Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager will play a critical role in driving our organization’s growth by identifying, recruiting, and engaging key industry stakeholders and raising awareness of the potential for UIDP membership to help them meet their academic engagement/external innovation goals. This position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills and a passion for our mission to strengthen university-industry partnerships. The ideal candidate will have experience in business development and relationship management and a proven track record of success.

 

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for:

 

Industry Recruitment Strategy:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to identify, recruit, and retain eligible industry partners and stakeholders.
• Analyze market trends and identify potential opportunities for recruitment.
• Create and maintain a target list of industry prospects, tracking engagement and progress.
• Work effectively with existing members and partners to identify potential members who will contribute to UIDP’s mission

Partnership Development:

• Cultivate relationships with new industry leaders, companies, and other organizations to build partnerships that support the organization’s mission.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and proposals to prospective partners.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for interested parties from companies across all sectors, ensuring strong and effective communication.
• Organize and facilitate meetings and networking opportunities to foster relationships and highlight opportunities to engage with UIDP.
• Provide exceptional stewardship and support to existing industry members, ensuring continued engagement and satisfaction.
• Identify conferences and other events where UIDP’s presence can contribute to industry engagement and business development.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with internal teams to align recruitment strategies with organizational needs and objectives.
• Maintain awareness of UIDP events, programs, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop materials and campaigns that promote engagement opportunities.
• Monitor and report on the progress and effectiveness of industry recruitment efforts.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Track and analyze recruitment metrics to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on recruitment activities, industry engagement outcomes, and trends that impact engagement with UIDP.
• Adjust strategies based on data-driven insights and feedback.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are responsive, customer-focused, polished, and professional. You understand the long game and listen to prospects, so customer discovery drives your recruitment strategy. You are comfortable with changes in course and circumstances. You have an uncanny ability to pivot focus and resources as tasks dictate and a keen ability to problem-solve. You work hard, smart, and efficiently. You embrace your role and enjoy providing support to the team. You are meticulous in your organizational skills, pay great attention to detail, and meet all deadlines expeditiously.

 

Qualifications – required

·       Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field.

·       5+ years of experience in business development, partnership management, or a related role

·       Proven ability to identify, recruit, and engage industry prospects with the goal of organizational membership.

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships.

·       Excellent presentation skills.

·       Ability to conduct comprehensive market research to identify and evaluate potential industry prospects.

·       Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach and the ability to work independently.

·       Knowledge of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities relevant to the university-industry partner landscape.

·       Proficiency in CRM software and other relevant tools.

·       Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with other functional areas.

 

Qualifications – big pluses

·       Understanding of association development practices

·       Experience in academic or corporate partnership activities

 

WHO WE ARE

UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community’s needs.

 

OUR TEAM

As the quality and impact of UIDP’s work gains recognition, our team has grown rapidly over the past five years to meet the demand. Yet, we retain the spirit and energy of a mission-driven start-up. This means we are all clear on the big vision but also comfortable with the inevitable ambiguity and sense of urgency of a highly responsive, agile organization. Plentiful growth opportunities await! UIDP believes in investing in its staff to promote the achievement of personal career goals. Staff are given opportunities to enhance their skill sets through professional development. Promotion is readily available for staff members seeking greater responsibilities.

 

LOCATION

This position is located in Downtown Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work 3-4 days/week in the office.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This full-time, exempt position includes a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, and ample paid time off. UIDP also believes in supporting the professional development of its employees and their growth within the organization.

 

The job will be open until filled.

 

UIDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.