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.

• 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

• 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

• Proven sales experience and expertise in the strategy, creative and web space
• Experience utilizing market research to inform strategy and decision‑making
• Deep…