Agency 29 is hiring a Director of Business Development to contribute to our growth sprint.
If you have experience in agency business development, professional services sales, food, beverage, agriculture, or CPG and you're excited about helping shape the future of a growing firm, we'd love to hear from you.
📍 This is a hybrid role with our Rochester, NY headquarters (but we're open to candidates across the U.S.)
📈 Base salary + commission
🌱 Significant opportunity for growth and leadership
Full job description
▶ ABOUT THE COMPANY
Agency 29 is a brand-building firm specializing in food, beverage, and agriculture. We partner with clients ranging from global CPG companies to regional organizations and higher education institutions helping them grow through strategy, identity, and marketing.
We’re a tight-knit, collaborative team that values working with good people, going above and beyond, being all-in, and actually enjoying the work we do. Established in 2007, Agency 29 is a National and New York State Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
▶ ABOUT THE POSITION
Agency 29 is seeking a Director of Business Development to drive growth across our portfolio of food, beverage, and agriculture. This role is responsible for generating new business opportunities, building strategic relationships, and leading prospective clients through a consultative sales process.
The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship builder who is comfortable engaging founders, CEOs, executive teams, and boards in conversations about business growth, brand strategy, and marketing. Success in this role requires curiosity, executive presence, and strong business development instincts. Working closely with agency leadership, the Director of Business Development will play a key role in expanding Agency 29's client portfolio and supporting the agency's continued growth.
▶ WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Generate New Business – Identify, pursue, and close new opportunities with food, beverage, and agriculture organizations seeking strategic marketing and brand support.
- Build & Manage a Pipeline – Develop a healthy pipeline through prospecting, networking, referrals, industry engagement, and Agency 29’s thought leadership efforts.
- Lead Consultative Sales Conversations – Facilitate discovery conversations, uncover business challenges, and guide prospective clients toward solutions that align with their goals.
- Represent Agency 29 in the Market – Attend conferences, trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities as a visible ambassador for the agency.
- Develop Proposals & Recommendations – Collaborate with internal teams to shape scopes, recommendations, and proposals that support client needs and business objectives.
- Maintain Sales Activity – Manage CRM activity, track opportunities, and maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and reporting to consistently meet your sales quota.
- Collaborate with Leadership – Partner with agency leadership on strategic pursuits, key opportunities, and high-value presentations.
- Help Build the Future – Contribute to the continued evolution of Agency 29’s business development efforts as the agency executes a 5-year growth sprint.
▶ WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A relationship builder who naturally creates trust and develops meaningful connections
- A strategic thinker who can uncover business challenges and identify growth opportunities
- A self-starter who takes ownership, follows through, and is motivated by results
- A confident communicator who can engage executive-level decision-makers and represent the agency professionally
- A consultative seller who values long-term partnerships over transactional wins
- Someone who thrives in a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial environment
▶ YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
- 5–8 years of experience in business development, sales, account acquisition, or growth-focused roles
- Experience selling professional services, consulting, marketing, branding, communications, or related services
- Proven track record of generating and closing net-new business opportunities
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills
- Experience using CRM systems and maintaining accurate sales activity and forecasting
- Willingness to travel for conferences, events, and client meetings
▶ WHAT WE’D LOVE
(The "Bonus Points" that move your resume to the top of the stack)
- Agency business development experience
- Experience in the food, beverage, agriculture, manufacturing, or CPG industries
- An established network of industry relationships and referral partners
- Experience selling six-figure engagements or long-term retainer relationships
- An existing book of business
▶ THE DETAILS
- Base Salary: $70,000–$80,000 plus commission (based on experience and fit)
- Significant opportunity for career growth, leadership development, and performance-based earnings
- Hybrid work environment (Rochester, NY headquarters). Candidates located anywhere in the United States will be considered
- Profit-sharing, health insurance, retirement benefits, parental leave, and unlimited PTO
- A culture focused on growth, curiosity, and continuous improvement
- A supportive, ego-free team that values great work and real life
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Why do you want to work at Agency 29?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14609
