Director, Business Development (Public Affairs & Advocacy)

About Tunnl

Tunnl is building a future where artificial intelligence enables organizations to connect meaningfully with the people who matter most. We help organizations conduct research at scale, define the right audiences, surface real-time insights, identify optimal communication channels, and measure changing attitudes over time.

Tunnl serves brands, agencies, and advocacy groups alike - organizations navigating complex communications, reputational, and regulatory landscapes. These teams need smarter, faster ways to make audience-informed decisions that stand up to scrutiny and resonate across stakeholder groups. Whether you're building a brand, shaping public opinion, managing risk, or launching a new initiative, Tunnl empowers you to move from insight to impact with clarity & confidence.

The Role

As a fast-growing tech company at the forefront of audience intelligence innovation, Tunnl is exceptionally placed to build and grow relationships within the public affairs and advocacy market. The Director will drive this advancement through building and developing new partnerships in the space and leveraging Tunnl’s unique technology & approach to position clients for ideal outcomes.

The ideal candidate will excel at proactive prospecting, enjoy the challenge and excitement of building and closing new business, and bring a self-starting, goal-oriented attitude to the team. This is a quota based position and the selected candidate will be measured against hitting an estimated $500k-$750k annual target.

The Director will report to the Chief Revenue Officer and will be located in our Washington, DC office. 

Responsibilities

• Source, close and manage a book of new logos in the public affairs and advocacy space to be measured against an annual quota (estimated between $500k-$750k)

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry partners, and key stakeholders to identify new business opportunities 

• Build and manage trust and value-led relationships with existing and prospective clients to maximize solutions and satisfaction

• Maintain clear understanding of Tunnl’s primary clients’ industry trends, economic sectors, and market dynamics

• Collaborate with internal teams including engineering, product, and account management to ensure seamless implementation of the product for clients

• Develop strategies and plans for developing and deepening client accounts 

• Provide regular reports and updates to the CRO on business development activities, progress, and results

• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote brand awareness and generate leads

Qualifications

• 5+ years of successful experience in direct selling within the public affairs & advocacy market, ideally with a background in data and/or market research sales

• Experience managing the sales process from lead generation to closure

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment

• Bring a strong drive to meet and exceed sales targets

• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve measurable outcomesHave a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing new business opportunities

• Skilled in building and cultivating relationships

• Passionate about being a key contributor in business growth and committed to helping businesses thrive

• Proficient in the Microsoft suite of products including Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel 

• Previous experience in tech-based SaaS product sales is highly preferred

• Experience working with HubSpot is a plus

Why You Should Apply:

• Join a team driven by curiosity, teamwork, integrity, and a shared passion for solving big challenges.

• A friendly, welcoming, and supportive culture with regular social and team events.

• Comprehensive benefits with excellent medical, vision, and dental coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Employer-paid life insurance & short-term & long-term disability, with other voluntary additional coverage available (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity).

• Flexible hybrid work policy.

• Flexible paid vacation plus 80 hours of paid sick leave.

• 10 paid company holidays per year.

• 401(k) plan with 100% match up to 3%, plus 50% match up to 5% (subject to IRS limits).

• Cell phone reimbursement stipend.

• Monthly parking or commuter stipend for VA-based employees.