Vice President, Business Development New York, New York, United States

At Highwire, growth starts with deeply understanding client needs and translating them into strategic opportunities. The Vice President, Business Development will lead and scale the agency’s new business function at a key stage of growth.

This role owns Highwire’s new business engine—driving pipeline strategy, leading pitches, and converting opportunities into long-term client partnerships. Working closely with executive leadership and practice teams, this leader will shape go-to-market strategy, elevate pitch excellence, and build the systems that make growth repeatable and scalable.

Key Responsibilities

Own the full new business lifecycle from qualification to close

Manage a strong, qualified pipeline aligned to agency priorities

Partner with marketing and leadership to drive inbound and outbound growth strategy

Track pipeline health, forecasting, and performance metrics

Lead Prospecting & Client Engagement

Build relationships with senior marketing and communications leaders

Lead consultative conversations that uncover client needs and opportunities

Partner with account teams to drive cross-sell and upsell growth within existing clients

Lead Pitches & Win New Business

Lead RFPs, referrals, and strategic pitch processes

Partner with account teams to develop compelling, insight-driven proposals and presentations

Orchestrate cross-functional teams across strategy, creative, digital, and insights

Prepare and coach teams to deliver high-stakes presentations with strong executive presence

Build Scalable Systems

Create playbooks, templates, and frameworks to improve win rates and efficiency

Improve forecasting, reporting, and pipeline visibility

Use data to continuously refine business development performanceMentor and develop business development talent

Align cross-functional teams around growth opportunities

Share market insights that inform agency strategy and offerings

Success Factors

10+ years of experience in business development and client leadership with a communications, marketing, advertising or public relations agency

Proven success leading complex, multi-stakeholder pitches and winning new business

Strong understanding of integrated, cross-channel agency offerings

Ability to build systems and processes that scale growth

Executive presence with experience engaging senior-level procurement leaders and decision-makers

Strong storytelling, pitching, and proposal development skills

Solid understanding of agency economics and pipeline management

U.S.-based, open to candidates anywhere in the U.S.

Ideal Attributes

Strategic Growth Leader – connects market insight to opportunity

Builder – creates structure, systems, and repeatable processes

Collaborative Operator – brings teams together and drives alignment

Strong Pitch Leader – excels in high-stakes, competitive environments

Executive Communicator – clear, confident, and credible with senior clients

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $195,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth

Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle

Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks

Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program

401(k) plan with employer matching

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options

Paid parental leave benefits

Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences

Monthly technology reimbursement

Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health

501c3 donation matching program

Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities

Monthly recognition and team celebrations

Employee referral and new business referral bonuses

Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings

Dog-friendly office environment

A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

As set forth in Highwire ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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