Application Development Director Jobs in Illinois

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You'll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There's no one like you and that's why there's nowhere like RSM.
Business Development Director - Data & AI Services
Location: Flexible to RSM Major Office Locations
RSM is seeking a dynamic Business Development Director to join our growing team. This role will focus on driving revenue through the sale of RSM's consulting services, with a focus on Data & AI solutions, including strategy, data foundation, analytics/AI implementation, governance/security, and ongoing data/AI managed services.
This BD Director will play a critical role in expanding our presence in the middle market by aligning modern data platforms, AI capabilities, and cloud transformation services to client business outcomes.
The Business Development Director is responsible for leading all aspects of the sales process, including systematic prospect targeting, development of opportunity-specific sales strategies, and quarterbacking pursuits from origination through close. This individual will build and maintain a strong pipeline, collaborate across practices, and position RSM as a trusted advisor for consulting and AI Modernization initiatives.
Responsibilities

• Originate, qualify, and close new business opportunities focused on Consulting Data & AI, Cloud Engineering, and Digital Transformation services
• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies aligned to priority industries and solution offerings
• Lead complex sales cycles, including:
  • Opportunity shaping and solution positioning
  • Executive-level conversations around data strategy, AI adoption, and cloud modernization
  • Proposal development and commercial negotiations
• Partner with Consulting Data & AI, Cloud, and Finance Modernization practice leaders to craft differentiated, outcome-based solutions
• Build and manage a robust pipeline and accurate forecast tied to measurable revenue targets
• Engage with client executives (CIO, CTO, CFO, CDO) to align RSM capabilities to business priorities such as:
  • AI enablement and use case development
  • Data platform modernization and governance
  • Cloud migration and application modernization
  • Finance automation and intelligent workflows
• Orchestrate cross-functional pursuit teams including architects, SMEs, and delivery leaders
• Drive thought leadership through networking, industry events, and Centers of Influence
• Identify cross-sell opportunities within existing accounts to expand data, cloud, and automation footprint
• Collaborate with marketing to execute targeted campaigns supporting Data & AI and Cloud growth initiatives
• Provide ongoing market feedback to leadership on trends, client needs, and competitive positioning

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience
• 7+ years of experience selling technology consulting or professional services, with a focus on:
  • Data & Analytics (Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake, or Databricks)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) services
  • Cloud services (AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCP)
  • AI/ML solutions
  • ERP/Finance transformation or automation
• Proven success managing and closing complex, multi-million-dollar consulting engagements
• Demonstrated ability to engage C-level stakeholders and translate technical offerings into business value
• Experience navigating long, consultative sales cycles from origination through close
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to coordinate across technical, industry, and functional teams
• Experience using CRM tools for pipeline management and forecasting
• Excellent communication, executive presence, and negotiation skills
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration
• Established network of C-suite relationships within the middle market ($20M-$1B revenue)
• Familiarity with modern data platforms, including:
  • Data lakes, data warehouses, and real-time analytics
  • AI/ML lifecycle and governance
  • Integration, APIs, and system modernization
• Experience working with or alongside hyperscalers (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)
• Background in finance transformation, intelligent automation, or ERP modernization is a plus
• Prior experience with a Big Four or national consulting firm preferred
• Active involvement in industry associations or professional networks

What Sets You Apart

• Ability to connect data and AI investments to measurable business outcomes
• Strong commercial instincts paired with consultative selling discipline
• Curiosity and fluency in emerging technologies and their practical application
• Collaborative mindset with a drive to win as a team
• High accountability for results, pipeline health, and forecast accuracy

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life's demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.
RSM does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.
At RSM, an employee's pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Compensation Range: $136,800 - $242,000
Individuals selected for this role may be eligible for sales commissions and a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.