Pophouse is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial Director of Strategic Partnerships to advance our design vision, grow our regional presence, and drive revenue growth through lasting client relationships and exceptional design experiences across West Michigan. This role will be responsible for cultivating high-value client partnerships, and shaping regional practice strategies in alignment with Pophouse leadership. In this role, you will balance external thought leadership with internal design excellence - engaging existing and new clients, elevating creative rigor, and ensuring every project reflects the firm’s commitment to innovation and impact.

About the role

• Lead the development and execution of a strategic business plan to grow Pophouse’s project portfolio in West Michigan
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, brokers, architects, and other key decision-makers, driving revenue through exceptional design experiences
• Represent Pophouse externally through industry events, conferences, speaking engagements, and thought leadership
• Lead and cultivate new client relationships in West Michigan
• Track market trends and competitive activity to inform business and design strategies
• Oversee the creation of compelling proposals, presentations, and project narratives that reflect design excellence and impact
• Report to the President on pipeline activity, opportunities, and progress toward strategic growth and design goals
• Collaborate with Pophouse leadership to shape the firm’s design vision, translating it into actionable strategies and innovative project solutions
• Foster a collaborative, transparent culture that emphasizes shared success and high-quality outcomes across all teams

Success in this role

• Measurable growth in Pophouse’s client base and project revenue across target markets
• Expanded visibility and reputation of Pophouse in Grand Rapids and West Michigan
• Strong partnerships with key industry players driving a steady pipeline of opportunities
• Expansion of Pophouse’s project portfolio with repeat clients and new high-value engagements driven by the firm’s reputation for design excellence
• Consistent delivery of projects that exceed client expectations in design quality, innovation, and experiences, resulting in strong referrals and ongoing partnerships
• Projects in West Michigan reflect a unified design vision, creativity, and attention to detail that strengthens the firm’s brand and market positioning

About you

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business development, client strategy, or sales within commercial interior design, architecture, or related fields
• Proven track record of generating and closing high-value B2B opportunities
• Deep network and knowledge of the West Michigan commercial real estate and design communities
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Established reputation in the industry
• Experience leading professional services practice with demonstrated growth
• Recognized thought leader through speaking, writing engagements, and award-winning projects
• Knowledge of business strategy and ability to inspire integrated project teams toward common goals 
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently while aligning with company goals.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment while delivering results in a high-impact, autonomous capacity
• Comprehensive expertise in commercial design