The Role

You’re a commercially sharp, creatively fluent growth leader who knows how to turn possibility into momentum. You bring experience from design or creative agencies, ideally with exposure to both larger-scale operations and the agility of smaller studios. You thrive in the mix of business development, account growth, and clear, confident communication — and you understand how to translate Koto’s brand, digital, and marketing capabilities into meaningful client value.

In New York, you’ll help shape the next phase of Koto’s growth — balancing a high volume of inbound opportunities with smart, targeted outbound, and building relationships that lead to long-term partnerships. You’re as comfortable talking to CMOs as you are managing a pipeline, responding to RFPs, or working alongside Client Services to expand existing accounts. Most importantly, you know that growth isn’t just about opening doors — it’s about keeping the right ones open for longer.

Your Responsibilities

Lead New Business & Pipeline

• Own all inbound and outbound opportunities: from early conversations to proposals, pitches, and conversions.
• Prioritize inbound interest while building a thoughtful outbound engine with support from Marketing.
• Manage the New York pipeline in collaboration with the CGO and Studio MD, utilizing HubSpot and forecasting to inform decision-making.
• Respond to RFPs/RFIs with clarity, strategic thinking, and creative-commercial rigor.

Grow Existing Accounts

• Partner with Client Services leadership to identify opportunities for expanding accounts in a meaningful way.
• Support cross-sell and upsell strategies that deepen our impact with pillar clients.
• Help shape scopes and proposals that reflect client needs and Koto’s capabilities.

Strengthen Client Relationships

• Build trust with new and existing clients — understanding their world, their challenges, and where Koto can help.
• Lead early-stage conversations with confidence, representing Koto with clarity and warmth.
• Ensure seamless onboarding with CS and Resourcing so clients never feel a handoff.

Outbound, Marketing & Industry Presence

• Collaborate with Marketing on regional campaigns, outreach programs, and event presence.
• Execute thoughtful, human outbound — from personalized follow-ups to strategic outreach.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and client meetings, helping Koto show up in the right rooms.

Connect Global Dots

• Work closely with growth peers across the Koto studio network to support global goals.
  
• Bring curiosity and insight into what’s happening across brand, digital, and marketing — especially with our largest clients.

Our Responsibilities

1. Provide regular access to your manager to support your growth and career trajectory.

2. Reward performance with promotions, pay increases, and a discretionary annual bonus of up to 10%.

3. Ensure an equal and inclusive workplace for all employees.

4. Support family leave with generous paid maternity and paternity.

5. Offer 25 vacation days annually, plus US bank holidays and a December studio closure.

6. Contribute up to 4% to participants in our 401 (k) plan.

7. Provide a monthly $100 wellness benefit via Juno.

8. Offer access to YCN and fund relevant training opportunities.

9. Celebrate milestones: $5,000 and five extra vacation days after five years; $10,000 and four weeks after ten years.

10. Give you the opportunity to work temporarily from any Koto studio worldwide with appropriate planning.

Our Culture

At Koto, we are rationally optimistic about the potential of our work, our clients, and the power of brand.

• We pursue the best briefs, aiming to inspire meaningful work — and for those interested, the chance to make the work of their lives.
• We cultivate leadership, culture, and the space to encourage this ambition.
• We work in person, with an optional WFH day on Fridays and two additional remote weeks each year — striking a balance that fuels creativity, collaboration, and culture.
• We encourage autonomy in each member of our team, allowing them to manage their own time, hours, and personal commitments appropriately to complete work.