Director, Higher Education Growth & Partnerships

Elior; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

UNUM Accident, Critical Illness, and H

Employee Discount Program

EAP

401(k)

Paid Sick Time

9 Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The Elior Collegiate Dining division seeks a Director of Business Development to drive new higher education partnerships. This field-based hunter role builds a pipeline from scratch, engages senior university leaders, and leads opportunities through a consultative sales cycle.

You will travel 60–75% to meet prospects, present proposals, and close deals, reporting to the Senior Vice President, Growth. Midwest-based; Chicago or Minneapolis preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in new business development in a hunter sales role with pipeline generation.
• Experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles from outreach to close.
• Experience selling contract services or B2B solutions and working with RFPs.
• Ability to engage senior-level decision-makers and executives.
• Willingness to travel 60–75% for prospecting and client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to win new Higher Education business.
• Build and maintain a personal pipeline through proactive prospecting and networking.
• Identify prospective clients and develop relationships with key decision-makers.
• Own opportunities through the full sales cycle from qualification to close.
• Lead RFPs and proposals; coordinate with internal stakeholders for solutions.
• Represent the organization at conferences, events, and client meetings.
• Maintain CRM pipeline, forecast, and competitive insights; report to leadership.

Skills

New business development

Hunter sales

Cold calling

Strategic prospecting

CRM proficiency

Pipeline management

Consultative selling

Negotiation

Relationship building

Presentation skills

Travel 60-75%

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Elior Collegiate Dining division seeks a Director of Business Development to drive new higher education partnerships. This field-based hunter role builds a pipeline from scratch, engages senior university leaders, and leads opportunities through a consultative sales cycle.

You will travel 60–75% to meet prospects, present proposals, and close deals, reporting to the Senior Vice President, Growth. Midwest-based; Chicago or Minneapolis preferred.