Arena Careers

Role

Assemble is a leading political and public affairs firm that partners with companies, coalitions, and associations across financial services, energy, sports and entertainment, technology, labor, and healthcare.

We are seeking a Business Development Associate to serve as the operational engine of our new business and client growth efforts. This role is designed for a highly organized professional who excels at managing the logistics and execution of business development activities.

The BDA will coordinate prospect meetings, manage follow-up communications, maintain our pipeline tracking systems, and ensure seamless execution of pitch presentations and proposal development. They will schedule introductory calls and pitch meetings, prepare briefing materials for business development conversations, create compelling presentation decks and proposal documents, and manage the operational details that convert prospects into clients and expand existing relationships.

The ideal candidate is exceptionally detail-oriented, anticipates needs before they arise, thrives on managing multiple moving parts simultaneously, and understands how to translate strategic growth goals into flawless operational execution.

Responsibilities

Business Development Operations

• Schedule and coordinate meetings between Assemble leadership and prospective clients, existing client stakeholders, referral partners, and industry contacts.
• Manage business development calendars, tracking upcoming pitch opportunities and ensuring team members are prepared for key conversations.
• Own follow-up communications with prospects after initial meetings, pitch presentations, and proposal submissions.
• Maintain CRM systems and pipeline tracking tools with accurate, up-to-date information on prospect status and engagement activity.
• Track touchpoints with prospects and clients to ensure consistent communication and timely follow-through on commitments.

Materials Development & Pitch Preparation

• Assist in draft pitch decks, capability presentations, and proposal documents tailored to prospect needs and opportunities.
• Prepare briefing materials, company backgrounders, and talking points for business development meetings.
• Help create case studies, one-pagers, and leave-behind materials showcasing Assemble’s work and capabilities.
• Develop and maintain a library of reusable pitch materials, client success stories, and service descriptions.
• Update presentation templates and ensure brand consistency across all business development materials.

Pipeline & Opportunity Management

• Generate weekly pipeline reports for leadership showing new opportunities, meetings scheduled, proposals submitted, and deals closed.
• Track proposal deadlines, RFP requirements, and submission materials to ensure timely responses.
• Coordinate with internal teams to gather information needed for accurate scoping and pricing of new opportunities.
• Monitor prospect engagement and flag opportunities requiring leadership attention or strategic follow-up.

Proposal Development & RFP Coordination

• Coordinate proposal development processes including information gathering, team input collection, and document assembly.
• Manage RFP response timelines ensuring all requirements are addressed and submissions meet deadlines.
• Help draft proposals, scope of work descriptions, and project approach content.
• Coordinate with finance and operations teams to develop accurate project budgets and staffing plans.
• Prepare final proposal documents ensuring professional formatting, completeness, and compliance with submission requirements.

Research & Market Intelligence

• Research prospective clients to understand their business challenges, competitive landscape, and potential needs.
• Monitor industry news, legislative developments, and market trends relevant to target sectors.
• Compile competitive intelligence on other firms’ capabilities, pricing, and positioning. Identify networking events, conferences, and industry gatherings where Assemble should have presence.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of professional experience in business development, sales operations, client services, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex scheduling, proposal development, and client coordination.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience maintaining CRM systems, pipeline tracking tools, and opportunity management platforms is preferred.
• Excellent written communication skills with ability to draft professional proposals, presentations, and client-facing materials.
• Proven ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and solve problems proactively.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and sales enablement platforms.
• Diplomatic interpersonal skills with ability to interact professionally with senior executives, prospects, and clients.
• Flexibility to accommodate last-minute scheduling changes, urgent proposal deadlines, and time-sensitive business development opportunities.
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments where priorities can shift quickly based on prospect activity and market conditions.

Compensation

Salary Range: $55,000-70,000

Benefits: Assemble offers a wide range of progressive benefits, including:
✔ 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
✔ 401(k) program with an employer match
✔ Flexible vacation and time off policy
✔ Monthly phone reimbursement
✔ Unlimited sick time
✔ 12 weeks of paid parental leave
✔ Health and wellness reimbursement
✔ Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
✔ Childcare stipend for work travel

Location

Hybrid role in Washington D.C. or New York City.

To Apply

Send an email with attached resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Business Development Associate” in the subject line.