[Hiring] Director of Business Development @Learning Forward

Role Description

Learning Forward is looking for a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Business Development to help power our next chapter of growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a mission-driven organization builds partnerships, expands its reach, and strengthens its financial sustainability — all in service of better professional learning for educators nationwide.

The Director of Business Development is a key driver for Learning Forward's revenue growth — building the strategy for lead generation, pipeline growth, cultivation execution, and systems infrastructure that will help expand the organization's reach, impact, and financial sustainability. This is primarily a strategy and enablement role.

• Engages directly with the field — leading focus groups and listening sessions with district-level practitioners to inform strategy.
• Leads strategy for state agency, superintendent-level, and major funder relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, business, nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field — Required
• Master's degree in a relevant field — Preferred
• 5 or more years of progressive experience in business development, sales, strategic partnerships, fundraising, consulting, or client relationship management — Required
• Demonstrated success developing strategy and securing partnerships, philanthropic grants, or service agreements — Required
• Experience working with K–12 education systems, state agencies, education nonprofits, or professional learning organizations — Preferred
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder sales or development cycles — Preferred
• Familiarity with educator professional learning, leadership development, school improvement, or instructional coaching — Preferred

Requirements

• Strong strategic and analytical skills — able to translate market intelligence into actionable sales, reengagement, and funder strategy.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills, written and verbal.
• Understands revenue generation, pricing strategy, contract development, and financial sustainability.
• Ability to attend to multiple strategic initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or MemberSuite helpful.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google; familiarity with iOS/Mac a plus.

Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $95,000 – $110,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
• Retirement: 401(k) with 9% employer contribution (no employee match required).
• PTO & Holidays: 15 days PTO / 14 holidays (including the week of Dec. 25 – Jan. 1); sick leave accrues at 1 day per month of service, up to a cumulative 30 days.
• Additional Benefits: Medical, dental, vision.
• Professional Learning: Annual conference attendance and development support.