Business Development Officer

Easter Seals Southwest Florida•Sarasota, FL

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Development Officer serves as a key external ambassador, cultivating relationships with business leaders, financial professionals, and primary gift planners to expand the organization’s network of support. This role focuses on generating corporate partnerships, securing event sponsorships, and identifying opportunities for vendor consolidation and strategic collaborations. In partnership with program teams, this position also supports external employment initiatives (approximately 15% allocation), acting as a liaison between employers and program staff. A successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness and desire to work closely within program teams, supporting organizational needs through community relationships, employer engagement, and recruitment efforts. Additional responsibilities include agency outreach, community engagement, and building relationships with county government stakeholders. The Business Development Officer reports to the Vice President and plays a critical role in advancing revenue and visibility.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and willingness to learn CRM systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong customer service orientation and professionalism.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Eagerness to learn all aspects of development, with a desire to grow into a Development Officer role over time.
Positive attitude, initiative, and willingness to support team needs across functions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
Strong network or demonstrated ability to build relationships within the community.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with business leaders, financial professionals, and community partners to generate revenue and engagement.
Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships and partnership opportunities.
Support fundraising efforts through donor and prospect engagement, particularly within the business community.
Serve as a liaison to external employment partners, supporting job development and recruitment efforts in collaboration with program teams.
Represent the organization at community events, networking opportunities, and outreach initiatives.
Assist in the development and execution of events and sponsorship strategies.
Support agency outreach efforts and maintain relationships with local and county government stakeholders.
Track and manage relationship activity and engagement within the donor database.
Collaborate with development and program staff to align community partnerships with organizational needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.