Senior Associate, Business Development: 2026-3648

Hf Hq•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At KI Concerts, we design and deliver transformative international performance experiences for choirs, bands, and orchestras around the world. The Senior Associate of Business Development plays a key role in building relationships with new and returning ensemble Directors, designing customized performance tours, and fostering long-term partnerships. This is a relationship-driven, mission-oriented role for someone who is passionate about music, inspired by global travel, and energized by connecting with people. You’ll work closely with directors from first conversation through tour launch, helping them create unforge ttable e xperiences for their performers. You’ll also drive new business through a variety of channels (social media, marketing leads, events, outreach, and referrals) while rebooking and growing existing relationships. We’re looking for a dynamic individual with a strong musical background, excellent communication skills, and an interest in international travel. In this role, you’ll inspire clients to embark on meaningful global experiences while delivering personalized, high-touch service throughout the sales process. This role reports to KI Concert’s Senior Director of Programs and is based in Headfirst’s DC office or remotely, and is expected to travel to industry conferences and on KI Concert tours abroad.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a concentration in music, tourism, business, management, or related field viewed favorably.
Experience as a musician, background in music education through teaching or professional certification, and/or a proficient understanding of musical theory.
General knowledge and understanding of international performance travel industry and the global destinations to which KI Concerts clients travel.
Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with internal staff and management with limited managerial oversight.
Either demonstrated success in a sales, revenue-generat ing or grant-acquisition role, or eagerness to learn these skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends and develop effective sales strategies.
Ability to problem-solve and apply previous take-aways and lessons learned to similar problems when they reoccur.
Ability to think ahead to how issues and decisions will impact customer experience and budgetary objectives , and to exercise good judgment to balance competing experiential and operational interests.
An impassioned enterpriser who shares the KI Concerts/Headfirst Companies’ core mission and values and believes in our ability to work together to make a difference in the lives of children, young adults, and adults.
A motivated self-starter who is autonomous and dependable.
A team player who approaches professional hurdles with a strong sense of individual responsibility and a sincere emphasis on team over self.
A doer who has an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on finishing the job every day.
An independent thinker who assumes responsibility beyond what is asked, and takes initiative for positive change.
A flexible, coachable, and down-to-earth teammate who has the desire and capacity to grow through self-reflection, and by both providing and receiving thoughtful, constructive performance feedback.
A consummate professional who has the ability to prioritize and multitask, managing several projects concurrently, sometimes under pressure, and often with tight deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
A patient problem-solver with a stellar sense of humor.

Nice To Haves

Experience outside of North America either through work or personal travel viewed favorably.
Proficiency in CRM software and sales analytics tools viewed favorably, or demonstrated ability to learn software systems.

Responsibilities

Sales Lead Generation: Proactively identify and pursue sales opportunities to achieve and exceed established targets.
Cultivate relationships with select existing and prospective clients through consistent communication and follow-up.
Utilize a consultative sales approach and musical background to understand clients' travel preferences, interests, and budgetary considerations, tailoring tour packages to meet their needs.
Be accountable for consistent updates within KI’s CRM system, HubSpot, to keep client records and pipeline always up to date.
Nurture leads acquired through multiple channels, which include but are not limited to the following: Attending and representing KI Concerts at industry conferences, R e-booking select existing KI clients, F ollowing up by phone and email with incoming web and marketing leads, as assigned, S eeking current and past customer referrals, as assigned, and Actively making calls and performing web research to build KI’s customer base.
Building a Proposal : Working closely with the client to design a customized itinerary or choose an appropriate Festival offering Creating a full proposal with itinerary and pricing, and walking through this with clients
Finalizing Bookings : Supporting the client in promoting the trip to potential participants, and working with the client until the group is ready to be transitioned to an Operations Team member
Expertise and Customer Service Product Knowledge: Serve as a subject matter expert in the performing arts, with an emphasis on music
Develop a comprehensive understanding of KI’s product offerings, including destinations, itineraries, inclusions, and pricing.
Stay updated on industry trends, travel regulations, and destination highlights to provide accurate and timely information to clients.
Educate clients on the unique features and benefits of KI tour packages, highlighting the value proposition and differentiating factors, including high level musical expertise .
Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service throughout the sales process, from initial inquiry to post-trip follow-up.
Address client inquiries, concerns, and requests promptly and professionally, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable booking experience.
Anticipate client needs and offer personalized recommendations and enhancements to enhance their travel and musical experiences.
Teamwork Mindset Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, Global Sales & Senior Advisor and their sales team, operations, marketing, and product development, to ensure alignment on sales strategies and objectives .
Share client feedback, market insights, and competitive intelligence to inform product enhancements and marketing initiatives.
Act as a brand ambassador, representing the company values and commitment to excellence in every interaction.
Drive a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the sales team, implementing best practices and innovative approaches to enhance sales effectiveness.