Business Development & Strategic Growth Lead

Florida Institute of Technology • Melbourne, FL

106d

About The Position

The Business Development & Strategic Growth Lead is a dynamic and scientifically fluent professional who will help grow Florida Tech's Vertex Applied Innovation Hub by driving new revenue and expanding our network of partners. This role blends business acumen with the ability to understand and communicate technical concepts—ideal for someone who can confidently engage with CEOs, engineers, researchers, and government stakeholders alike. The position focuses on three key areas: Attracting and closing new Business-in-Residence (BIR) partners and members, promoting and selling workforce development programs to industry partners, and identifying and coordinating opportunities for funded projects, including SBIR/STTR programs and corporate-sponsored research. This role will play a critical role in positioning Vertex as a go-to collaborator for applied innovation, helping to generate revenue that supports sustainable long term operations and create meaningful partnerships that drive impact for the university and the broader Space Coast community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific, engineering, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership development.
• Highly collaborative and agile professional.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in or alongside technology, research, or innovation-driven sectors.
• Ability to quickly learn and communicate technical concepts.
• Familiarity with grants, SBIR/STTR programs, or workforce development sales preferred.

Responsibilities

• Grow Vertex’s network by cultivating and closing new BIRs, members, and industry partners.
• Identify and coordinate funding opportunities, including grants and corporate-sponsored research.
• Sell workforce development programs and other revenue-generating services.
• Contribute to departmental planning, reporting, and key growth initiatives.
• Represent Vertex across events and networks to expand visibility and ecosystem connections.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees