight and feedback to inform positioning, offerings, and strategy

·  Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by understanding both their business challenges and aspirations

Requirements

What You Bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales leadership, or client growth roles, with agency, professional services, or consulting experience strongly preferred
• Proven success building and closing new business through relationship driven strategies
• A well-established professional network and a track record of leveraging it to generate opportunities
• Experience leading complex sales cycles from first conversation through contract execution
• Strong ability to assess fit, qualify opportunities, and prioritize efforts effectively
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively
• Comfort collaborating with senior leaders and cross functional teams to shape solutions and proposals
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust quickly with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organizational discipline to manage pipeline activity, follow ups, and momentum
• Familiarity with CRM tools, pipeline tracking, or sales reporting systems
• Bonus: Experience selling integrated marketing, creative, or digital services