Head of Growth

Location: Atlanta, GA (or within a drive or short flight of Atlanta), remote flexibility | Department: Growth | Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

About the Role

Acadia is seeking a Head of Growth to lead new business strategy, pipeline development, and pitch execution across the agency. This role owns the new business function from first conversation through close, building and managing a proactive, qualified pipeline and leading integrated pitches that bring together media, analytics, and social and retail media. The Head of Growth reports directly to the CEO, partners closely with senior leadership, and acts as a visible, credible voice for the agency in the market.

Key Responsibilities

New Business Strategy

Lead the development of the agency's new business strategy and growth plan in partnership with the CEO

Define target categories, prospects, and priorities that align with the agency's strengths Shape how the integrated offering is positioned and presented in the market Make pursuit decisions on which opportunities to prioritize and where to invest the team's time

Pipeline Development

• Originate opportunities through your network, industry events, hosted gatherings, and targeted outreach
• Build and manage a proactive, qualified new business pipeline aligned to growth priorities
• Qualify and respond to inbound RFPs and inquiries
• Own pipeline accountability, including regular pipeline reviews, forecasting, and reporting to the CEO
• Maintain clear visibility into opportunity stages, timing, and close probability Pitch Leadership
• Serve as quarterback for many pitches, setting the strategy and timeline and keeping the process moving. To note, there is a team here, and a team-selling context but this person will indeed “own the football” on key pitches.
• Organize a senior, cross-functional pitch team, define clear roles, and hold the group accountable to deadlines and quality
• Energize and motivate the team, building a winning culture and momentum throughout each pursuit
• Lead integrated pitches that connect media, analytics, and social or retail media into one clear, compelling story
• Present with confidence to prospective clients and guide the team through live pitch moments

Deal Pursuit & Close

Own opportunities from initial conversation through negotiation and close Pursue wins of every size, from large media AOR engagements to mid-sized performance budgets and focused social and influencer programs

Partner with leadership to scope proposals, shape commercial terms, and ensure a smooth transition to the client team once a deal is won

Industry Presence & Network & Marketing

Represent the agency at key conferences, events, and networking opportunities Build and maintain a strong network of senior relationships across the marketing and advertising community

Host and participate in relationship-building opportunities that create new conversations for the agency

Act as a champion for the agency's reputation and point of view in the market Coordinate with the marketing department (which is run by an incredible person!) to ensure cases, web-site, newsletter, podcast and other marketing assets are pointing in the same direction ensuring more pin-action between the two.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Represent growth priorities in conversations with media, analytics, social, and retail media leadership
• Bring market intelligence, competitive insight, and prospect feedback back into the agency
• Collaborate with the leadership team to continuously strengthen the new business approach
• Proven track record of winning new business at an agency, with a strong record of pitch wins
• Demonstrated experience running integrated pitches across media, analytics, and social or retail media
• Proven ability to originate your own opportunities, not only convert inbound ones
• Experience leading and motivating senior, cross-functional teams through high-stakes pursuits
• Excellent storytelling, presentation, and communication skills
• Comfort pursuing deals of very different sizes and complexity, with sound judgment on where to invest time
• A deep, active industry network built over years of relationship-building
• Entrepreneurial, self-directed mindset
• Based in or willing to relocate within a drive or short flight of Atlanta (East Coast or Midwest), with regular in-person time in Atlanta

What Success Looks Like

• A healthy, qualified pipeline with a steady flow of opportunities the team originated itself
• Pitch teams that are organized, aligned, and energized, and consistently deliver client-ready work
• Wins across both large and mid-sized opportunities
• A strong, visible presence in the market and with the broader industry