Strategic Business Development Director

Rochester Institute of Technology • Rochester, NY

2d • $81,600 - $130,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Develops and implements a vision, strategies, and processes to drive new business and revenue generation for the university Identifies and builds upon business opportunities to grow the university’s brand and reputation as premier event venue Creates, develops, and maintains client relationships and industry partnerships in support of new and existing revenue streams Assesses low usage periods and formulates strategies to increase venue usage and revenue production during these periods Builds and expands customer base with targeted markets, including community and civic organizations, corporate entities, and sports and entertainment industries Establishes and maintains effective relationships with sales teams and event services staff to maximize leads and opportunities. Participates in familiarization tours Other duties as assigned Knowledge of RIT programs, institutional goals/objectives, student services, and university policies to effectively navigate and identify opportunities Knowledge of business development and targeted sales strategies, tactics, and techniques that effectively communicate value and engage potential clients Skill in strategic management of venue operations Skill in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance RIT’s visibility Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development Ability to identify and resolve complex business challenges through strategic decision-making and data-informed analysis RIT Certified is a strategic university initiative supported by RIT leadership designed to expand Rochester Institute of Technology’s engagement with industry through professional education and partnership-based learning programs. RIT Certified delivers flexible, industry-informed professional learning experiences that connect subject matter experts, including RIT faculty, with the evolving needs of employers and professionals. Through innovative programs and partnerships, RIT Certified bridges the gap between traditional academic education and modern professional learning, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economy. The Director of Strategic Business Development reports to the Executive Director of RIT Certified. They lead the unit’s external engagement strategy with a clear mandate: generate revenue through strategic relationship development, market expansion, and partnership cultivation. This role serves as the primary driver of business development for RIT Certified, with accountability for building and managing a pipeline of employer, government, and community relationships that drive enrollment growth, secure paid contracts, and deliver strong financial performance. The Director serves as the primary voice of the customer within RIT Certified, ensuring that employer needs and feedback are clearly understood, documented, and communicated in program development and delivery. The role ensures that all opportunities are clearly defined, approved, and ready for execution prior to transition to Product Development and Operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to advancing a growing university initiative. The Director will bring a strong business acumen and the ability to identify strategic markets, grow revenue, and scale in-person and online programming to expand RIT Certified reach and impact. Growth will be driven through strategic industry partnerships, development of custom training initiatives, and expansion of professional education offerings aligned with employer needs. At the university, the Director works closely with faculty and college teams to translate industry needs into training programs and partnerships that strengthen RIT’s engagement with employers and professional learners. The Director will initially focus on building strategic relationships with regional and national employers in priority sectors and launching pilot partnerships that establish a foundation for scalable growth. Over time, efforts shift to building both defined areas of institutional focus and expanding capacity aligned with RIT’s long-term strategic direction. The role offers the opportunity to shape how industry and higher education collaborate to support innovation, professional growth, and lifelong learning, while helping scale a growing university initiative and expand RIT’s partnerships with industry.

Requirements

• Knowledge of RIT programs, institutional goals/objectives, student services, and university policies to effectively navigate and identify opportunities
• Knowledge of business development and targeted sales strategies, tactics, and techniques that effectively communicate value and engage potential clients
• Skill in strategic management of venue operations
• Skill in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance RIT’s visibility
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development
• Ability to identify and resolve complex business challenges through strategic decision-making and data-informed analysis
• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience & education may be considered

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a vision, strategies, and processes to drive new business and revenue generation for the university
• Identifies and builds upon business opportunities to grow the university’s brand and reputation as premier event venue
• Creates, develops, and maintains client relationships and industry partnerships in support of new and existing revenue streams
• Assesses low usage periods and formulates strategies to increase venue usage and revenue production during these periods
• Builds and expands customer base with targeted markets, including community and civic organizations, corporate entities, and sports and entertainment industries
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with sales teams and event services staff to maximize leads and opportunities.
• Participates in familiarization tours
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees