Business Development Associate

Company Overview

At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration.

Position Summary

The Business Development Associate is an junior to mid-level role supporting Activate’s new business efforts across outreach, inbound lead management, pitch preparation, and internal coordination.

This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is highly organized, articulate, and curious about experiential marketing. The Coordinator plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping the Business Development team operate efficiently, ensuring prospects are tracked, materials are polished, and internal teams are aligned for pitch success.

This is a support-focused position with growing exposure to client interaction and strategic thinking over time.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-autonomy environment and is motivated to grow within a business development role.

Ideal candidates will:

• Have a natural sales personality—engaging, personable, and confident in conversations
• Build rapport quickly and make others feel comfortable
• Be proactive and self-directed, taking initiative without waiting for direction
• Demonstrate confidence while remaining coachable and open to feedback
• Learn quickly through hands-on experience in a fast-moving environment
• Be energized by outreach, conversations, and relationship-building

Backgrounds that often translate well to this role include:

• Sales, marketing, or communications
• Theater, performance, improv, or other public-facing roles
• Highly team-oriented environments

Key Responsibilities

Outbound Prospecting & Pipeline Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across target industries
• Conduct outreach via email, LinkedIn, and networking opportunities
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients

Client Conversations & Qualification

• Lead discovery calls with prospective clients
• Ask thoughtful questions to understand goals, budgets, and needs
• Clearly communicate Activate’s capabilities and approach

Pitch Support & Development

• Partner with Creative and Production teams to shape pitch direction
• Contribute ideas and insights to strengthen proposals
• Support pitch preparation and presentation

Internal Coordination

• Maintain CRM accuracy and pipeline tracking
• Coordinate with internal teams to move opportunities forward
• Assist in preparing materials, case studies, and presentations

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This role is:

• Fast-paced and hands-on
• High-autonomy with real responsibility early on
• A chance to learn by doing and grow quickly

This role is not:

• A structured training program
• A step-by-step, heavily guided position
• A passive or behind-the-scenes role

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of professional experience (required)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable leading conversations and asking questions
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Experience with outreach, sales, or client-facing work preferred
• Michigan-based or willing to work hybrid in Ferndale

Activate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.