What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Strategic Partnerships (West Michigan) position at Pophouse?
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
Minimum Qualifications
Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back.
About Us
Started in 2013, Pophouse is a full-scope design studio focused on the built environment. Located in Detroit, Michigan, we work on both commercial and residential projects with a specialty in workplace, hospitality, and retail as well as home office design. Our team of designers and strategists work to positively impact people through interior, industrial, and environmental graphic design.
Leveraging industry research and business intelligence, we begin every project with a meaningful strategy that informs our design narrative. The design narrative is then carried through every aspect of the project including finishes, space plans, custom furniture, branding, wayfinding, signage, and artwork to transform the space into one that highlights culture, increases productivity, and optimizes business outcomes.
This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time. Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at Careers@Rocket.com.
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
- 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
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.
- 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
Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back.
About Us
Started in 2013, Pophouse is a full-scope design studio focused on the built environment. Located in Detroit, Michigan, we work on both commercial and residential projects with a specialty in workplace, hospitality, and retail as well as home office design. Our team of designers and strategists work to positively impact people through interior, industrial, and environmental graphic design.
Leveraging industry research and business intelligence, we begin every project with a meaningful strategy that informs our design narrative. The design narrative is then carried through every aspect of the project including finishes, space plans, custom furniture, branding, wayfinding, signage, and artwork to transform the space into one that highlights culture, increases productivity, and optimizes business outcomes.
This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time. Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at Careers@Rocket.com.