Sr Business Development Director

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award‑winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we blend strategic insight with execution excellence for brand activations, corporate events, trade show exhibits, and immersive experiences worldwide. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust.

Summary

This position focuses on strategic sales and engagement with net‑new clients and banners. Working with world‑leading brands, you will understand their needs, audiences, and challenges, then deliver smart, results‑driven sales recommendations across the Retail, SEE, and Freeman Enterprise portfolio—particularly creative and fabrication services. The role adheres to the growth strategy through prospecting, event attendance, lead identification, proposal management, and smooth handover to Account Directors and relevant teams. It requires advanced business acumen, pipeline reporting, and the ability to manage multiple competitive proposals and projects, either independently or as part of a larger team. The role supports the Business Development Group within the Growth (Sales) team and follows a hybrid schedule (2‑3 days in‑office or on‑site). Preferred locations include:

• Philadelphia, PA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Grand Prairie, TX
• Royal Oak, MI
• New York, NY
• San Francisco, CA
• St. Paul, MN
• Milwaukee, WI
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Las Vegas, NV

Qualified candidates outside these markets will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Learn Sparks’ full portfolio and present it with emphasis on professional services (creative and strategy), events, conferences, activations, exhibits, custom store fixtures, Shop‑In‑Shop, and POP/visual merchandising displays.
• Develop sales plans tailored to target accounts and vertical markets.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to foster continuous process improvement and a sophisticated go‑to‑market approach.
• Pursue target accounts, evaluate opportunities, build relationships, collect key information, and drive internal teams to create proposals and presentations.
• Utilize business development techniques—including phone, email, HTML, direct mail, association involvement, public speaking, and networking—to build relationships and create opportunities.
• Record all contact and activity in Salesforce with accuracy and timely reporting.
• Follow up and evaluate inbound RFPs, RFIs, and general inquiries.
• Develop processes for seamless transition to account teams once new banners are onboarded.
• Provide weekly reporting on prospect meetings, new opportunities, project development, targeted campaigns, and forecast updates.
• Own projects, exceed expectations, and deliver solutions within a rapidly changing, entrepreneurial, technology‑driven culture.
• Identify and solve client issues strategically.
• Communicate effectively with management and cross‑functional teams for both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 7‑10 years of senior event sales management experience.
• Proven track record of building brand awareness, relationship development, and successful business closures.
• Experience managing a book of accounts generating approximately $6 million or more in revenue opportunities.
• Assertive relationship building, resourceful networking, solid presentation skills, and creative thinking.
• Willingness to consistently cold‑call and solicit new business.
• Comfort working independently or in a remote environment.
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, Sparks’ custom instance of Salesforce.
• Proficiency in Google Drive and Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail, positive attitude, and team‑player mindset.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 25% of the time.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off

Pay

Salary range: $140,000 – $175,000 based upon experience, plus eligibility for a growth‑commissioned bonus.