Vice President, Business Development

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.

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; 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 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; Create playbooks, templates, and frameworks to improve win rates and efficiency; Improve forecasting, reporting, and pipeline visibility; Use data to continuously refine business development performance; Mentor and develop business development talent; Align cross-functional teams around growth opportunities; Share market insights that inform agency strategy and offerings

Requirements

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.

Nice to have

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

Benefits

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; Commuter 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; Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace