Director, Partnerships

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the entire business development process for new client opportunities, from initial inquiry through to scoping, proposal creation, contract negotiation, and final agreement.

• Independently lead pitches and conduct client-facing presentations.

• Create proposals that clearly demonstrate integrated capabilities across research, brand strategy, creative, digital, and media.

• Establish and nurture relationships with potential clients within the higher education marketing, communications, and advancement sectors.

• Represent SimpsonScarborough at industry conferences and during on-campus meetings.

• Oversee the sales pipeline by monitoring opportunities, updating CRM systems, forecasting reports, and advancing deals.

• Collaborate with internal teams to define multi-service engagements and produce comprehensive proposals.

• Work alongside the AVP, Partnerships to pinpoint growth opportunities, enhance business development strategies, and achieve quarterly and annual sales objectives.

⛳️ Requirements

• 5–7 years of experience in sales targeting higher education marketing, communications, or advancement professionals.

• Proven track record of independently managing consultative sales from initial inquiry to closure, including scoping, negotiation, and contract execution.

• Over 3 years of experience leading pitches and client-facing presentations for a professional services or marketing agency.

• Background in an integrated agency with various service lines.

• Experience in multi-service scoping is essential.

• Strong skills in proposal writing; writing samples are required with the application.

• Willingness to travel approximately 25% for conferences and on-campus client meetings.

• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Existing network within the higher education marketing, enrollment, or advancement community is advantageous.

• Familiarity with HubSpot and/or Adobe Acrobat is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes nationwide health, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.

• Employer-covered life insurance and short-term disability.

• Flexible time off (FTO).

• Sick leave.

• Volunteer leave.

• Bereavement leave.

• Paid parental leave.

• A day off to celebrate your birthday.

• Two agency-wide closures during the summer and winter seasons.

• Monthly lifestyle stipend to cover wellness expenses such as streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, or phone/internet costs.