Vice President, Business Development

Highwire•San Francisco, CA

1d•$130,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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 agency’s new business function at a key stage of growth. This role owns Highwire’s new business engine—driving 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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 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
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
Mentor and develop business development talent
Align cross-functional teams around growth opportunities
Share market insights that inform agency strategy and offerings

Benefits

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