Business Developer

Louisiana Community and Technical College System • Lake Charles, LA

16h • $46,000

About The Position

The Business Developer works in SOWELA’s Workforce Development department to identify and pursue business opportunities, build and maintain client and partner relationships, and support the division’s financial and customer-satisfaction goals. The role researches markets and industry trends, develops growth strategies, negotiates and closes business deals, and coordinates with internal colleagues to meet customer needs. It also supports facility usage initiatives, incorporates initiatives of the Manufactured Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPOL), tracks activity and results in the sales management system, monitors budgets and expenses, and reports progress. The position mentors entry-level department staff and performs other duties as directed by the Executive Director for Workforce Solutions.

The position requires an associate’s degree in business administration or comparable training or certifications and three years of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience are preferred; experience as a business developer in public higher education is also preferred. A passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in business administration or comparable training or certifications.
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the local business market.
• Knowledge of budgeting and related reporting.
• Knowledge of sales, including prospecting, territory, closing, and planning.
• Presentation and negotiation skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and networked personal computers.
• Proficiency with a variety of software, including Microsoft Office.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations needed for job tasks.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize job duties to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships at all levels, including students, peers, and executives.
• Passing pre-employment criminal background screen.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience.
• Experience as a business developer in public higher education.

Responsibilities

• Research industry events, publications, announcements, and market trends to identify business opportunities.
• Attend industry functions and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
• Conduct market research, identify new opportunities, and engage business executives to establish strategies for pursuing them.
• Make cold calls within a specific geographic area to maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Screen potential business deals by analyzing market strategies, requirements, and financials.
• Assess partners’ needs and goals and examine the risks and potential of business opportunities.
• Develop and use negotiating strategies based on how new ventures integrate with company strategies and operations.
• Close business deals by coordinating requirements, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations.
• Identify potential clients and their decision makers.
• Maintain existing client relationships and contact potential partners to identify or propose business deals.
• Track individual contributors, business partners, project status, and accomplishments.
• Ensure data is accurately entered and managed in the sales management system.
• Track and record account activity and help close deals to meet targets.
• Develop a thorough understanding of SOWELA’s people and capabilities.
• Work with technical staff and internal colleagues to meet customer needs.
• Advocate for and incorporate initiatives of the Manufactured Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPOL).
• Incorporate strategies to improve SOWELA’s facility usage program.
• Review the divisional budget, track expenses, and help ensure the division meets revenue targets.
• Protect organizational value by keeping information confidential.
• Identify opportunities to add value to job accomplishments and the organization’s reputation.
• Mentor entry-level department staff to help achieve department goals.
• Understand Workforce Solutions’ goals and purpose and continually enhance divisional performance.
• Submit weekly progress reports and ensure the data is accurate.
• Analyze current and past financial data, such as sales reports, and recommend strategies to reduce costs and increase revenue.
• Present to and consult with mid- and senior-level management on business trends and opportunities to develop services, products, and distribution channels.
• Develop a growth strategy and strategic plan focused on financial gain and customer satisfaction.
• Set realistic and attainable divisional goals and revenue projections.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Director for Workforce Solutions.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits.
• Multiple medical insurance options.
• Supplemental insurance options, including dental, term life, disability, accident, and vision insurance.
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan for certain child care and medical expenses.
• 14 holidays per year, typically including a longer break at Christmas.
• Annual (vacation) leave.
• Sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree