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 agencys new business function at a key stage of growth.

This role owns Highwires new business enginedriving 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

Drive Growth & Pipeline

• 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 performance

Lead & Collaborate Across Teams

• Mentor 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 $130000 to $175000 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-Remote

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 everyoneregardless of age race/ethnicity size shape gender identity sexual orientation religion and different abilitiescan 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 driven by four core values:

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• Fierce Distinction

Were looking for individuals with big ideas strong opinions and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability high standards and boundless motivation this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above 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
• 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
• A supportive inclusive and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options depending on where you live.

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..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If youre inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation accountability and inclusion apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline connect with top professionals in the industry or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!