Business Development Manager

Job Summary
The Business Development Manager (Education SME) is responsible for driving revenue growth by identifying new, complex business opportunities in the educational sector. This individual acts as the primary expert on education trends, pedagogical needs, and market dynamics, creating tailored solutions for clients, and fostering long-term strategic relationships. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Market Development: Conduct high-level industry research to identify new markets, growth areas, and trends in the education sector to expand business reach.
• Lead Generation & Pipeline Management: Research and prospect new clients (schools, government bodies, educational institutions), managing the entire sales pipeline from identification to closing.
• Solution Selling & Consultative Approach: Leverage SME knowledge to understand client pain points, proposing tailored solutions (products/services) that align with educational goals.
• Proposal & Tender Management: Prepare, write, and present comprehensive proposals, bids, and tender responses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal and client requirements.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain long-term, high-level relationships with decision-makers, such as school administrators, government officials, and education consultants.
• Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate with marketing, sales, and product development teams to ensure market intelligence drives product enhancement and that sales strategies are effective.
• Performance Metrics: Monitor sales performance against targets, prepare regular reports, and maintain accurate records in CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce). 

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in business development, sales, or consulting, specifically within the education, EdTech, or SME sector.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• Expertise: Deep understanding of current education trends, methodologies, learning technologies, and challenges within the target region.
• Skills: Exceptional, persuasive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex educational solutions.
• Tech Proficiency: Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and MS Office/Google Suite.
• Network: An established network within the educational community is highly desirable preferred in Maryland. 

Core Competencies

• Proactive and self-driven attitude.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills.
• Ability to work in high-pressured environments.
• Customer-focused with a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes.