Business Development Manager

CHESS • Santa Fe, NM

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Development Manager for Workforce and Contract Training is responsible for driving strategic growth through employer partnerships, contract training opportunities, and regional workforce initiatives. This role leads proactive business outreach efforts, identifies emerging workforce needs, and develops customized training solutions that align institutional capabilities with industry demand. The position serves as a key external ambassador, building strong relationships with business, community, and industry leaders to expand program visibility and revenue. Working collaboratively across departments, the Business Development Manager supports data-informed decision-making, contributes to revenue generation goals, and ensures a high level of client satisfaction to sustain long-term partnerships. This position does not supervise others.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree
• Five (5) years' experience in a sales environment.
• Knowledge of workforce development concepts.
• Knowledge of business development fundamentals.
• Knowledge of data and performance measurement systems.
• Skill in interpersonal and relationship‑building communication.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in analytical and organizational practices
• Skill in digital and technical proficiency
• Skill in sales and goal achievement
• Ability to develop and sustain professional partnerships
• Ability to think strategically
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work with emerging technologies, processes, and industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed established outreach, engagement, and performance metrics to ensure a consistent pipeline of business development activity while identifying, researching, and pursuing new business opportunities that expand workforce training partnerships and increase contract training revenue.
• Conduct proactive outreach through phone, virtual meetings, and in-person visits to assess employer needs, present customized workforce training solutions, and develop proposals aligned with organizational goals and workforce challenges.
• Build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry leaders, community organizations, and economic development partners, serving as a primary point of contact and ensuring a high level of responsiveness and customer service.
• Represent the institution at conferences, chamber meetings, job fairs, and business roundtables to promote workforce programs and increase visibility, while following up with clients to ensure satisfaction and identify opportunities for ongoing or expanded partnerships.
• Maintain current knowledge of regional labor market trends, industry demands, and emerging workforce skill gaps and apply this knowledge to inform outreach strategies, partnership development, and program alignment.
• Track leads, client interactions, and business opportunities using CRM or sales tracking systems, maintaining accurate records of communications, proposals, and contracts, and contributing to regular performance and pipeline reporting.
• Assist in the development and execution of marketing and outreach campaigns to increase awareness of workforce development offerings and drive engagement with targeted industries and employers.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including academic departments, workforce program teams, Marketing, and Finance, to design responsive training solutions, support budget development and revenue tracking, and contribute to forecasting and trend analysis.

What This Job Offers

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