Head of Business Development & Client Partnerships

Job Overview:

ID, the largest independently owned strategic communications agency in the entertainment industry, is seeking a results-driven Senior Director to lead within our Brands department, with a focus on business development, client service, and account management.

This senior role will drive both the strategic growth of the department and the continued evolution of our client experience. This role will be instrumental in shaping new business efforts, strengthening key relationships, and implementing high-impact strategies that elevate the work and expand ID’s influence.

This role is designed for a strategic thinker and relationship builder with a proven track record of driving growth, nurturing top-tier brand partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. The ideal candidate is passionate about the intersection of media, culture, and commerce — and thrives in a fast-paced, client-first agency environment. This is a full-time, in-office role based in either New York or Los Angeles.

As Head of Business Development & Client Partnerships, you’ll oversee a growing portfolio of brand clients across categories — including consumer products, tech, lifestyle, entertainment, and philanthropic brands — while identifying new business opportunities, pitching, and securing new accounts. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and cross-departmental teams to deliver smart, high-touch strategies rooted in earned media, storytelling, and strategic influence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Business Development: Identify, pursue, and secure new brand partnerships aligned with ID’s mission and service offerings.
• Drive Client Success: Oversee daily client communications, ensuring strategic guidance, accountability, and exceptional service delivery.
• Develop Campaign Strategy: Craft compelling proposals, presentations, and scopes of work rooted in media relations, cultural storytelling, and brand strategy.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work cross-functionally with Talent, Content, and Digital teams to build cohesive, high-impact campaigns.
• Mentor & Manage: Guide junior and mid-level team members; foster a culture of clarity, creativity, and professional growth.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Monitor evolving industry trends, media platforms, and cultural shifts to inform innovative client strategies.
• Elevate Operational Excellence: Help shape the department’s long-term strategy, internal processes, and scalable growth initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate Should Have:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations, media, or brand marketing, with significant time spent in a leadership or client-facing role.
• A proven ability to lead business development efforts — from ideation and strategy to pitching and closing.
• Deep experience managing complex client relationships and delivering best-in-class service.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; confident in high-stakes meetings and presentations.
• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring teams while promoting a positive, inclusive work culture.
• An expansive network of media contacts, brand-side decision-makers, and potential partners.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape — from traditional press to emerging platforms — and how brands can effectively engage across them.
• A passion for storytelling, strategy, and building campaigns that move the needle.

Why Join Us?

At ID, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment where individuals flourish, representing era-defining clients and executing campaigns that spark culture and conversation. We’re passionate about pushing boundaries, nurturing talent, and delivering impact.

ID is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and to evaluating applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, national origin, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations as required.

Salary/Benefits:
Excellent benefits include comprehensive medical/vision/dental plans, 401(k), and more. This role is offered at an annual salary of $120,000, with commission eligibility per ID’s Commission Policy. Final compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person