Growth director (Remote - Midwest)

Job summary
The Growth director is a kind, collaborative and creative leader who is self-motivated, well-connected and adept at identifying, pursuing and winning both strategic and tactical new business opportunities.

This position uses their current depth of knowledge along with knowledge of the agency network and history, case studies, current business and strategic direction to drive the growth and financial success of Vendi. They are a first-class operator who can lead and drive new business operations and serve as a member of Vendi’s Department Leads team.

We offer a competitive salary, annual profit-sharing bonus, unlimited PTO, flex summer hours and great health, disability and retirement benefits. 

Key accountabilities

Partner with the Chief executive officer to set the vision for, define and develop new business strategies tailored to the needs of the agency: a combination of local, regional and national growth

Drive responses to RFIs and RFPs in an innovative, flawless and timely manner

Lead internal New Business Development meetings and agency updates while ensuring alignment with agency leadership on all briefs and opportunities:

Aligning on the brief / the ask

Aligning on the strategy & the creative brief

Reviewing and providing strategic and thoughtful feedback on the work

Attending the final client-ready rehearsal

Ensure successful onboarding and transition of new clients

Participate in and help guide the Vendi Self-Promo team

Participate in and help guide the Vendi Department Leads group

Lead Vendi’s New Business Development team, including direct reports

Create capabilities presentations and other self-promo materials — fully leveraging the Vendi brand voice and pre-built self-promo and NBD assets while integrating agency- and opportunity-specific needs

Coordinate internal resources to develop client proposals, working in partnership with the NBD team

Ensure alignment with agency goals and resources to set clear critical paths, project deliverables, milestones, timetables and calendars

In partnership with other NBD colleagues and Self-Promo team members, maintain upkeep of Vendi brand assets, archives and other prospect information

Work with agency leadership to create assets and maintain/nurture/grow strategic relationships such as search consultants

Leverage existing relationships, partnerships and develop new ones to drive growth

Proactively initiate new prospect and industry relationships and opportunities, keeping abreast of latest developments within the industry

Follow up on and prioritize new business leads and identify organic growth opportunities

Work with the agency leadership to meet overall agency vision and objectives, providing strategic input

Be a resource to the account management team in helping to grow existing clients’ business

Partner with agency leadership and other team members to raise the agency’s regional profile, including but not limited to: executive speaking engagements, thought leadership, industry events/organization outreach and relationship-building

Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

Kind, creative and collaborative

Robust and successful business development experience within an advertising agency or creative service/web business

Experience creating written business development proposals and marketing materials

A comprehensive understanding of agency business goals and strategic acumen with experience and ability to lead the pitch team to successful client relationships

Confirmed and proven record of closing accounts

Confirmed and proven record of managing a high-functioning team with kindness

Previous experience in developing and converting strategic opportunities, including considered choice opportunities

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, economics, communications or related field

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in marketing or advertising

At least 5 years of experience in a business development role

Agency experience is required

Required skills and competencies

Strategic sales and analytical skills

Proven sales experience and expertise in the strategy, creative and web space

Experience utilizing market research to inform strategy and decision-making

Deep understanding of marketing disciplines, including brand strategy, digital/social media, media planning and analytics

Solid understanding of the creative development process and digital technologies

Solid understanding of custom web design and development process and technologies

Business acumen with understanding of budgeting, forecasting and profitability management

Leadership and management skills

Calm, accountable leadership style balanced with empathy and team-oriented spirit

Experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams

Experience managing cross-functional teams and facilitating collaboration across departments

Strong decision-making skills with ability to balance multiple internal and external stakeholder needs

Communication and relationship skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to articulate complex ideas clearly

Exceptional presentation skills with confidence presenting to high-level stakeholders

Organizational and project management skills

Proactive mindset with ability to anticipate needs and potential obstacles

Exceptional organizational and planning capabilities with meticulous attention to detail

Efficient time management with ability to prioritize effectively

Success metrics

New revenue measured by annualized and realized revenue from newly secured partnerships across all agency offerings

Pipeline, conversion and new client metrics

Organic account expansion and strategic relationship growth

Team, department/agency culture, performance, retention and cross-department collaboration

Professional attributes 

Kindness. Treat others with respect, empathy and understanding, especially during stressful or challenging moments.

Creative. Develops and applies innovative yet practical ideas and approaches.

Collaborative. Works collaboratively with other team members toward reaching common goals. Respects ideas and opinions of others.

Curiosity. A critical thinker who digs in to solve problems. Loves to learn new things.

Initiative. Seeks new challenges and responsibilities. A self-starter who anticipates needs and is persistent in overcoming obstacles.

Integrity. Demonstrates unwavering honesty and transparency.

Respect for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Treats team members, partners and clients with respect, regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religious affiliation, ability or sexual orientation. Promotes a fair and inclusive professional work environment.

 Professional. Respects the ideas, expertise, talents and feelings of others. Is positive, courteous and punctual.

 Reliable. Can be counted on to be responsive and follow through on assignments and client requests in a timely manner.

Judgment. Consults with others in dealing with difficult situations. Consider alternatives and consequences before making a decision. Recognizes errors and works to correct them.

We will be accepting applications until February 15 or until filled.