Job DescriptionThe Business Development Manager is responsible for building and sustaining a robust pipeline of corporate partners for the Center for Action Learning. Reporting to the Executive Director, Action Learning, this role sits at the front end of the Centers operating model identifying, engaging, and qualifying companies that will sponsor real-world student consulting and action-learning projects. The Manager is a proactive, outbound business development leader who leverages personal networks, alumni relationships, and modern prospecting tools (LinkedIn, targeted outreach, referrals) to generate consistent deal flow. Success is measured by qualified lead activity, conversion to sponsored projects, and long-term partner relationships. This is not a marketing role. It is a high-volume, relationship-driven business development role with clear activity and outcome targets. This role is central to the Centers growth and impact. The Business Development Manager directly shapes the volume, quality, and diversity of real-world opportunities available to students while helping companies access fresh thinking, talent, and practical solutions to real business problems. Please Note: Position will not start until July 1.
Required Skills- Bachelor's and 3+ years of experience in business development, consulting sales, partnerships, or professional services sales required.
- Proven ability to generate outbound leads and close relationship-based opportunities.
- Strong executive presence and comfort engaging senior business leaders.
- Highly organized, metrics-driven, and comfortable with high activity levels.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in management consulting, professional services, or B2B solution sales.
- Familiarity with higher education, executive education, or experiential learning models.
- Existing network of senior corporate leaders and/or alumni relationships.
- Experience working with CRM tools and structured sales processes Personal Attributes.
- Entrepreneurial and self-directed.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and building from scratch.
- Relationship-oriented but execution-focused.
- Resilient, persistent, and outcome-driven.
- Credible, practical, and business-minded.
