Associate Partner, Strategic Growth

Chicago, IL - In Office/Hybrid 

VSA’s purpose is to design for a better human experience. As a strategy and design agency, we blend consumer insights and data with human-centered design to activate meaningful, motivating and measurable experiences in the world. VSA offers a full range of fully integrated capabilities—branding, advertising, data science and technology—all under one roof. VSA is also a founding agency of Meet The People, a family of unified and independent agencies. For more than 40 years, we have delivered solutions for business and creative leaders at some of the world’s most respected brands and forward-thinking organizations, including Google, Nike and IBM. 

Associate Partner, Strategic Growth

Growth is a team sport. And you’re the quarterback. (Okay, that’s the last sports metaphor—promise.) But this role really is about being a decisive leader—someone who knows how to motivate, coordinate, and rally a team to shared success.

At VSA, we don’t just chase opportunities—we create them. As an independent, design-driven consultancy, we thrive on enduring client relationships, referrals, and a track record of high-conversion wins. We need a high-energy, strategic thinker who embraces the thrill of the hunt and knows how to connect clients with the right solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Outbound Growth – Spearhead VSA’s business development efforts, identifying, cultivating, and converting new opportunities.
• Shape the Right Opportunities – Collaborate with senior leadership, strategy, and creative teams to target, develop, and land high-value engagements.
• Sell with Insight – Use a consultative, strategic approach to uncover client challenges and position VSA as the solution.
• Build Meaningful Relationships – Grow a network of decision-makers, industry leaders, and prospective clients who turn to VSA as a trusted partner.
• Drive Execution – Adapt seamlessly between crafting the perfect pitch and directing a team to bring a vision to life.
• Champion the VSA Difference – Leverage our design heritage, independent spirit, and legacy of impact to open doors and win business.

You’re the Perfect Candidate If…

• You have 10+ years of experience in marketing, branding, business development, or a sales related field with a proven track record of driving growth and revenue.
• You have led cross-functional teams- Supporting multi-disciplinary teams across account management and business development.
• You understand lead nurturing & funnel management- Can attract potential clients but also move them efficiently from awareness to conversion.
• You have a growth mindset and a proven track record in strategic selling and relationship-building.
• You view listening as a secret weapon—knowing when to steer, when to challenge, and when to close.
• You love the puzzle of business development—figuring out where to play and how to win.
• You are enduringly optimistic and see possibilities where others see obstacles.
• You’re a doer—equally capable of crafting a pitch or directing a team to build it.
• You don’t just tolerate change—you thrive in it, shaping and building as you go.
• You genuinely love the matchmaking challenge of connecting clients and agencies.
• You believe that there are no boring clients—just untapped potential.
• You embrace goals and accountability—and know how to rally a team to meet them.
• You’re a builder at heart—you thrive when you are collaborating with a team or client, building on ideas together.

Still with us? Good. Let’s talk.