Business Developer

LCTCS; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Job summary

SOWELA, located in Lake Charles, LA, seeks a Business Developer to identify opportunities, conduct market research, and lead efforts to expand partnerships. The role involves engaging with executives, negotiating contracts, and driving revenue growth within a structured workforce development program.

Ideal candidates have an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration and at least three years of relevant experience, with strong communication and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in business administration or related field.
• Three years of relevant experience required.
• Knowledge of local business market and budgeting.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Identify trendsetting ideas by researching industry and related events.
• Attend industry functions and conferences to provide market feedback.
• Perform market research to identify opportunities and engage executives.
• Close new business deals by coordinating requirements and negotiating contracts.
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and pursue new opportunities.
• Develop growth strategies aligned with MEPOL and SOWELA goals and revenue targets.

Skills

Local market knowledge

Budgeting

Sales skills

Negotiation

Leadership

MS Office

Education

Associate's degree in business administration

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Job description

Business Developer Job no: 495783 Closes: Work Type: Staff Full-Time Locations: Lake Charles, LA Categories: Workforce Development & Education

College: SOWELA

Department: Workforce Development

Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Administrative/Staff

Salary: Start of $46,000 with actual offer based on experience and education

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify trendsetting ideas by researching industry and related events, publications, and announcements.
• Attend industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provide feedback and information on market and creative trends.
• Perform market research to identify new opportunities and engage with business executives to establish strategies for pursuing those new opportunities.
• Perform cold calls as appropriate within a specific geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Screen potential business deals by analyzing market strategies, deal requirements, and financials.
• Estimate partners’ needs and goals.
• Examine risks and potentials for business opportunities.
• Develop and utilize negotiating strategies and positions by studying the integration of new ventures with company strategies and operations.
• Close new business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and negotiating contracts; and integrating contract requirements with business operations.
• Identify potential clients, and the decision makers within the client organization.
• Maintain relationships with existing clients and locate or propose potential business deals by contacting potential partners.
• Track individual contributors, business partners, project status, and accomplishments.
• Ensure data is accurately entered and managed within the identified sales management system.
• Track and record activity on accounts and help to close deals to meet targets.
• Research and develop a thorough understanding of the SOWELA’s people and capabilities.
• Work with technical staff and other internal colleagues to meet customer needs.
• Advocate for and incorporate initiatives of the Manufactured Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPOL).
• Incorporate strategies to improve SOWELA’s facility usage program.
• Review divisional budget and continually track expenses, as well as ensure the division is on track to achieve revenue targets.
• Protect organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Explore opportunities to add value to job accomplishments and the reputation of the organization.
• Mentor entry level staff department staff to help achieve department goals.
• Understand goals and purpose of Workforce Solutions to continually enhance the division’s performance.
• Submit weekly progress reports ensuring data is accurate.
• Analyze current and past financial data, such as sales reports, and provide strategies to cut costs and increase revenue.
• Present to and consult with mid and senior level management on business trends with a view to developing new services, products, and distribution channels.
• Develop a growth strategy and strategic plan focused both on financial gain and customer satisfaction.
• Set realistic and attainable divisional goals and revenue projections.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Executive Director for Workforce Solutions.

Required Education:

• Associate’s degree in business administration or comparable training or certifications.

Required Experience:

• Three years relevant experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local business market.
• Knowledge of budgeting and related reporting.
• Knowledge of sales, including prospecting, territory, closing and planning.
• Skills with presentations and negotiation.
• Leadership skills.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and networked personal computers.
• Proficiency in a variety of software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations needed to complete job tasks.
• Skilled at planning, organizing, and prioritizing job duties to meet deadlines.
• Maintaining interpersonal professional working relationship at all levels – students, peers, and Executives.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.

Preferred Experience:

• 5 years relevant experience.
• Experience as a business developer in public higher education.

Benefits:

As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Pre-Employment Background Check:

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.