Business Development Associate
Activate Inc., Ferndale, MI, United States
Company Overview
At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration.
Position Summary The Business Development Associate is an junior to mid-level role supporting Activate’s new business efforts across outreach, inbound lead management, pitch preparation, and internal coordination.
This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is highly organized, articulate, and curious about experiential marketing. The Coordinator plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping the Business Development team operate efficiently, ensuring prospects are tracked, materials are polished, and internal teams are aligned for pitch success.
This is a support-focused position with growing exposure to client interaction and strategic thinking over time.
What We’re Looking For We are seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-autonomy environment and is motivated to grow within a business development role.
Ideal candidates will:
Be engaging, personable, and confident in conversations
Build rapport quickly and make others feel comfortable
Proactive and self-directed , taking initiative without waiting for direction
Demonstrate confidence while remaining coachable and open to feedback
Learn quickly through hands-on experience in a fast-moving environment
Be energized by outreach, conversations, and relationship-building
Backgrounds that often translate well to this role include:
Sales, marketing, or communications
Theater, performance, improv, or other public-facing roles
Highly team-oriented environments
Key Responsibilities Outbound Prospecting & Pipeline Development
Identify and pursue new business opportunities across target industries
Conduct outreach via email, LinkedIn, and networking opportunities
Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients
Client Conversations & Qualification
Lead discovery calls with prospective clients
Ask thoughtful questions to understand goals, budgets, and needs
Clearly communicate Activate’s capabilities and approach
Pitch Support & Development
Partner with Creative and Production teams to shape pitch direction
Contribute ideas and insights to strengthen proposals
Support pitch preparation and presentation
Internal Coordination
Maintain CRM accuracy and pipeline tracking
Coordinate with internal teams to move opportunities forward
Assist in preparing materials, case studies, and presentations
What This Role Is (and Isn’t) This role is:
Fast-paced and hands-on
High-autonomy with real responsibility early on
A chance to learn by doing and grow quickly
This role is not:
A structured training program
A step-by-step, heavily guided position
A passive or behind-the-scenes role
Qualifications
1–5 years of professional experience (required)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Comfortable leading conversations and asking questions
Organized and detail-oriented
Experience with outreach, sales, or client-facing work preferred
Michigan-based or willing to work hybrid in Ferndale
Activate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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Position Summary The Business Development Associate is an junior to mid-level role supporting Activate’s new business efforts across outreach, inbound lead management, pitch preparation, and internal coordination.
This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is highly organized, articulate, and curious about experiential marketing. The Coordinator plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping the Business Development team operate efficiently, ensuring prospects are tracked, materials are polished, and internal teams are aligned for pitch success.
This is a support-focused position with growing exposure to client interaction and strategic thinking over time.
What We’re Looking For We are seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-autonomy environment and is motivated to grow within a business development role.
Ideal candidates will:
Be engaging, personable, and confident in conversations
Build rapport quickly and make others feel comfortable
Proactive and self-directed , taking initiative without waiting for direction
Demonstrate confidence while remaining coachable and open to feedback
Learn quickly through hands-on experience in a fast-moving environment
Be energized by outreach, conversations, and relationship-building
Backgrounds that often translate well to this role include:
Sales, marketing, or communications
Theater, performance, improv, or other public-facing roles
Highly team-oriented environments
Key Responsibilities Outbound Prospecting & Pipeline Development
Identify and pursue new business opportunities across target industries
Conduct outreach via email, LinkedIn, and networking opportunities
Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients
Client Conversations & Qualification
Lead discovery calls with prospective clients
Ask thoughtful questions to understand goals, budgets, and needs
Clearly communicate Activate’s capabilities and approach
Pitch Support & Development
Partner with Creative and Production teams to shape pitch direction
Contribute ideas and insights to strengthen proposals
Support pitch preparation and presentation
Internal Coordination
Maintain CRM accuracy and pipeline tracking
Coordinate with internal teams to move opportunities forward
Assist in preparing materials, case studies, and presentations
What This Role Is (and Isn’t) This role is:
Fast-paced and hands-on
High-autonomy with real responsibility early on
A chance to learn by doing and grow quickly
This role is not:
A structured training program
A step-by-step, heavily guided position
A passive or behind-the-scenes role
Qualifications
1–5 years of professional experience (required)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Comfortable leading conversations and asking questions
Organized and detail-oriented
Experience with outreach, sales, or client-facing work preferred
Michigan-based or willing to work hybrid in Ferndale
Activate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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