Position Overview

The Associate Vice President of Business Development (AVP) is a growth oriented sales role designed for an ambitious professional who wants to learn the business, develop professional sales skills, and build a long-term career in consultative sales and business development. Prior sales experience is preferred but not required; comprehensive training and development will be provided. We are looking for individuals with strong communication skills, professionalism, persistence, curiosity, and the drive to learn and succeed in a performance-oriented environment.

Through hands-on experience, the AVP will learn how to identify, engage, qualify, and develop prospective clients for Advantage | The Authority Company. Business development activities include following up with inbound leads as well as proactive outbound prospecting through LinkedIn, speaker and conference research, ZoomInfo, referrals, industry research, and targeted online engagement.

The AVP will communicate with CEOs, founders, executives, and other business leaders through Zoom calls, email, and personalized follow-up, with the goal of securing qualified Discovery Calls. Depending on the prospect’s qualifications, Discovery Calls may be led by the AVP or a Vice President (VP). During these conversations, prospective clients learn about Advantage’s publishing model, authority-building services, and overall value proposition while the AVP evaluates potential alignment.

As the AVP develops, they will learn to lead Discovery Calls and secure the sale of the Authority Blueprint, a $2,995 strategic engagement designed to validate and position prospective clients for a successful publishing and authority-building partnership. Once an Authority Blueprint is scheduled, the opportunity transitions to the VP, who assumes ownership of the remaining sales process and long-term relationship development.

Ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development will be provided primarily by the Sales Director, with additional guidance from the VP, to build sales competency, business development skills, and the foundation for long-term career growth. High-performing AVPs who demonstrate the skills and readiness for the next level will be considered for advancement into a Vice President role.

Expected Outcomes (What Success Looks Like Over the First 12–24 Months)

• Master the Sales Process and Product Offerings
• • Demonstrate proficiency in articulating all service lines and the company’s authority positioning within the first 30 days
  • Develop a strong understanding of the publishing, media, and authority-building ecosystem
• Proactive Inbound and Outbound Lead Development: 
• • In partnership with a VP, manage one or more strategic partners and/or strategic marketing channels
  • Execute consistent, high-quality inbound and outbound outreach to leaders aligned with the ideal client profile
  • Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of qualified opportunities through customized relationship development
• Lead Discovery Calls and Qualifying Calls with Prospects: 
• • Conduct weekly Discovery Calls with qualified prospects that lead to sales actionable outcomes (~7)
  • Nurture inbound leads through the qualification process
  • Convert Discovery Calls into paid Authority Blueprints or transition qualified opportunities to the appropriate VP
• Lost Sale Re-engagement: 
• • Reconnect with previously unconverted prospects to introduce new entry-tier publishing solutions and other products 
  • Conduct weekly re-engagement calls
  • Generate new sales opportunities and conversions from prior pipeline activity
• Closed Sales Revenue: 
• • Drive closed sales across entry-tier publishing imprints and Entrepreneur Authorities programs
  • Consistently contribute to revenue growth through proactive pipeline management and consultative selling practices

Compensation

First-year On-Target Earnings (OTE) are approximately $80,000 for strong performers, with top performers earning $100,000+. Beginning in year two, OTE increases to approximately $125,000+.

The AVP role is designed as a foundation for a long-term, high-earning sales career, providing the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of our business, industry, clients, services, and proven sales process. Strong performers can leverage this experience to position themselves for advancement into a Vice President role.

Today, our Vice Presidents average approximately $350,000 in annual earnings, while top performers earn $500,000+ annually—all with the flexibility to work from home and no travel required.

Key Competencies 

• Ambitious & Results-Driven: Self-motivated, competitive, and motivated by achieving clear goals
• Persistent: Resilient and disciplined in follow-up and outreach efforts
• Communication & Active Listening: Builds trust through thoughtful listening and clear, persuasive communication
• Proactive: Takes initiative to identify opportunities and solve problems independently
• Mission-Driven: Passionate about helping CEOs and business leaders grow their authority and impact
• Organized & Accountable: Effectively manages a high-volume pipeline while taking ownership of performance outcomes
• Adaptable & Collaborative: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and works closely across teams
• Integrity: Represents the brand and solutions with professionalism and high ethical standards

Skills and Experience

Required

• Passion for sales, relationship-building, and business development
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Highly resourceful, self-directed, and capable of independently overcoming obstacles and solving problems
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Ability to confidently engage with CEOs, founders, executives, and other high-level decision-makers
• Bachelor’s degree 

Preferred

• Professional sales experience, including executive-level B2B consultative selling
• Experience with executive-level B2B consultative selling
• Advanced sales training and/or formal sales methodology experience
• Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and driving new client acquisition
• Familiarity with Salesforce.com or comparable CRM platforms
• Experience with outbound prospecting and proactive lead generation strategies
• Familiarity with thought leadership, professional services, publishing, consulting, or high-ticket sales environments

Work Environment
Candidates must reside in the Charleston, SC area and be available to work from our downtown Charleston office at least two days per week.

Benefits
Advantage offers a comprehensive benefits package with a focus on career development and advancement. 

• Generous Vacation/PTO policies.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans (eligibility begins the first of the month after 30 days).
• A 401(k) plan with company contributions.
• Additional benefits available after 90 days of employment to support your well-being and professional development.

Advantage | The Authority Company is known for its exceptional workplace culture and values the dedication and hard work of its team members. We create an environment where employees can build rewarding, fulfilling careers.

Company Overview

Founded in 2005, Advantage | The Authority Company helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders around the globe build their impact and grow their business through authority publishing, authority media, and thought leadership consulting services.

Advantage’s Authority Publishing group is one of the most respected independent non-fiction book publishers globally. Consisting of marquee brands Forbes® Books, SXSW® Books, Entrepreneur® Books, Advantage® Books, and Rethink Press, Advantage’s Authority Publishing group exclusively publishes CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are best in business. What began in the spare bedroom of Founder Adam Witty’s home now supports and publishes over 2,500+ authorities in 44 U.S. states and 17 countries.

Beyond publishing, Advantage’s Authority Media group offers a suite of done-for-you services to help clients build and maintain their authority, including public relations, digital media strategies, serialized content, podcast production, and more. We are committed to helping entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders share their perspective and tell their stories to extend their audience reach and establish themselves as the go-to source for leadership in their fields. Recognized as “the authority on authority,” our mission is to help clients become thought leaders and drive business growth.

Advantage’s compelling vision, comprehensive strategy, and relentless focus on implementation are dedicated to serving CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders. With a strong emphasis on fostering growth and authority for its clients, the company creates an environment where innovation and impact thrive. If you’re excited to be part of a winning team, Advantage offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the success of influential leaders and businesses.