Director of New Business Development

Title: Director of New Business Development

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Management

Department: Dean - Isenberg School

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Programs, the Director of New Business Development is responsible for the growth, sustainability, and strategic development of national, revenue-generating partnerships supporting the School's Professional Programs. These programs currently include the Master of Business Administration, MS in Business Analytics, Master of Finance, MS in Management, and additional joint degrees and certificates.

The Director identifies, negotiates, and closes new partnership opportunities while ensuring the continued growth and long-term viability of existing partnerships. The role involves extensive national travel, conference participation, and relationship development to advance institutional visibility, partnerships, and enrollment pipelines. The Director interacts with top executives, including those in the C-suite in forging partnerships. The Director provides strategic input on recruitment, marketing, and operational logistics related to the promotion and delivery of revenue-generating full time and part-time program, including those offered at regional campuses, including Boston and the Charles River Campus. The Director leads ongoing engagement with alumni and current students, which may include coordinating virtual and in-person meetings in Amherst, Boston, and other locations, and other activities. The Director may serve as advisor for students enrolled through partnership organizations.

Essential Functions

To advance national and regional strategic objectives, the Director will:

Build relations and maintain long term collaboration with each existing and potential partners, including industry associations, business organizations, and educational institutions.

Identify, evaluate, and pursue new partnership opportunities for the School's Professional Master's Programs, including negotiating contractual agreements and coordinating with General Counsel to ensure timely review and approval.

Develop short- and long-term sales and marketing strategies and goals to support partnerships with companies, professional associations, government agencies and educational institutions.

Design and deliver high-impact sales and partnership presentations, including presentations for senior-level and high-profile partners.

Participate and represent the school in regional, national, and virtual recruiting and information sessions, including delivering promotional presentations and Q&A sessions, and organizing networking events to strengthen partner relationship, enhance brand visibility, and improve engagement with students.

Collaborate closely with the Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs and Program Directors to plan and coordinate the logistics and content of information sessions promoting Graduate and Professional Programs.

Serve as a primary or secondary point of contact for students enrolled through partner organizations. Advise students enrolled through partner organizations including making program plans, assisting with course selection, course transfers/waivers, academic focus pathways, and add/drop procedures. Track degree completion and certify students for graduation.

Plan and participate in online and in-person events, including graduation and commencement activities, to engage students, alumni, and partners.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (preferably in business, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related field).

6+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, partnerships, sales, corporate relations, external relations or related field.

Proven ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with senior leaders, including executives and decision-makers at partner organizations.

Experience developing and executing sales, recruitment, or growth strategies that support revenue growth.

Strong presentation and communication skills

Willingness and ability to travel nationally and work evenings or weekends as required for conferences, recruiting events, and partner engagements. Valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

Experience working independently with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual presentation platforms, and familiarity with CRM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in business administration or related discipline

8+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, partnerships, sales, corporate relations, external relations or related field.

Experience in higher or professional education, or ed-tech company.

Demonstrated success closing multi-stakeholder agreements

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Frequent travel required, including weekends. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 28

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.