Business Development Director

Job Summary

The Advocate Health National Center for Clinical Trials (NCCT) is a first‑of‑its‑kind, fully integrated solution designed to make participation in clinical trials part of the standard of care for patients. NCCT’s technology ecosystem supports clinical trials across all stages of planning and execution, from recruitment and retention to management and virtual care. The Business Development Director plays a key leadership role in advancing NCCT’s mission by identifying, cultivating, and securing clinical trial opportunities with industry sponsors and other stakeholders.

The Director reports to the Head of Commercial for NCCT and leads a growing team of sales professionals while driving growth, enhancing visibility, and expanding the clinical trials portfolio across Advocate Health.

Essential Functions

• Manage key accounts to expand NCCT’s clinical trial opportunities, focusing on therapeutic areas aligned with Advocate Health’s strategic priorities.
• Oversee the reporting and progress of a robust business development pipeline, identifying and resolving barriers to progressing study opportunities to close.
• Work cross‑functionally with NCCT leadership, researchers, legal, finance, and compliance teams to establish and scale processes that maximize win rate while accelerating time to contract execution.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform strategic planning and positioning. Conduct research to identify new study opportunities and customer needs.
• Lead the creation and development of tailored proposals, including negotiating terms and conditions, presentations, and pitch materials for prospective sponsor partners, showcasing NCCT’s capabilities and value proposition.
• Foster long‑term relationships with sponsors and CROs, ensuring satisfaction and identifying opportunities for repeat or expanded engagement. Arrange business meetings with prospective clients based on guidance from Business Development leadership.
• Develop, track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business development activities, including deal volume, revenue impact, partner feedback, etc.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams across clinical, operational, and administrative domains to ensure alignment and execution of strategic initiatives. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success and mission of NCCT.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field (MBA preferred). 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, or sales support roles.
• 10+ years of experience in clinical research or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to track pipeline and activities; familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS).
• Experience establishing large, complex, strategic partnerships within the clinical trial industry, preferably in selling clinical trial site services.
• Proven track record of closing large, multi‑site deals with pharmaceutical, biotechnology organizations, and Clinical Research Organizations (CROs).
• Experience working with academic medical centers, integrated health systems, or large site networks.
• Strong leadership acumen with proven experience mentoring sales team members.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Strong collaboration, influence, and communication skills to partner effectively with relevant stakeholders.
• Strategic leader with a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset. Knowledge of clinical trial operations, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Highly developed organizational, problem‑solving, and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize time‑sensitive tasks.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and ensure project progress.

Pay Range

USD 68.20 – 102.30 per hour

Work Conditions

• Significant travel within the Advocate Aurora footprint, exposing the incumbent to weather and road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to a normal office environment and/or remote work environment.

Benefits

• Base compensation within the listed pay range; premium pay such as shift or on‑call pay; incentive pay for select positions; opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.