Business Development Manager

About Konnect:

Konnect Agency is an independent PR and communications agency helping brands build awareness, relevance, and momentum. Our work brings together earned media, creator partnerships, experiential marketing, social media, and compelling storytelling.

Great relationships create momentum. Help us build what comes next.

The Opportunity:

Konnect Agency is looking for an Agency business development Manager with 4-5 years of experience, strong people instincts and the drive to help shape our next chapter.

We're an independent PR and integrated communications agency working with brands across food and beverage, consumer products, franchise and services. We bring ideas, relationships and execution together to help clients show up where it matters. This role will bring that same focus to Konnect.

You'll work closely with agency leadership to build relationships, create visibility, manage new business opportunities and strengthen the systems that support growth. You'll have meaningful responsibility from the start, a voice in how we grow and the opportunity to develop into a broader leadership role.

What you'll own:

Relationships and agency presence

• Identify conferences, trade shows, industry organizations and communities where Konnect should participate, and recommend how we can contribute.
• Represent the agency at events, introduce our work and build relationships with prospective clients, referral partners and industry contacts.
• Plan outreach before events, capture key information and turn introductions into thoughtful follow-up.
• Develop opportunities for agency leaders to participate in panels, speaking engagements, partnerships and industry conversations.
• Stay curious about the businesses and people we meet, recognizing needs and opportunities beyond formal briefs.

New business and RFP opportunity management

• Research prospective clients and prioritize opportunities based on needs, budgets, timing and fit with Konnect's expertise.
• Manage incoming inquiries, RFPs and new business opportunities with warmth, responsiveness and sound judgment.
• Own RFP and pitch processes from initial opportunity through final submission, setting timelines, assigning responsibilities and keeping contributors aligned.
• Coordinate account, creative, social, strategy and leadership teams around briefs, deliverables, deadlines and approvals.
• Lead proposal content, capabilities presentations, pitch decks and supporting materials, partnering with senior leaders on strategy, scope and pricing.
• Build targeted prospect lists and develop personalized outreach that gives people a relevant reason to connect.
• Keep leadership informed about active opportunities, next steps and where their involvement can make a difference.

Case studies and agency credentials

• Manage Konnect's case study library, credentials, team biographies and presentation materials, keeping them current, organized and accessible.
• Partner with account teams to identify strong work, gather results and develop clear, compelling case study narratives.
• Select and tailor materials for each RFP, pitch or new business opportunity based on the prospect's category, needs and communications challenges.
• Work with account, creative, social and leadership teams to ensure materials accurately reflect Konnect's capabilities, strategic thinking and results.

Organization and accountability

• Build practical systems for tracking contacts, opportunities, RFPs, outreach, deadlines and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and clear visibility into the new business pipeline.
• Establish repeatable processes that help teams contribute efficiently and keep work moving.
• Bring recommendations to leadership, identify gaps and improve how things get done.

What you bring:

• 4-5 years of relevant experience in business development, partnerships, communications, account management or agency operations, ideally within a PR, social, advertising or integrated agency.
• Experience managing RFPs, pitches or new business opportunities from initial brief through final submission.
• A track record of building relationships and moving opportunities or projects forward.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen carefully, notice nuance, ask thoughtful questions and adapt your approach.
• Confidence representing an agency in meetings, at industry events and with senior decision-makers.
• Strong writing skills, from introductory emails to proposals, pitch decks and case studies.
• Excellent organization and judgment, with the ability to manage details, competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• An understanding of how agency services connect to business needs, with the curiosity to keep learning.
• Comfort using CRM platforms, project management tools, presentation software and AI tools thoughtfully and accurately.
• Availability for occasional travel and industry events.

How you'll thrive at Konnect:

You're ambitious, resourceful and willing to roll up your sleeves. You bring ideas, take ownership and work across teams to achieve strong results. You're comfortable asking questions, offering a point of view and following through.

You care about people and understand that trust is built through attention, consistency and reliability. You're excited to learn the business of running and growing an agency, contribute alongside leadership and earn greater responsibility as you grow.

Our values--Passion, Collaboration, Excellence, Adaptability, Integrity and Ownership--shape how we work and treat one another. We're looking for someone who brings those values to every introduction, deadline and opportunity.

What success looks like:

Konnect is showing up in the right places, building stronger relationships and starting more qualified business conversations. Our strongest case studies are easy to find, thoughtfully selected and tailored to each opportunity. RFPs and pitches are organized, teams are aligned, responses are compelling and leadership has a clear view of what's moving and what needs attention.

We create momentum. Come help us create more.

This is a hybrid in-office role with 3 days/week required in one of Konnect's hubs (Los Angeles/Chicago). Previous Agency experience in a commensurate role is preferred.

Konnect Agency is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.