VP, New Business Director

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The VP, New Business Director is a strategic, results-oriented professional responsible for driving the agency’s new business growth by identifying and cultivating new client relationships. In this role, you will blend your passion for creativity, your expertise in business development, and your skills in current and emerging technology to position the agency as a top choice for potential clients. You’ll work closely with our senior leadership to develop strategies that leverage our unique strengths, targeting clients who align with our values and vision.

Client Acquisition & Strategy

• Using the latest tools, technology (AI) and trends, identify, prospect, and secure new business opportunities across industries, emphasizing clients seeking fresh, culturally attuned, and innovative advertising solutions.
• Develop a robust understanding of the agency’s services and capabilities, crafting tailored strategies that communicate our strengths to prospective clients.
• Collaborate with leadership to set new business goals and create a clear roadmap for new business growth.
• Be aware of all agency work and sees how it can apply to new business opportunities.
• Be the main point of contact for Request for Proposals (RFPs), lead and write RFP responses.
  
  
  

Relationship Management

• Create/maintain a network that keeps you “in the know” about appropriate opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with potential clients, focusing on creating lasting partnerships built on trust, alignment, and shared values.
• Represent the agency at industry events, networking opportunities, and other relevant gatherings to enhance the agency’s visibility and reputation.
• Create innovative approaches on ways to market our agency to consultants and prospects.
  
  
  

Pitch Development & Presentation

• Lead the End-to-End Pitch Process: Oversee all stages of the pitch process—from strategy formulation to proposal development and final presentation—ensuring that each element aligns with the client’s specific objectives and goals.
• Develop a Clear, Transparent Pitch Process: Establish and maintain a structured internal pitch process that is straightforward and accessible, promoting clear communication, accountability, and a frictionless workflow across teams. This process should include defined timelines, deliverables, and checkpoints to keep everyone aligned and efficient.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Teams: Facilitate collaboration between creative, strategy, and account management teams to deliver cohesive and compelling pitches. Ensure that each team’s contributions are seamlessly integrated, resulting in a unified presentation that resonates with clients.
  
  
  

Market & Competitor Insights

• Stay up-to-date on industry news, trends and client side movement for potential new business opportunities.
• Conduct ongoing research to understand market trends, client needs, and competitive landscapes, adapting strategies to stay ahead.
• Share insights and recommendations with leadership to refine positioning, service offerings, and business development tactics.
  
  
  

Post-Pitch Strategy to Stay Top of Mind: After delivering a final pitch, maintaining a strategic presence is essential to keep the agency top of mind with potential clients until a decision is made.

• Targeted Follow-Up Communication: Send a personalized follow-up within 24 hours of the pitch, expressing gratitude and reinforcing key points that align with the client’s objectives. This message should be succinct, emphasizing the agency’s unique value and dedication to their goals.
• Content-Driven Engagement: Share relevant insights, case studies, or industry articles that demonstrate the agency's thought leadership and expertise. Tailor each piece to the client’s interests to subtly remind them of the agency’s proactive and informed approach.
• Senior Leadership Check-Ins: Arrange periodic check-ins from senior leadership or relevant team members to offer any additional support, clarify questions, or discuss any post-pitch thoughts.
• Add Value Without Pressure: Send a short, insightful “Pulse Update” on relevant trends or potential challenges that align with the client’s business, framing the agency as a knowledgeable partner ready to support their needs.
  
  
  

Encourage Continuous Improvement: As the New Business Lead, a critical part of your role will be conducting post-pitch reviews to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, ensuring continuous improvement in our approach.

• Pitch Strengths & Challenges: Identify standout elements that resonated with the client and areas needing refinement.
• Client Feedback Analysis: Review client feedback to determine alignment with our value proposition and responsiveness to client needs.
• Team Dynamics & Efficiency: Reflect on collaboration and communication within the pitch team to streamline future efforts.
  
  
  

Additionally, each quarter, you will work closely with senior leadership on a comprehensive diagnostic review, focusing on key metrics such as:

• Team Hours and Resource Allocation: Analyzing the time commitment and resources invested in pitches, aiming to optimize efficiency.
• Pitching Costs: Reviewing associated costs to ensure that new business efforts align with agency goals and yield sustainable growth.
• Win/Loss Analysis: Identifying patterns in successful and unsuccessful pitches to refine our targeting and messaging strategies.
  
  
  

These reviews will drive a data-informed, strategic approach to our new business initiatives, ensuring that every pitch aligns with our agency's vision and maximizes our potential for growth.

Requirements

• 10 years of experience in business development, client acquisition, or account management within advertising, marketing, or a related field.
• Proven success in securing new business, with a track record of meeting or exceeding growth targets.
• Strong understanding of the advertising landscape, with a focus on multicultural marketing and cultural insights.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, able to inspire and engage potential clients.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, independent environment.
• Familiarity with CRM tools, AI and digital prospecting platforms.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a small to mid-sized agency setting, where versatility and flexibility are key.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with brands looking for innovation, inclusivity, and bold creative approaches.
  
  
  

The salary range for this position is $150,000.00 to $ 200,000.00. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; the associated discipline; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company(applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

At WI we are committed to cultivating an environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. We promote DEI in our workplace and are a global community who believe our unique qualities should be celebrated. We want everyone at Walton Isaacson to bring their authentic selves to work everyday, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.