Senior Business Development Associate
We’re an independent, AI-powered growth partner to brands like Marvel, Tennis Channel, NYSE, Morgan Stanley, and DistroKid. Our pipeline doesn’t build itself — and we need a sharp, hungry hunter who can find the right doors, open them, and hand off a qualified opportunity.
This is a role for someone who’s already proven they can prospect and self-generate pipeline, and is ready to own more. You’ll work directly with senior BD and the partners, learn the full deal cycle, and grow fast in an environment that rewards it.
CompensationCompetitive base salary depending on experience + commission, with annual compensation reviews based on performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Top-of-funnel pipeline generation: research, prospecting, cold outreach across email, LinkedIn, and events
- Qualifying inbound and outbound leads and booking discovery calls for senior BD
- Independently owning and closing smaller engagements as you develop
- Building and maintaining CRM hygiene — your pipeline is your product
- Learning to pitch and position our solutions across B2B Tech & SaaS, Media & Entertainment, and Ecommerce
- Contributing to outreach strategy, messaging testing, and target account research
What We're Looking For
- 2–4 years in a BD, sales, or growth role — agency, SaaS, or services preferred
- You’ve sourced your own pipeline before. You don’t wait to be handed leads.
- Strong written communicator — your cold emails get replies
- Comfortable with rejection, fast to iterate, allergic to excuses
- Curious about digital marketing, performance media, and AI-driven growth — you don’t need to be an expert, but you need to want to be
- Organized, self-directed, and honest about where your deals stand
Direct Agents is not a traditional agency. We are an elite team of builders and operators—growth strategists, media architects, and creative thinkers—who partner with ambitious brands to drive measurable revenue growth. Backed by Kanopy AI, our proprietary intelligence platform, and exclusive partnerships with tech and media platforms, we deliver the kind of unfair advantage that helps clients dominate, not just compete.
We operate at the intersection of technology, media, and strategy—where AI meets human expertise to produce outcomes that neither can achieve alone. Our client roster includes brands like Tennis Channel, Marvel, NYSE, Morgan Stanley, Prologis, and DistroKid.
What Sets Us ApartDirect Agents isn’t for everyone—and that’s by design. We’re building something different.
- Proprietary AI That Actually Works: Kanopy AI is our custom-built intelligence platform—real-time campaign optimization, media mix modeling, natural language analytics, and algorithm enrichment that gives our clients (and our sellers) a genuine edge. This isn’t a buzzword; it’s operational.
- Exclusive Platform Access: Direct partnerships across Google AI Search, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Freewheel, Teads, Stackadapt and best in class tech and media partners.
- An Elite, Not Bloated, Team: 100+ operators who move fast, think deeply, and ship work that matters. No layers of bureaucracy. Direct access to senior leadership and the executives building the strategy.
- AI Integration Across Everything: Claude, ChatGPT, and proprietary AI tools are embedded in our workflows—from data analysis and creative versioning to strategic planning and client intelligence.
- 8x Crain’s Best Places to Work: A people-first culture with a 12-month average time to promotion, a 4-day workweek, and genuine investment in career development.
- Certified Minority-Owned Business: 48% BIPOC representation across the agency, 60% female representation—a team that reflects the diverse markets we serve.
- Regular performance reviews with quarterly growth path check-ins
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits (One Medical, Talkspace, KindBody, Health Advocate)
- 15–24 days PTO/year depending on seniority, plus birthday off, 7 sick/safe days, and up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
- New MacBook Pro and access to cutting-edge AI tools across the agency
- Dog-friendly office, regular team events, and a culture built around ownership and ambition
Location: This role is based in our Austin, TX office. You must reside or be willing to relocate within commuting distance.
Apply with your resume and a one-paragraph note on how you’ve generated a pipeline without being handed it.
Beware of recruiting scams — you’ll only be contacted by the Direct Agents HR team.
Questions: [email protected]
Skills Required
- 2-4 years in a BD, sales, or growth role
- Agency, SaaS, or services experience
- Proven ability to source and self-generate pipeline
- Strong written communication skills (effective cold email writing)
- Comfortable with rejection, fast to iterate, resilient
- Curious about digital marketing, performance media, and AI-driven growth
- Organized, self-directed, and honest about deal status
- Reside in or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of Austin, TX
Direct Agents Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Direct Agents and has not been reviewed or approved by Direct Agents.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is positioned as relatively expansive, including PTO that scales by level/tenure, separate sick/safe leave, a paid birthday day, volunteering time, and seasonal schedule perks like Summer Fridays. Company-wide closure days such as Wellness Reset Days and quarterly self-care days are also described as part of the time-off approach.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical/dental/vision and mental health benefits are described, including access to services like One Medical, Talkspace, KindBody, and Health Advocate. Employer-verified listings also include items like mental health care, supplemental life insurance, and FSA.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is described in job-posting benefits language, with maternity/paternity leave also appearing in employer-verified benefit listings. This indicates at least some formal family-leave coverage within the overall benefits package.
Direct Agents Insights
What We Do
Direct Agents is an independent, minority-owned digital marketing agency that specializes in performance-driven customer acquisition solutions. Founded by first-generation immigrants, Direct Agents celebrates its 19th year in business this year. Our agency goes beyond the standard marketing toolbox through innovation in Paid Media, Enterprise SEO, Strategy, Amazon, Creative, Inclusive Marketing Strategy, Analytics, & Paid Social. Direct Agents is built to help clients achieve success through a diverse and passionate group of experts based in NYC, LA, and beyond. We’re breaking the industry mold and leading with a diverse mindset. Here at Direct Agents, diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s in our DNA. • 5x Winner of Crain’s Best Places to Work (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018) • 42% Diversity • 57% Female / Male ratio • ‘WoDA’ is Direct Agents’ women powered employee resource group which works to pave the path to leadership for all women through monthly workshops • ‘State of the World’ helps provide an open forum to discuss the social movements of our time and how we can have an impact on them • Team and company-wide bonding events (ask us about our puppy breaks!) • Opportunities to get involved with the community through mentorship and pro bono marketing services • A work family that is as committed to its work as it is to having fun Our culture offers more than just happy hours; we're fueled by excellence, collaboration, and growth opportunities. At Direct Agents, you are empowered to create your own career journey through cross-channel learning opportunities and mentorship. If you’re looking for a new role with space to directly influence the business and company culture, visit our Careers page and apply to become a “Shaper of Change!” To learn more about our services visit www.directagents.com or email [email protected].
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