Business Developer

Louisiana Community and Technical College System • Lake Charles, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Workforce Development Department at SOWELA, focusing on identifying new business opportunities, developing strategies, and closing deals to enhance the division's performance and revenue. The role involves market research, client engagement, contract negotiation, and maintaining strong relationships with partners and clients. The Business Developer will also contribute to strategic planning, budget management, and mentoring entry-level staff, ensuring alignment with the goals of Workforce Solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in business administration or related field.
• Three years of relevant work experience, such as sales.
• Knowledge of local business market.
• Knowledge of budgeting and related reporting.
• Knowledge of sales, including prospecting, territory, closing and planning.
• Skills with presentations and negotiation.
• Leadership skills.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and networked personal computers.
• Proficiency in a variety of software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations needed to complete job tasks.
• Skilled at planning, organizing, and prioritizing job duties to meet deadlines.
• Maintaining interpersonal professional working relationship at all levels – students, peers, and Executives.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in business administration or related field.
• Experience as a business developer in public higher education.

Responsibilities

• Identify trendsetting ideas by researching industry and related events, publications, and announcements.
• Attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
• Perform market research to identify new opportunities and engage with business executives to establish strategies for pursuing those new opportunities.
• Perform cold calls as appropriate within a specific geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Screen potential business deals by analyzing market strategies, deal requirements, and financials.
• Estimate partners’ needs and goals.
• Examine risks and potentials for business opportunities.
• Develop and utilize negotiating strategies and positions by studying the integration of new ventures with company strategies and operations.
• Close new business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and negotiating contracts; and integrating contract requirements with business operations.
• Identify potential clients, and the decision makers within the client organization.
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and locate or propose potential business deals by contacting potential partners.
• Track individual contributors, business partners, project status, and accomplishments.
• Ensure data is accurately entered and managed within the identified sales management system.
• Track and record activity on accounts and help to close deals to meet targets.
• Research and develop a thorough understanding of the SOWELA’s people and capabilities.
• Work with technical staff and other colleagues to meet customer needs.
• Incorporate strategies to improve SOWELA’s facility usage program.
• Review divisional budget and continually track expenses, as well as ensure the division is on track to achieve revenue targets.
• Protect organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Explore opportunities to add value to job accomplishments and the reputation of the organization.
• Mentor entry level staff department staff to help achieve department goals.
• Understand goals and purpose of Workforce Solutions to continually enhance the division’s performance.
• Submit weekly progress reports ensuring data is accurate.
• Analyze current and past financial data, such as sales reports, and provide strategies to cut costs and increase revenue.
• Present to and consult with mid and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new services, products, and distribution channels.
• Develop a growth strategy and strategic plan focused both on financial gain and customer satisfaction.
• Set realistic and attainable divisional goals and revenue projections.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Executive Director for Workforce Solutions.

Benefits

• Retirement
• Multiple medical insurance options
• Supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• Holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas)
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level