Senior Director of Membership Sales & Growth

TO BE CONSIDERED PLEASE APPLY ON OUR INTERNAL SITE***https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9696a53-1dce-4546-a7a4-cc7f67acfdc3&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_USWho Is Portal InnovationsPortal Innovations is a biotech venture development engine, focused on early-stage life science enterprises. We help exceptional life sciences innovators build their companies where they live and beyond. Launched in 2020, we surround these entrepreneurs with the resources and network they need for seed capital, state-of-the-art lab space, a community-based ecosystem, and access to experts in their fields and prospective investors and partnersAbout This RoleWe're looking for a senior-level, hands-on sales leader who is equally energized by closing new deals and building lasting member relationships. As the Senior Director of Membership Sales & Growth, you will be the primary revenue driver for the Portal Innovations Chicago—owning the full membership strategy and personally executing it, from first outreach to signed agreement. You'll work closely with the Executive Director, Ops Team and COO to close membership agreements, ensure member needs are met, and deliver a seamless experience from first conversation to long-term membership.This is a FULL-TIME role. This role offers a dependable, ON-SITE routine from Monday through Friday. While we primarily stick to our standard business hours, our team does need to have flexibility and occasionally extends the day to meet the evolving needs of our growing business.Our Total Rewards OfferingsSalary Based on ExperienceAnnual Salary Range for This Role: $140–160K base with OTE of $200K–$225K (total base + performance comp potential)In This Role You WillIn this role, you won't just fill space—you'll be the face of Portal Innovations Chicago, championing the community and helping innovators understand the full value of what Portal offers: world-class lab facilities, a thriving ecosystem of peers and mentors, access to capital, and a team genuinely invested in their success. If you're a proven closer with deep roots in life sciences, pharma, med device, or related fields — and you're ready to lead membership growth for one of the most exciting innovation hubs in the region — this role was built for you.Revenue Generation & Pipeline DevelopmentOwn end-to-end membership sales—from strategic prospecting to signed agreement—consistently hitting and exceeding occupancy and revenue targets for Portal Innovations Chicago.Build and maintain a strong, qualified pipeline through proactive outreach, industry networking, referral channels, and your existing network in life sciences and adjacent fields.Identify and pursue the startup communities and sectors most likely to thrive as Portal Innovations membersLeverage deep knowledge of our Chicago site to match prospect needs with available lab and office configurations, structuring deals that balance member flexibility with Portal's revenue objectives.Lead the full sales cycle personally: executive-level discovery conversations, space tours, tailored proposals, contract negotiation, and close — working in close partnership with the Executive Director and COO to finalize agreements.Own pipeline visibility and revenue forecasting, maintaining CRM accuracy and delivering clear reporting to the Executive Director and leadership team.Member Relationships & RetentionInherit and deepen relationships with existing Portal members — understanding their evolving needs and proactively identifying expansion opportunities, contract renewals, and upsell pathways.Partner closely with the Lab Operations team to ensure member needs are met on the ground, from space configuration, lab needs and their day-to-day experience.Provide white-glove service throughout the membership journey, collaborating with Member Experience, Lab Operations, and Marketing for seamless onboarding and exceptional ongoing support.Serve as a strategic advisor to founders and scientists, helping them navigate their evolving needs as their companies grow within Portal Innovations Chicago.Market Presence & Community BuildingRepresent Portal at key industry events, conferences, and networking forums to elevate our presence and generate high-quality leads.Build and maintain a strong referral network among VCs, accelerators, academic institutions, pharma/biotech startups, medical device companies, AI-driven life sciences, and deep tech ventures to create consistent deal flow.Collaborate with the Executive Director, COO, to align on business strategy, share best practices, and ensure Portal Innovations Chicago growth is consistent with Portal's broader mission and goals.To Be Successful You Have/AreA proven closer and relationship builder with a track record of exceeding revenue targets in complex, consultative sales environments.Energized by the startup grind — comfortable building a pipeline from scratch while nurturing an inherited member base.A credible industry presence with deep knowledge of life sciences, pharma, med device, lab services, or related fields, and the network to match.Highly organized and metrics-driven, with a rigorous approach to CRM, forecasting, and revenue accountability.A natural collaborator — equally comfortable working independently and partnering cross-functionally with the Executive Director and Operations teams to get deals done and keep members happy.What We Are Looking For4+ years of progressive sales or business development experience in life sciences, pharma, med device, lab services, commercial real estate, or innovation/incubator environments.A demonstrated history of personally closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals and growing revenue — not just overseeing others who do.Experience selling to or working within research institutions, biotech or pharma companies, hospitals, or life sciences organizations.Established network within the Chicago and broader Midwest life sciences and startup ecosystem is a strong plus — including ties to area universities, accelerators and VCs, pharma and biotech companies, medical device and med sales organizations, lab equipment vendors, life science and biotech staffing firms and other life sciences ecosystem players who interact with or refer early-stage companies.Strong written and verbal communication skills; equally effective in a cold outreach, an executive pitch, or a personalized lab tour.Proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar) and a disciplined approach to pipeline management.Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience.BenefitsExcellent Medical, Dental and VisionLife and Disability BenefitsFlexible PTO PolicyGenerous Parental Leave401K ProgramIn Office Perk: Unlimited Coffee and Snacks to keep you going throughout the dayWork Authorization/Security-Clearance RequirementsMust be eligible to work in the United States.TO BE CONSIDERED PLEASE APPLY ON OUR INTERNAL SITE***https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9696a53-1dce-4546-a7a4-cc7f67acfdc3&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_USPortal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis under provincial, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances.A Little More On Our ValuesWe are looking for colleagues who bring grit to our daily opportunities, seeing every task as a chance to grow. Our team strives to have a deep understanding of our members' needs, and we are dedicated to ensuring Portal is a vibrant and uplifting environment for everyone. Our people-centricity begins with how we empower each other—prioritizing a culture of mutual care so we can provide world-class service to the companies we support. In our collaborative space, we celebrate our wins and approach new challenges with resilience, viewing them as fuel for innovation to enhance the lives of our members. If you are excited to work alongside a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact, we want to meet you!