Vice President, Business Development

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Business Development will be responsible for identifying, cultivating and securing new funding opportunities to support the organization’s strategy towards achieving its mission. This individual will manage, grow and maintain funding pipelines for our work to drive revenue and ultimately impact. The individual will be engaging across districts, states, funders and partners. The development of cohesive processes is a primary function of this position, demanding that this individual knows the work, can connect with the right people internally and externally to move opportunities forward that advance the strategy and manage relationships and processes to positive outcomes for the organization. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, collaborative and strategic thinker with a proven track record in business development, sales, fundraising, grant writing and relationship management.

This position exercises discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance.

As part of the larger KnowledgeWorks team, this position will actively participate in our ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion work. We are reflecting and improving our internal culture. Engaging in this work is an essential part of each team member’s personal professional development, external capability building and contribution to the culture and work of KnowledgeWorks.

Core Responsibilities:

Business Development and Revenue Growth:

• Create a cohesive Business Development Function for the organization that creates, maintains a pipeline and aligns processes to drive revenue for the organization. These funding opportunities should support the growth of our work at the district, state and national levels and should include fee, grants and other contracts. The pipeline should support all aspects of our strategy including work in geographies, thought leadership and our national Lead for Learners network.
• The Vice President of Development’s fundraising efforts will support the development of specialized products or services that are unique to our program offerings.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to secure funding through district, state and corporate partnerships; grants; sponsorships and philanthropic contributions.
• Lead a team that is focused on pipeline management, relationship management/customer service, research of funding opportunities and draft compelling grant proposals that advance organizational priorities.

Partnership and Relationship Management:

• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential clients, partners, funders and stakeholders to expand the organization's support network.
• Foster long-term, impact-driven partnerships that drive sustained impact and growth.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to define business development priorities and align efforts with the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision and long-term sustainability goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of business development initiatives that support overall growth and impact.

Marketing, Research and Outreach:

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities and potential risks. Do this in alignment with the President and Chief Operations Executive, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer and the Vice President of Policy and Strategic Advancement.
• Partner with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing and the full communications team to develop materials and campaigns that effectively convey the organization’s impact and funding needs.

Performance Tracking and Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze business development performance, providing regular updates to executive leadership, Board of Directors and key stakeholders.
• Use key performance indicators to track progress and refine strategies as needed.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and lead a high-performing business development team, providing mentorship and guidance to achieve targets.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, education or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in business development, fundraising, sales or nonprofit development.
• An Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from corporate sponsors, foundations and/or individual donors.
• Strong grant writing and proposal development skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of donor databases and customer relations management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) is a plus.
• Management experience with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Works collaboratively with staff across the organization and with external partners, clients and vendors.
• Passion for or experience in education along with strong commitment to the nonprofit sector.

Within Your First 30 Days You Will:

• Gain a full understanding of KnowledgeWorks’ mission, programs, financials and strategic priorities.
• Build relationships with internal teams (leadership, program staff) and key external stakeholders (current clients and funders, potential funders and partners).
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define business development priorities and align efforts with the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision and long-term sustainability goals.
• Create a 90-day plan to execute against the big goals of business development, revenue growth, relationship management and team building.

Within Your First Six Months You Will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development plan, including processes for pipeline management, proposal development and relationship management.
• Actively pursue funding opportunities, build a robust pipeline of prospects and demonstrate progress toward revenue goals.
• Develop a team with a laser-like focus on the following: pipeline management, relationship management/customer service, research of funding opportunities and draft compelling grant proposals that advance organizational priorities.

What KnowledgeWorks Can Offer You:

• Flexible Schedule
• Cell Phone Stipend
• 401K Match Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matching Gifts Program

If you don’t meet every single requirement listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. Studies have shown that candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are less likely to apply to postings where they don’t meet every qualification exactly as written. KnowledgeWorks is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace that fuels our innovation.

KnowledgeWorks prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, KnowledgeWorks takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.