Now Hiring - Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio - Director of Business Development & Partnerships in Toledo, OH

Full description of the position

Business Development & Sales Acumen The Director of Business Development & Partnerships is a strategic leader responsible for building and sustaining partnerships that expand career opportunities for young adults (18+) through internships, apprenticeships, employment, and funding relationships. This role drives the Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio's 5th Year movement and workforce strategy by creating an ecosystem of employers, educators, funders, and community partners that ensure graduates launch into adulthood with confidence, skills, and purpose. The ideal candidate is a visionary collaborator with experience in business development, business partnerships, and/or education-to-career pathways. This leader thrives on innovation, builds durable relationships, and measures success through both organizational growth and student impact. 5th Year is redefining the bridge between high school and adulthood. In partnership with Lourdes University, this pioneering nine-month residency equips graduates with real-world experience through internships, job shadowing, career path planning, financial literacy, and community engagement. Our objective is to build a vibrant talent ecosystem in Northwest Ohio and beyond, ensuring young adults launch with purpose, skills, and confidence. Strategic Partnerships & Revenue Development * Identify and recruit potential employers and partners: research and identify local businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies interested in hosting 5th Year interns based on industry demand and student interests, aligned with the 18+ workforce strategy. * Develop and maintain relationships with employers: Build strong relationships with businesses through networking, regular communication, and personalized outreach. This includes proactively participating in relevant networking groups to build and maintain connections, share insights, and stay abreast of industry trends. * Develop and negotiate partnership models with clear success metrics and deliverables. * Collaborate with the President to design and implement a revenue development plan, securing multiyear funding and sustainable support. Program & Partner Leadership * Serve as a subject-matter expert on workforce initiatives, including skills-based hiring, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and federal/state workforce policy. * Lead communication and engagement strategies with partners to ensure excellence in collaboration and delivery. * Develop proposals, steward funders, and manage reporting processes with accuracy and timeliness. Operational & Financial Management * Oversee a portfolio of partnerships with strong financial discipline, ensuring sustainability and measurable ROI. * Translate workforce opportunities into actionable business cases that support innovation and growth. * Responsible for grant submissions, tracking, and reporting. Qualifications Business Development & Sales Acumen * Ability to identify potential employer partners and effectively pitch the value of the 5th Year program. * Skilled in lead generation, cold outreach, and closing deals. * Comfortable navigating objections and tailoring messaging to different industries. Communication & Presentation Skills * Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication. * Capable of delivering compelling presentations to business audiences. * Skilled in creating marketing materials and messaging that resonate with employers Relationship Building & Networking * Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and long-term partnerships with business leaders. * Ability to be active in local chambers, industry groups, and networking events. * Able to maintain ongoing communication and engagement with employers. * Strong organizational and time management skills. * Proven track record in developing and sustaining strategic partnerships in workforce development, education, or related fields. * Strong vision and ability to implement strategy from concept through execution. * Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills across sectors. * Financial acumen and experience with funding, grants, and/or contract management. * Proficient in Microsoft 365 and CRM software. * Passion for education and workforce development. * Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Reliable personal transportation for travel within Northwest Ohio. Education & Experience * 5+ years of experience in sales, recruitment, or another related field is required. * Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. Candidates of all degrees and academic certification levels are welcome. However, as research demonstrates that education requirements can deter qualified candidates, we have decided not to require candidates to demonstrate a specific degree or level of academic certification. Instead, we encourage all candidates with professional experience, values, and skills outlined in this position specification to apply. Application Process - Send resumes to: [please apply online] Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person