New Business Strategist

At Local Projects, we pursue visionary, imaginative work with bold ambitions, focusing on projects that drive cultural and societal transformation. As we expand across cultural, public, brand, and corporate sectors, we remain committed to purpose-driven partnerships and award-winning, innovative multimedia experiences worldwide.

The New Business team identifies, cultivates, and converts new client relationships, translates opportunities into compelling proposals, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to set projects up for successful onboarding.

The New Business Strategist is a high-energy, strategic, and relationship-focused role responsible for managing client relationships, evaluating new opportunities, analyzing industry trends, and developing effective pitch materials and proposals. The role requires a self-motivated, proactive individual with strong follow-through, reporting to and collaborating closely with the Executive Director of New Business & Marketing to ensure all business development materials are clear, current, and well-organized.

Requirements

General Responsibilities

• Handle inbound inquiries and pursue outbound opportunities
• Respond to RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and pitch requests
• Manage workload across prospecting and proposal development
• Maintain clear communication with prospective clients throughout the pitch process
  Schedule and facilitate client and internal meetings, including preparation sessions
• Prepare agendas, document discussions, and track action items
• Monitor competitive trends and market developments
• Maintain databases of prospects, potential projects, and partners
• Manage prospect tracking and filing systems (e.g., Pipedrive)
• Support optimization of business development processes
• Contribute to personal growth and support peers’ development
  

Proposal Development

• Lead outbound communications (emails, calls, meetings)
• Review RFPs and develop internal assessment and planning materials
• Conduct opportunity assessments and qualification discussions
• Coordinate resources across teams to develop proposal narratives, budgets, and visuals
• Organize team and studio-wide brainstorming sessions
• Collaborate with partners and contractors during proposal development

• Facilitate reviews with leadership, creative teams, and project managers

Project Initiation

• Upon project award, collaborate with Project Managers to build Kick-Off presentations
• Support onboarding of internal teams and clients into company processes

Requirements and Skills

• Passion for arts, culture, branding, design, and the public sector
• Awareness of market and industry trends in experience design
• Strong networking, client-facing, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Collaborative working style with the ability to support cross-functional teams
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Self-motivated with sound judgment and strong follow-through
• Ability to use project management and web-based tools to interpret budgets and schedules
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Keynote, Slack, and CRM platforms
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and time management
• Demonstrated ability to develop proposals and presentations
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to prioritize effectively
  

Education & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in sales or marketing with brands, agencies, cultural organizations, or higher education
• Proven track record in business development for creative or design-driven organizations
• Please share 1–2 writing samples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and communication style. Samples may be published or unpublished, including confidential work, and will be used only for hiring evaluation.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Ability to work onsite in our NYC studio on occassion as needed (hybrid)
• Primary Residence in the NY Tri-State (NY/NJ/CT) area or D.C. Tri-State (DC/VA/MD) area

Benefits

Local Projects offers to its Full-Time employees Health/Dental/Vision, FSA, 401k, access to short-term and Long Term Disability Insurance as well as a generous PTO package.

Local Projects is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens collaboration and enhances the experiences we create together.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, including those from historically underrepresented communities, as we seek to attract talent from diverse backgrounds across all levels of our organization.

Local Projects is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants will receive consideration for employment based solely on qualifications, experience, and business needs.