Manager, Strategic Growth and Partnerships

About the job

You came up through PR. You know the language, the clients, and how the pitch process works. At some point, it became clear: the part you're best at — and enjoy most — is bringing in the business. If this sounds like you (or someone you know) please reach out or share this post.

This role is about building relationships and identifying where there's a strong, lasting fit. You'll work closely with our leadership team to activate your existing network, move inbound leads through the funnel, and drive smart, targeted outreach.

We work across a focused set of industries — including financial services, technology, professional services, and consumer brands — where relationships, reputation, and precision matter.

The right person has real experience on the client side of a PR or communications firm. You've led pitches, managed clients, and handled the realities of delivery. You can spot a strong client fit before the contract is signed.

What you'll do:

• Build and manage a pipeline of new business opportunities across JConnelly's core practice areas
• Convert inbound leads and drive proactive outreach with equal focus on both
• Develop proposals and scope engagements in close partnership with leadership
• Identify and develop referral relationships with complementary service providers
• Represent JConnelly at industry events and actively manage the pipeline in HubSpot

This role requires a clear understanding of our work and the clients we serve. We're selective, and our clients stay — long tenures are a core part of our model.

What we're looking for:

• 7+ years in PR or communications, with meaningful business development experience
• A proven closer with a personal track record of self-sourced wins — be prepared to share specifics regarding business you have closed
• Someone who has built and managed a biz dev process, not just worked inside one
• Remote or hybrid considered. Travel is required, and proximity to (or ability to get to) NYC is important for this role.

What we're not looking for:

• Someone without agency experience
• A volume-driven cold caller
• Anyone who needs to learn PR from scratch

This is a relationship-driven sale. Outreach needs to be targeted, informed, and credible. If you haven't worked inside an agency, this won't be the right fit.

Featured benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance (Horizon BCBS, Guardian/VSP)
• Company-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) on select medical plans
• Company-paid life insurance & AD&D coverage
• ESOP — employee stock ownership, fully funded by JConnelly, no cost to you
• 401(k) with company match (traditional & Roth options)
• Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter FSAs
• Supplemental coverage through Aflac (disability, critical illness, and more)
• Free 24/7 healthcare navigation through Health Advocate
• Virtual vet consultations through Petzey

Requirements added by the job poster

• 7+ years of work experience with Public Relations