Company Overview
At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration.
Position Summary
The Business Development Executive is responsible for driving outbound prospecting efforts, leading early-stage sales conversations, and contributing strategically to pitch development.
This role moves beyond coordination into ownership. The Executive manages portions of the pipeline, leads prospect meetings, and partners closely with Creative and Production to develop pitch-winning concepts.
This position requires confidence, strategic thinking, and a strong understanding of experiential marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Pipeline Ownership & Prospecting
- Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities across target industries.
- Develop and manage a defined segment of the new business pipeline.
- Lead outreach campaigns via email, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, conferences, and referrals.
- Track and report on outreach metrics and opportunity progression.
Client Engagement & Qualification
- Conduct discovery calls to understand client objectives, budgets, and timelines.
- Qualify opportunities and align them with Activate’s capabilities.
- Serve as the primary early-stage point of contact for prospective clients.
- Clearly articulate Activate’s experiential offerings (kits, tours, live activations).
Pitch Leadership (Shared Ownership)
- Lead internal kickoff meetings for qualified opportunities.
- Partner with Associate Creative Directors and Producers to shape pitch strategy.
- Present capabilities decks and selected pitch sections to clients.
- Support RFP strategy, timeline management, and submission oversight.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor industry trends and competitor movements.
- Identify cultural moments or category shifts that create prospecting opportunities.
- Contribute proactive concept ideas to stimulate client interest.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3–6 years of experience in business development, sales, or agency environments.
- Proven ability to generate and advance new business conversations.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Experience with LinkedIn Sales Navigator and CRM tools.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented.
- Experiential or event marketing experience strongly preferred.
Activate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ferndale, MI 48220
