Director, Business Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• Identify, develop, and secure strategic alliances with healthcare systems, clinical networks, employer organizations, community colleges, and relevant industry stakeholders to enhance enrollment growth in WCU's online and graduate programs.

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential partners through proactive outreach, engagement at executive levels, and structured relationship development from initial contact to contract execution.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Business Development to ensure that all partnership pursuits, outreach strategies, and prospect interactions align with the broader departmental goals, institutional priorities, and brand standards, seeking guidance and approval as necessary before progressing key opportunities.

• Act as a collaborative team member within the Business Development function and across the organization, actively sharing market insights, prospect intelligence, and best practices with colleagues to ensure a coordinated and unified approach to partnership development.

• Create and deliver persuasive presentations, proposals, and business cases to healthcare executives, HR leaders, clinical stakeholders, and educational partners that highlight employer ROI and showcase the mutual value of partnership.

• Act as a consultative partner to prospective and existing employers, linking WCU's academic offerings to workforce pipeline challenges and positioning the university as a preferred partner for education and talent development.

• Utilize market research, labor data, competitive intelligence, and industry trends to pinpoint high-potential regions, prioritize target organizations, and customize value propositions to meet specific partner needs.

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Business Development to develop and enhance business development strategies, identify areas for process improvement, and suggest new approaches to boost department efficiency and effectiveness.

• Work cross-functionally with internal teams—including Marketing, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Career Services, Academics, Compliance, Legal, and Clinical Placement—to ensure smooth implementation of partnership agreements and fulfillment of employer commitments.

• Manage and nurture existing strategic partner relationships post-contract, identifying opportunities for expansion, renewal, and deeper engagement while ensuring a seamless handoff to implementation teams for everyday operations.

• Represent WCU at significant industry events, conferences, education fairs, trade shows, and targeted networking opportunities to enhance visibility, build relationships, and discover new partnership opportunities.

• Maintain accurate and current documentation in CRM systems, tracking all outreach activities, engagement statuses, pipeline progression, and partnership performance metrics.

• Stay updated on healthcare industry trends, workforce development initiatives, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics affecting healthcare education and professional development opportunities.

• Collaborate with the inside admissions team and other internal departments to align partnership activities with prospective student needs and enrollment goals.

• Maintain high levels of proactive communication with the Senior Director of Business Development and cross-functional stakeholders, providing regular updates on pipeline activities, prospect engagement statuses, potential challenges, and market feedback.

• Ensure complete visibility and alignment across the team at all times.

• Partner with the marketing team to enhance brand recognition and perception of the University among employers, healthcare organizations, and community partners through consistent, professional engagement and thought leadership.

• Comply with University policies and procedures and perform job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set forth in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy, and all applicable federal and state laws and professional standards.

• Follow a regular work schedule, including typical business hours, ensuring time worked and/or time-off is accurately recorded.

• Frequent travel is regarded as an essential function of this role.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is preferred.

• Over 7 years of progressive experience in business development, partnership development, B2B sales, or strategic account management, with a strong preference for experience in healthcare, higher education, or edtech sectors.

• Proven success in identifying, developing, and finalizing complex partnership or business agreements with mid-to-senior-level decision-makers, including C-suite executives.

• Strong consultative selling and strategic thinking abilities with the capacity to navigate extended sales cycles, manage multiple concurrent opportunities, and influence senior stakeholders.

• Experience in mentoring, coaching, or providing informal leadership to team members in a business development or sales environment.

• Highly motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of working independently and achieving results in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create executive-level presentations, intricate proposals, and strategic recommendations.

• Proficient in CRM systems and business intelligence tools; strong analytical and organizational skills are essential.

• Ability to self-manage, multitask, and perform well under pressure from deadlines and competing priorities.

• Willingness to travel frequently (estimated 50–75% of the time), including local, regional, and national travel.

• Capability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in all interactions.

🏝️ Benefits

• Bonus Eligible

• Professional development opportunities