Business Development Strategist in Des Moines, Iowa at Flynn Wright

We’re looking for a Business Development Strategist at Flynn Wright who will play a key role in helping the agency identify, pursue and win new business opportunities across priority markets. This role supports the full new-business lifecycle — from prospect research and qualification to approach strategy and proposal development — helping to position the agency for long-term growth.

You’ll partner closely with business development leadership, agency owners and cross-functional teams to add pipeline management, momentum and strategic support to our new business efforts. The role will also be key in identifying and implementing a variety of process improvements to create more efficiency and effectiveness in our efforts.

About You

You’re naturally curious, organized and relationship-oriented, with strong experience or interest in how agencies grow and win work. You enjoy connecting dots — researching prospects, understanding industries, strategizing approaches, and helping to shape compelling stories that position the agency for success.

You’re comfortable managing multiple timelines and stakeholders, and you bring both attention to detail and a proactive mindset. You enjoy working in fast-moving environments where collaboration, responsiveness and strategic thinking all matter.

About Us

We’re a full-service advertising and PR agency with offices in Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Portland (Oregon). At the heart of our success has always been human creativity. The role of brilliant individuals, along with their original ideas, remains just as relevant today as when we opened our doors 42 years ago. That’s why we continue to take care of our own like we take care of our clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate strategic RFP responses and proposals, including outlining, drafting, editing, formatting, and organizing submission materials using integrated marketing communication disciplines and approaches.
• Maintain and evolve the agency’s library of case studies, credential presentations, and new business collateral to ensure materials stay current and compelling.
• Maintain accuracy and organization within the agency’s CRM, tracking pipeline activity, contact records and win/loss reporting.
• Partner with internal teams across research, creative, PR, media and leadership to gather information and keep proposal timelines on track.
• Help qualify new prospective clients, industries, competitive landscapes, and other business opportunities by gathering discovery insights and evaluating fit against the agency’s ideal client profile.
• Help evaluate post-event outcomes and recommend follow-up strategies to build momentum with key prospects.
• Initiate ongoing improvements in prospecting, relationship-building and reporting approaches.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in marketing communications, business development, agency account service, sales support or a related role.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications or a relevant field preferred.
• Strong organization/project management skills with the ability to manage deadlines, documents and multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Process-improvement mindset with experience using CRM tools, PowerPoint, AI, and research platforms to create more efficiencies and evolve our approaches.
• Comfort working cross-functionally and building relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Curiosity about market trends, client challenges and growth opportunities.

Perks + Benefits

• Office in the heart of downtown Des Moines — steps away from art, culture and some of the city’s best spots for coffee, lunch and happy hour.Free downtown parking.
• Comprehensive plans for group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• 401k with company match.
• Plenty of Personal Time Off (PTO), plus paid holidays.
• Potential for bonuses based on success of agency.
• Even more money for Employee Referral Program.
• Extracurriculars that tend to be historic events.