Business Development Specialist

EXCEED; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 70,720 - 77,968; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Mileage reimbursement

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Paid holidays

Job summary

EXCEED in Riverside, CA is seeking a Business Development Specialist to expand and manage local employer partnerships, align services with workforce needs, and promote inclusive hiring practices. You will travel locally, attend events, and collaborate with program staff to create sustainable employment opportunities.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 2+ years in business development or workforce development, and strong relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 2 years in business development, sales, workforce development, or related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation and acceptable driving record and insurance.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 20–30 active employer partnerships.
• Outreach to identify new business opportunities via calls, emails, visits.
• Present services to employers and promote inclusive hiring.
• Maintain ongoing employer communication for satisfaction and retention.
• Identify and secure employment opportunities aligned with participant skills.
• Coordinate with Workforce Inclusion Specialists to match candidates to openings.
• Assist with coordinating interviews, job starts, and onboarding support.
• Support job retention through employer follow-up and problem solving.
• Represent the organization at job fairs, networking events, and community meetings.
• Develop relationships with chambers of commerce, workforce agencies, stakeholders.
• Promote services and expand community visibility.
• Maintain documentation of employer contacts, leads, and placements.
• Track performance metrics: outreach, placements, retention.
• Prepare regular leadership reports on progress.
• Work with program staff to align development with participant needs.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and planning sessions.
• Provide input on labor market trends and employer needs.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Relationship building

Microsoft Office

Data tracking systems

Time management

Driving/ Reliable transportation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data tracking systems

Job description

Description

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with local employers to create competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This role serves as a key liaison between the organization and the business community, aligning employer needs with qualified candidates and supporting long-term employment outcomes.

Requirements

Employer Development & Engagement

• Develop and maintain a minimum of 20–30 active employer partnerships
• Conduct consistent outreach activities (calls, emails, in-person visits) to identify new business opportunities
• Present services to employers and promote inclusive hiring practices
• Maintain ongoing communication to ensure employer satisfaction and retention

Job Development & Placement Support

• Identify and secure employment opportunities aligned with participant skills, preferences, and goals
• Collaborate with Workforce Inclusion Specialists to match candidates to job openings
• Assist with coordinating interviews, job starts, and onboarding support
• Support job retention efforts through employer follow-up and problem-solving

Community Outreach & Representation

• Represent the organization at job fairs, networking events, and community meetings
• Develop relationships with chambers of commerce, workforce agencies, and other stakeholders
• Promote organizational services and expand visibility within the community

Data Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of employer contacts, job leads, and placements
• Track performance metrics including outreach activity, placements, and retention outcomes
• Prepare regular reports for leadership on business development progress

Collaboration & Internal Coordination

• Work closely with program staff to align job development efforts with participant needs
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and strategic planning sessions
• Provide input on labor market trends and employer needs

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Human Services, or related field; OR equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in business development, sales, workforce development, or related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Reliable transportation and acceptable driving record and insurance
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or data tracking systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit or workforce development programs
• Knowledge of disability services, supported employment, or vocational rehabilitation
• Existing relationships with local employers or business networks

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively engage and influence employers
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and meet performance goals
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

Performance Expectations

• Meet or exceed monthly and quarterly outreach targets
• Achieve job placement and retention benchmarks
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation (100% compliance)
• Demonstrate strong employer satisfaction and relationship retentionDemonstrate strong employer satisfaction and relationship retention

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to travel locally for employer visits and community events
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds (if applicable)

Work Environment

• Combination of office, community, and field-based work
• Frequent local travel required
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours for events

Compensation

• $70,720– $77,968.80 annually

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan
• Mileage reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

EXCEED is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be modified as needed to meet organizational needs.