Location: New York
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Head of Business Development is responsible for driving the revenue growth by identifying, pitching, and securing new partnerships within the publishing / media industry. This senior leader will lead the agency’s sales strategy, fostering relationships with C‑Suite prospects and overseeing the full sales cycle—from prospecting to closing complex deals. The role requires a strategic thinker who can translate our capabilities into high‑value revenue streams.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Growth Strategy & Pipeline Management: Develop and execute the annual business development plan, identifying target verticals and high‑value prospective clients to drive revenue.
- Sales Lifecycle Leadership: Lead the end‑to‑end sales process, including initial outreach, qualification, consultative selling, proposal creation, pitch deck development, negotiation, and contract closure.
- Pitch & Proposal Development: Direct the agency’s response to RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and lead the creation of bespoke, high‑impact pitches, ensuring the agency’s value proposition is compelling and tailored to the prospect.
- Relationship Management: Build and nurture relationships with decision‑makers at target brands and holding companies.
- Strategic Partnerships: Identify, evaluate, and secure strategic partnerships with media technology vendors, advertising platforms, and content creators to bolster the agency’s offerings.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with client success, marketing, production and finance teams to ensure proposed solutions are executable and aligned with agency capabilities.
- Performance Reporting: Maintain a robust sales pipeline in, providing regular forecasts and performance reports to the senior leadership team.
- Market Analysis & Networking: Stay updated on media/publishing trends, ad tech innovations, and competitive activity. Represent the agency at industry events, trade conferences, and workshops.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of business development managers, providing feedback on outreach, pitch tactics, and deal closing.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: 7–10+ years of experience in business development, sales, or partnerships, specifically within an agency, media company, or publisher environment.
- Proven Track Record: Proven ability to source, negotiate, and close high‑value deals.
- Industry Expertise: Strong knowledge of digital media, programmatic advertising, branded content, sponsorship, and marketing technologies.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation, networking, and written skills; ability to communicate compellingly with C‑level stakeholders.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze market trends and pivot strategy to meet shifting industry landscapes.
- Tools: Proficient in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and presentation tools (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint).