Ecosystem Development Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

About this role

The Team:

The Digital Wealth organization at BlackRock is a forward-looking, globally connected team at the center of the firm's most high-impact priorities. We are architects of growth, working across functions and markets to unlock opportunities and accelerate outcomes for the business. Our work is powered by world-class centers of excellence spanning product, content strategy, research & analytics, and digital platforms & experiences.

The US Direct channel is one of the fastest growing areas of BlackRock's business, driven by the rapid expansion of self-directed investing and digital wealth platforms. This role sits at the center of that evolution - shaping how millions of investors access markets, products, and advice. This is a unique opportunity to build and scale partnerships across leading retail brokerage and fintech platforms, while helping define BlackRock's long-term strategy in the digital wealth ecosystem.

Role and Impact:

Reporting to the Head of the US Direct business, the Director of Business & Platform Development will own and drive BlackRock's partnership and client coverage strategy across the digital wealth ecosystem, serving as the lead relationship manager for key retail brokerage and platform partners, leading the identification, development, and execution of high-impact commercial opportunities.

This individual will serve as a senior external representative of BlackRock to key digital platforms and will be responsible for originating and advancing strategic partnerships that drive measurable business outcomes, including asset growth, product adoption, and platform integration.

This role is a unique opportunity to shape BlackRock's position in one of the most important and fast-evolving segments of wealth management - defining how products, technology, and content come together to serve the next generation of self-directed investors.

Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the partnership strategy for the US Direct channel, setting priorities across online brokers, robo-advisors, and fintech platforms to drive long-term growth

• Own senior relationship management across priority platforms, establishing coverage models, engagement cadence, and long-term growth plans

• Build and scale partnerships from early-stage relationships, driving increased adoption, integration, and commercial impact

• Own and deliver commercial outcomes, with direct accountability for revenue growth, asset flows, and platform penetration across key partnerships

• Originate, structure, and execute strategic partnerships, leading end-to-end deal development from initial engagement through negotiation and implementation

• Activate and expand a network of senior industry relationships to unlock new opportunities, accelerate access, and position BlackRock as a partner of choice within the digital wealth ecosystem

• Shape and evolve BlackRock's value proposition for digital platforms, aligning investment products, portfolio solutions, technology (including Aladdin Wealth), and content to address partner needs and differentiate in the market

• Serve as a senior external leader and industry voice, representing BlackRock with clients, partners, and at key industry forums to influence how the firm is positioned in digital wealth

• Orchestrate cross-functional execution across Product, Marketing, Aladdin Wealth, US Wealth Advisory, and other teams-ensuring alignment, speed, and high-quality delivery on partnership initiatives

• Translate market intelligence into strategy, providing leadership with actionable insights on platform trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business models

• Lead and develop team members, setting direction, elevating performance standards, and mentoring junior professionals to build a high-performing business development team

• Drive strategic initiatives to expand the channel, including new partnership models, platform integrations, and go-to-market approaches

• Engage with senior leadership across BlackRock, contributing to broader US Wealth and global Direct strategy as a key stakeholder

• Travel as needed to support client engagement, partnership development, and industry representation

Core Skills and Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in retail brokerage and self-directed investing ecosystems, including a strong understanding of platform business models, economics, and competitive dynamics across online brokers, robo-advisors, and fintechs

• Proven ability to build and lead senior client relationships, serving as a trusted partner to platform executives and owning coverage and growth strategy

• Established network within the digital wealth ecosystem, with demonstrated ability to originate and accelerate partnership opportunities

• Experience structuring and executing complex partnerships, including negotiating commercial agreements and driving implementation

• Strong knowledge of investment products and portfolio solutions (e.g., ETFs, mutual funds, alternatives) and how they are distributed on digital platforms

• Ability to translate market insights into clear, actionable strategy and identify new growth opportunities

• Track record of operating effectively across cross-functional teams, influencing stakeholders across product, technology, marketing, and distribution

• Builder mindset, with the ability to operate in ambiguity and scale partnerships and initiatives from early-stage or underpenetrated starting points

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and elevate talent, combined with strong executive presence and communication skills

• Demonstrated use of AI tools with fluency and agility, showing adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to learn in evolving environments.

• Embodies an AI-ready mindset through curiosity, eagerness, and being an early adopter.

• 10+ years of relevant experience with a preference for candidates with 15+ years of experience.

For New York, NY and SF4-San Francisco - 400 Howard Street Only the salary range for this position is USD$200,000.00 - USD$270,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance. For DC3-Washington - 1401 New York Avenue, N.W., 3rd Floor, CHI-Chicago - 227 West Monroe Street and AT8 - 725 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta Only the salary range for this position is USD$185,000.00 - USD$250,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock's hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person - aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

Guidance on AI use for candidates

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work - enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we've provided guidanceon when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children's educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment - the one we make in our employees. It's why we're dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

BlackRock is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religion, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.View theEEOC's Know Your Rights poster and its supplementand thepay transparency statement.

BlackRock is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals and to providing reasonable accommodations or job modifications for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation/adjustments are needed throughout the employment process, please email Disability.Assistance@blackrock.com. All requests are treated in line with ourprivacy policy.

BlackRock will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance law.