Associate Director, Business Development (US)

Code and Theory • New York, NY

1d • $100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Code and Theory is hiring a Business Development professional to help find, shape, and win new agency clients. The team manages pursuits from the first opportunity signal through qualification, go/no-go decisions, RFP responses, pitches, and signed statements of work. The role works closely with strategy, creative, design, technology, and senior leadership to develop compelling pitches.

The agency is hiring across multiple levels, from Associate Manager to Director. The core responsibilities are consistent across levels, while ownership and people leadership expectations vary. The role calls for organization, composure under tight timelines, clear and timely written communication, confident presentation skills, and curiosity about AI, emerging technology, and changes in brands and markets. Candidates should share Code and Theory’s values of humility, creativity, and passion.

Code and Theory is a digital-first creative agency founded in 2001, working at the intersection of creativity and technology. Its global client roster includes Fortune 100 companies and start-ups, and its teams are distributed across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The network comprises nearly 2,000 people, including 50% engineers and 50% creative talent, and includes Kettle, Instrument, Left Field Labs, Create Group, Current, and TrueLogic. The compensation range for this role is $100,000–$140,000 across multiple levels; the offer depends on factors including skills, experience, budget, and location.

Requirements

• Experience in business development, new business, or client services at an integrated, digital, or technology-first agency.
• Approximately 2+ years of experience for Associate Manager-level candidates, scaling to 8+ years for Director-level candidates.
• A clear understanding of how RFPs, pitches, and proposals are developed and what it takes to win them.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to write RFP responses, leadership recaps, and pitch narratives for their intended audiences.
• Ability to direct cross-functional teams, including more senior colleagues, without formal authority.
• Ability to work independently, own pursuits, and recognize when to escalate.
• Experience with CRM and project management tools such as HubSpot, Airtable, or similar.
• Comfort using AI tools in daily work and turning pipeline data into clear reports.
• Adaptability in a fast-moving environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Nice To Haves

• Director-level candidates should have experience managing people.

Responsibilities

• Manage pursuits end to end, from identifying and qualifying opportunities through go/no-go decisions, RFP responses, pitches, and close.
• Lead cross-functional pitch teams spanning strategy, creative, design, and technology; set workbacks, run check-ins, and align the team around win themes.
• Own proposals, RFP responses, credentials, case studies, and pitch decks, maintaining a high standard of quality.
• Build trust with prospects, consultants, and partners before, during, and after pitches.
• Track opportunities and update the CRM; report on pipeline health and win rates and capture learnings from pursuits.
• Monitor industry shifts, competitor activity, and emerging technology, and translate findings into new business opportunities.
• Improve team processes, templates, and tools, including AI-assisted workflows, to help pursuits start and progress more efficiently.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed