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.

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 $130,000 to $195,000, 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-Hybrid

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 everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can 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

We’re 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 you’re 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!

Highwire

Vice President - Business Development

About the Job

Requirements

Responsibilities