📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Growth
🔹 Company: Horizon Media
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading end-to-end pitches and driving opportunities from prospect to partnership
- Collaborating closely with various teams to ensure proposals meet client needs
- Conducting market research and developing compelling proposals
- Supporting live pitch presentations and managing internal contributors
- Acting as a cross-functional liaison between departments to align new business efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of sales, strategy, and storytelling skills, with a strong focus on relationship-building and cultural understanding.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Prospecting & Lead Management (20%):
- Conduct market research to identify category trends, whitespace, and emerging brand needs
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of warm and cold leads through LinkedIn and email outreach
- Track and analyze outreach performance to optimize messaging and conversion
- Maintain and evolve CRM or tracking tools to ensure visibility into the pipeline and pitch process
✅ Proposal, Product & Service Offering Development (50%):
- Create new business briefs to kick-off the pitch team based on background research and briefing calls
- Lead the development of pitch decks and other proposal formats, identifying influencers and pairing with visuals
- Coordinate internal timelines and task ownership to keep pitch teams aligned and on track
- Ensure all proposals reflect the latest Blue Hour thinking, work, and POV on social and culture
- Support live pitch presentations and surface relevant social trends or creator innovations
- Help institutionalize best practices for new business—from outreach cadences to post-pitch debriefs
✅ Marketing (30%):
- Collaborate with strategy, account, influencer, and creative teams to surface agency work
- Concept and execute case studies that bring Blue Hour’s impact to life for use across pitches, the website, and press
- Maintain and evolve Blue Hour’s external voice across touchpoints—social media, website, newsletter, awards, events, and PR
- Identify speaking, panel, or guest writing opportunities to amplify Blue Hour’s thought leadership
- Monitor competitor positioning and recommend proactive content that reinforces Blue Hour’s distinct value proposition
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and the capacity to work effectively with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 7 years of marketing, new business, or social media experience at an agency or brand
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of the social and influencer landscape
- Experience working across an organization and interfacing with a variety of stakeholders
- Proven experience developing persuasive presentations and presenting to clients
- Ability to conduct comprehensive client-facing research and POV’s
- Ability to effectively manage a variety of overlapping projects
- Must be solutions-oriented and focused on proactive problem-solving and advanced troubleshooting
- Effective communicator and listener
- Innate curiosity and compassion
- Fluency in presentation and slide design in Google Slides, PowerPoint, as well as Google Sheets, Excel, Google Docs, and Word
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in an agency environment
- Familiarity with HubSpot, Google, Mailchimp, or other CRM tools
- Knowledge of the advertising industry and media landscape
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in agency new business development or social media strategy will be strongly considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 per year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Company Paid Holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Pet Insurance
- Childcare Resources
- Identity Theft Insurance
- Fertility Assistance Programs
- Fitness Reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on individual skills, experience, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Horizon Media is a leader in driving business-based outcomes for marketers, specializing in advertising services. They are the third largest U.S. media agency, with estimated billings of $8.7 billion and over 2,300 employees.
Company Size: Horizon Media has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized to large organization. This size allows for diverse opportunities and a broad range of clients, but may also mean more structured processes and less personal interaction.
Founded: Horizon Media was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in New York, with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Company Description:
- Horizon Media is known for its highly personal approach to client service and has been named Media Agency of the Year by various industry publications
- The company is recognized for its culture and has been consistently named to prestigious annual Best Places to Work lists
- Horizon Media is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming everyone and not discriminating based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability
Company Specialties:
- Sports and Entertainment
- Social Media
- Media Buying
- Direct Marketing
- Social Design
- Social Buying
- Insights & Analytics
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- SEO
- Mobile
- National & Local TV Investment
- Audio Investment
- Creative Services
Company Website: www.horizonmedia.com
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media's extensive experience and size provide a stable and well-resourced environment for employees, with a strong focus on client service and industry recognition.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management stage, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Growth will report directly to the Director, Growth and collaborate closely with various teams, including strategy, account, influencer, and creative.
Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Employees can expect to spend some time in the office, with the rest of the work done remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Director or Vice President role within the Growth team or related departments
- Expansion of responsibilities to include mentoring and team leadership
- Potential to work on high-profile clients and projects, driving significant business impact
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the company, with opportunities to take on more responsibility and leadership as skills and experience develop.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Horizon Media's offices are modern, collaborative spaces designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): 75 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013, US (Headquarters); 1888 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067, US; 40 King Street West, WeWork 41st Floor, Ontarion, Ontario M5H 3Y2, CA
Geographic Context:
- New York, NY: A major global city with a vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and extensive public transportation
- Los Angeles, CA: A sprawling metropolis known for its entertainment industry, diverse communities, and Mediterranean climate
- Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city, with a multicultural population, thriving arts scene, and strong economy
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with employees able to balance on-site and remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides employees with the best of both worlds, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of working from home while still having access to the resources and collaboration opportunities of an office environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Director, Growth or another senior leader
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Presentation and communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Cultural understanding and relevance
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your ability to develop compelling proposals and pitch decks
- Research Horizon Media and Blue Hour Studios to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its unique value proposition
- Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your approach to new business development and client management
ATS Keywords: New Business, Growth, Pitch, Proposal, Marketing, Social Media, Client Management, Presentation, Relationship Building, Trend Spotting, Cultural Insight, Collaboration, Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's ability to develop and present persuasive proposals, as well as their cultural fit and alignment with Horizon Media's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Slides, PowerPoint
- Google Sheets, Excel
- Google Docs, Word
- HubSpot, Google, Mailchimp (CRM tools)
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
- Presentation and design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for proposal development, presentation, and client management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning
- Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and drive collective success
- Accountability: Take ownership of responsibilities and deliver on commitments
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Embrace and celebrate the unique perspectives and backgrounds of our employees
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional communication and coordination
- Adaptable and resilient, with a willingness to pivot and adjust strategies as needed
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on using insights to inform decision-making
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with clients and prospects?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully pitched a new business opportunity or product?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the social and influencer landscape?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge in a project or client relationship?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with Horizon Media's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high volume of prospects and pitches simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the demands of a fast-paced, client-driven environment
- Navigating a large organization with multiple departments and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
- Adapting to the unique needs and preferences of diverse clients, with varying levels of experience and expertise in social media and marketing
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong project management skills, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the social and influencer landscape.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Business Development Manager or New Business Director in an agency setting, with a focus on driving growth and revenue through strategic client acquisition and retention
- Unlike other roles in the industry, this position requires a strong understanding of the social and influencer landscape, as well as the ability to develop and present compelling proposals that resonate with clients
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the Growth team or related departments, with opportunities to mentor and manage junior team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of sales, strategy, and storytelling skills, with a strong focus on cultural understanding and relevance.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive pitch deck for a major consumer brand, highlighting the agency's unique value proposition and tailored to the client's specific needs and goals
- Conducting market research to identify whitespace opportunities and emerging trends in the social and influencer landscape, and using these insights to inform the development of new products or services
- Managing a live pitch presentation for a high-profile client, coordinating with internal contributors and ensuring all materials are on-brand and on-message
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role, from research and strategy to presentation and client management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Growth team and how this role fits into the broader organization?
- How does the agency support the growth and development of its employees, and what opportunities are there for professional advancement in this role?
- Can you provide an example of a successful new business pitch and discuss the key factors that contributed to its success?
- How does the agency approach working with clients who may have limited experience or understanding of social media and influencer marketing?
- What is the typical timeline for a pitch process, from initial outreach to final presentation, and how is this managed within the team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, enabling them to make an informed decision about their fit and potential for success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your ability to develop and present persuasive proposals, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams
- Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your ability to develop compelling proposals and pitch decks, demonstrating your understanding of the social and influencer landscape and your capacity to drive new business growth
- Research Horizon Media and Blue Hour Studios to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its unique value proposition, and be ready to discuss your approach to new business development and client management
- Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your approach to new business development and client management, as well as your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
