Role Description
Partnerships are critical to Merit Americaโs success over the next several years. We leverage partnerships to fuel our mission, drive awareness of our programs, and amplify our outcomes.
We are looking for a Business Development Manager to serve as a force multiplier for the Partnerships team. This role will work closely with the Managing Director, Partnerships to:
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Increase pipeline quality and velocity
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Strengthen positioning and preparation
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Ensure high-quality opportunities move efficiently from introduction through launch
This role is not about driving high-volume; it is about identifying and cultivating a targeted pipeline of strategically aligned partnership opportunities that can meaningfully advance our mission and goals.
The Business Development Manager will drive:
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Strategic prospecting
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Executive-level outreach
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Proposal drafting
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Internal coordination
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Meeting preparation
Success in this role means:
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Building and maintaining a $10M+ qualified partnership pipeline
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Strengthening executive preparation and positioning for high-stakes external conversations
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Bringing structure, process rigor, and playbook thinking to a growing partnerships engine
Qualifications
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Committed to Merit Americaโs mission to pave pathways to family-sustaining careers
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Demonstrated history of embodying our values
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Shared sense of responsibility and ownership for our collective work
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Committed to continuous learning and growth in advancing inclusive excellence
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Passionate about fostering a workplace culture that embraces and values individual differences
Requirements
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5+ years relevant experience in business development, partnerships, consulting, recruiting, or related external-facing roles
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Ability to independently correspond with senior external stakeholders
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Strong written communication skills, including drafting executive-level communications and proposals
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Proficiency with Salesforce and sales engagement tools
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Comfort using AI tools to enhance productivity
Benefits
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Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (100% Paid Employee Only Coverage)
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Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
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Dependent care Flexible Spending Account
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Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Merit
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Education & personal development reimbursement
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Short and long-term disability
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Unlimited vacation (after a 90-day introductory period)
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Paid Parental Leave and Adoption benefits (after 1 year of employment)
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11 federally recognized holidays
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2 week holiday office closure in December/January
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401(k) retirement plan with automatic Merit contribution
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Wellness Benefits/Wellness Resources
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Phone/technology stipend
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Home office setup stipend