What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director, New Business Operations position at Cronin and Company?
Associate Director, New Business Operations
About Us
We’re an award-winning, rapidly growing, fully integrated marketing and advertising agency in Connecticut. Cronin leverages the exponential force of creativity to help brands thrive. At Cronin, it’s our mission to create Brand and Demand for our clients. Our key point of difference is our ability to build and establish brands for clients while driving sales & leads. This full-funnel approach leads to measurable results and above average retention of clients and team members.
While our work spans all industries, we have strength in categories that matter in today’s environment, including Financial, Health, Consumer, and B2B. Building on our 75-year history of innovation, strategic smarts, and creativity, we embrace AI, analytics, and service models to create exceptional value for clients. We are a member of AMIN, a global network of independent agencies, and work globally, nationally, and regionally with clients on multiple continents.
About Us
We’re an award-winning, rapidly growing, fully integrated marketing and advertising agency in Connecticut. Cronin leverages the exponential force of creativity to help brands thrive. At Cronin, it’s our mission to create Brand and Demand for our clients. Our key point of difference is our ability to build and establish brands for clients while driving sales & leads. This full-funnel approach leads to measurable results and above average retention of clients and team members.
While our work spans all industries, we have strength in categories that matter in today’s environment, including Financial, Health, Consumer, and B2B. Building on our 75-year history of innovation, strategic smarts, and creativity, we embrace AI, analytics, and service models to create exceptional value for clients. We are a member of AMIN, a global network of independent agencies, and work globally, nationally, and regionally with clients on multiple continents.
We are “All goat, no sheep”, which means we boldly lead our clients into new territory. Our culture is based on ten core values: Integrity. Curiosity. Creativity. Connected. Balanced. Unique. Genuine. Accountability. Empathetic. Tenacious.
Come grow with us. Learn more at www.cronin-co.com.
Come grow with us. Learn more at www.cronin-co.com.
About You
You possess characteristics of our inspirational mascot – the goat. Like our Chief Motivating Officer, Birch, you are curious, nimble, inquisitive, and pretty darn smart. You are also a team player who leads by example and inspires all those around you in order to bring out the best in others.
You have natural leadership skills. You are detailed, organized, and a confident communicator with excellent listening skills and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion. You are driven to succeed, a self-starter, and excited to work within our values framework as part of our herd and not as a lone wolf.
This role is perfect for someone who loves creating order from chaos and doesn't mind being the person everyone depends on to keep the new business machine running smoothly
You possess characteristics of our inspirational mascot – the goat. Like our Chief Motivating Officer, Birch, you are curious, nimble, inquisitive, and pretty darn smart. You are also a team player who leads by example and inspires all those around you in order to bring out the best in others.
You have natural leadership skills. You are detailed, organized, and a confident communicator with excellent listening skills and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion. You are driven to succeed, a self-starter, and excited to work within our values framework as part of our herd and not as a lone wolf.
This role is perfect for someone who loves creating order from chaos and doesn't mind being the person everyone depends on to keep the new business machine running smoothly
(while maintaining their sanity through an impressive collection of organizational apps and possibly a secret candy stash).
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Associate Director/Director New Business Operations serves as the operational backbone of our agency's growth initiatives, orchestrating internal processes for new business opportunities while ensuring seamless collaboration between departments. This role focuses on managing the mechanics of new business efforts with limited direct involvement in outbound sales activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Process Management & Optimization
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Associate Director/Director New Business Operations serves as the operational backbone of our agency's growth initiatives, orchestrating internal processes for new business opportunities while ensuring seamless collaboration between departments. This role focuses on managing the mechanics of new business efforts with limited direct involvement in outbound sales activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Process Management & Optimization
- Field initial inquiries (via website or other) and vet new opportunities for the agency
- Develop and maintain efficient systems for tracking and responding to new business opportunities
- Create and manage standardized templates for agency capabilities, case studies, and proposal responses
- Implement and maintain a CRM system for prospect and opportunity tracking
- Establish and monitor KPIs for new business operations
Proposal Management
- Coordinate RFP/RFI response processes
- Coordinate meetings and administrative communications with prospects during the RFP / proposal development process
- Manage the development of pitch presentations and supporting materials
- Ensure consistency in agency positioning and messaging across all new business materials
- Manage and update agency credentials, methodologies, and case studies as needed
Cross-Functional Coordination
- This role works closely with Creative, Strategy, Media, Production, Digital, Communications, Account Service, as well as agency executive leadership
- Partner with Communications team to support and enhance outbound marketing initiatives
- Serve as the central point of contact for internal teams during new business pursuits
- Coordinate resources and schedules for pitch preparations
- Facilitate internal kick-off meetings and status updates
- Manage timeline development and deadline tracking for all new business initiatives
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain detailed records of all new business activities and outcomes
- Prepare regular reports on new business pipeline and success metrics
- Document best practices and learnings from pitch experiences
- Create and maintain new business operational procedures and guidelines
- Responsible for managing and updating agency credentials, methodologies, and case studies as needed to drive business development
Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
Reporting Relationships
This role will report to the COO.
This role will report to the COO.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field
- 5 years of experience in agency operations, project management, or similar role
- Demonstrated experience in proposal management and development
- Previous experience in marketing agency environment
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in CRM systems and project management tools
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Docs)
- Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Wrike)
Soft Skills
- Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Excellence in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with marketing automation platforms
- Knowledge of agency financial operations
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Success Metrics
- Improvement in proposal response time and quality
- Increased win rate on new business pitches
- Enhanced efficiency in internal new business processes
- Positive feedback from internal stakeholders
Other Requirements
- Primarily office-based role with potential for hybrid work arrangement
- Ability to occasionally work extended hours during peak pitch periods
- May require occasional travel for pitch preparations
We're an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
This is an exempt role.
No Recruiters.
