Academic & Workforce Business Development Manager

ISACA

About The Position

The Academic & Workforce Business Development Manager at ISACA is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and workforce development programs across non-profit and for-profit sectors, with a focus on the education market. The role’s primary objective is to expand access to ISACA credentials and certifications for employees, students, and learners at all levels, while increasing awareness and support for ISACA. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Academic Strategy and Business Development, this role collaborates closely with multiple internal departments to maintain strong stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in business development or partnership management, with proven skills in prospecting, negotiating, and closing agreements, and a solid understanding of the sales and marketing process necessary to grow strategic initiatives in the education and workforce development sectors.

Requirements

6+ years of experience in related roles, including 2+ years of supervisory or project leadership experience
2+ years of demonstrated experience in lead generation and project leadership
Proven experience in sales or business development, ideally within SaaS, educational content, publishing, or technology sectors.
Demonstrated success managing workforce development programs or initiatives, including designing, implementing, and evaluating training or development strategies.
Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, such as educational institutions, employers, or community organizations.
Track record of achieving measurable results in program growth, participant engagement, or revenue/partnership development.
Experience managing budgets, reporting, and operational aspects of workforce or professional development programs.
Experience with effective business development, marketing methods and sales techniques.
Knowledge of ISACA and/or credentials and certifications programs
Knowledge of higher education, workforce development, and/or non-for-profit organizations.
Knowledge of current issues and trends in higher education and their respective processes.
Skill in presenting to groups large and small, and in one-on-one settings.
Skill in verbal and written communications.
Skill in establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships.
Skill in providing exceptional customer service.
Skill in exercising discretion and sound judgment.
Skill in strategic planning and organization.
Skill in conducting market research and competitive analysis.
Skill in conflict resolution and problem solving.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as education, workforce development, business administration, organizational development

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field of study such as organizational leadership, workforce development, or business
8+ years of experience in related roles, including 3+ years of supervisors or project leadership
3+ years leading projects and driving lead generation initiatives
Extensive experience in sales or business development, with a strong track record in SaaS, educational content, publishing, or technology sectors, driving growth and strategic partnerships.
Proven leadership in managing workforce development programs or initiatives, including strategic planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of training or development strategies.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including educational institutions, employers, community organizations, and industry partners.
Consistent record of delivering measurable results, such as program expansion, increased participant engagement, revenue growth, or successful partnership development.
Experience overseeing budgets, operational management, and reporting for workforce or professional development programs, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and alignment with organizational goals.
ISACA Certifications or Equivalent

Responsibilities

Demonstrates the ability to utilize sales force customer management system and manage opportunities through the business development process to maintain accurate forecasts and pipeline.
Represents ISACA leadership and/or program(s) on ISACA committees, corporate advisory boards, or community boards when necessary.
Develops and executes business strategies to engage academic partners, workforce development organizations, and not-for-profit employers that aid in the recruitment of qualified student applicants to ISACA credentials and certifications and further advances the ISACA’S role and reputation.
Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with academic and community partners and communicates effectively and regularly with key ISACA stakeholders about partner opportunities, feedback, and competitive analyses.
Develop metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of workforce development initiatives and prepare and present reports on program impact and ROI to senior leadership
Identifies opportunities for and facilitates the involvement of ISACA stakeholders, leadership or academic units in recruitment efforts and/or partner cultivation.