Communications Associate, Business Development

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Associate, Business Development

🔹 Company: Fahlgren Mortine

🔹 Location: Columbus, Ohio

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days per week in-office)

🔹 Category: Communications & PR

🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting business development and agency promotion
• Collaborating with communications teams across The Shipyard Collective
• Assisting with new business meetings, proposals, and pitch presentations
• Managing client and new business databases using Hubspot
• Submitting award entries and enhancing agency visibility
• Supporting proactive and reactive social media initiatives
• Updating business development materials and maintaining agency information

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Attend and assist with new business meetings, capturing and documenting action items

✅ Develop and layout new business proposals and pitch presentations using Word and PowerPoint

✅ Write and update proposal assets, including associate biographies, client case studies, and agency credentials

✅ Manage and report on the agency’s client and new business database using Hubspot

✅ Lead the submission of award entries and agency profiles to enhance industry recognition

✅ Support proactive and reactive social media initiatives using editorial calendars, active listening, community management, and monitoring

✅ Maintain and update business development materials, ensuring content is current and designs remain fresh

✅ Archive agency information, awards, and milestones

✅ Collaborate with the creative team to produce visual assets for various platforms

✅ Assist with agency-hosted business development events

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of administrative, creative, and strategic tasks, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: BA/BS in related fields

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of professional or internship experience

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing and proofreading skills; knowledge of AP style preferred
• Strong research abilities
• High attention to detail and timeline development
• Experience in reporting, tracking, and archiving
• Creative eye for text and photo layout using various programs within Microsoft Office, specifically experience developing PowerPoint presentations
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines effectively
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across various professional disciplines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Hubspot or similar CRM platforms
• Knowledge of social media management tools
• Experience with event planning or assistance

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and a keen eye for detail.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for entry-level communications roles in Columbus, Ohio)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week in-office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services. Fahlgren Mortine is an integrated communications company helping brands communicate in ways that are precise and meaningful.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. As part of The Shipyard Collective, Fahlgren Mortine offers enhanced capabilities and resources, allowing for greater impact and growth opportunities.

Founded: 1962. Fahlgren Mortine has a rich history and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by various organizations.

Company Description:

• Fahlgren Mortine combines data, design, and creativity to craft compelling stories and connect clients to what matters most.
• The company offers a range of services, including public relations, communications, marketing, and social media.
• Fahlgren Mortine works with clients across various industries, including B2B, consumer, travel and tourism, education, and healthcare.

Company Specialties:

• Public relations
• Communications
• Marketing
• Social media

Company Website: http://www.fahlgrenmortine.com

ASSUMPTION: Fahlgren Mortine's focus on data-driven storytelling and integrated communications sets it apart in the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level. This role is an excellent starting point for a career in communications and business development.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Associate will report to the Director of Business Development and collaborate closely with the communications team supporting all brands across The Shipyard Collective.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days per week in-office). This flexible work arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to various aspects of business development and communications
• Potential to work with high-profile clients and industry leaders
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within The Shipyard Collective

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both business development and communications, providing a strong foundation for a career in the industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The Columbus office is located at 4030 Easton Station, Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43219.

Office Location(s): Columbus, OH; New York City, NY; Denver, CO; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Cleveland, OH

Geographic Context:

• Columbus, Ohio, is the state capital and the most populous city in Ohio.
• The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, a thriving food scene, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Columbus is home to several major corporations and has a strong and growing economy.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2 days per week in-office).

ASSUMPTION: The Columbus office provides a collaborative and dynamic work environment, with opportunities for growth and professional development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with key stakeholders
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Research abilities
• Cultural fit and team dynamics

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Fahlgren Mortine's mission and values in your application materials.
• Prepare examples of your writing and creative work to showcase during the interview process.

ATS Keywords: Communications, Business Development, Proposal Development, Social Media, Database Management, Award Submissions, Client Case Studies, Agency Promotion, Hybrid Work Arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Fahlgren Mortine is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Hubspot (CRM)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred, but not required. Training will be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and strategic
• Adaptable and innovative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to different audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Fahlgren Mortine values candidates who are passionate about communications, driven, and committed to delivering excellence in their work.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Balancing in-office and remote work responsibilities
• Meeting the high standards set by the agency and its clients

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional communications roles, this position focuses on business development and agency promotion, offering a unique blend of responsibilities.
• Fahlgren Mortine's focus on integrated communications sets it apart from other agencies in the industry.
• This role provides an excellent foundation for a career in communications, business development, or a related field.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role aligns with their desired path in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a new business proposal for a potential client in the B2B sector
• Managing the agency's social media presence during a high-profile event or campaign
• Updating the agency's client case studies and credentials to reflect recent projects and successes

ASSUMPTION: These projects are designed to showcase the candidate's skills and abilities in various aspects of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the overall business development strategy for the agency?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the agency?
• How does the agency support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
• How does the agency foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the agency's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Prepare examples of your writing and creative work to showcase during the interview process.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.