Business Development Manager (Remote)

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and supporting new business opportunities and strategic partnerships that align with NASWA’s mission.

Background on NASWA

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C., and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.

Overview of Position

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and supporting new business opportunities and strategic partnerships that align with NASWA’s mission. This includes supporting the development of new revenue streams, securing new clients, and supporting the overall growth and sustainability of NASWA’s programs and services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, sales, and relationship management, ideally within the workforce development or government sectors.

Roles and Responsibilities

Business Development & Strategy:

• Develop and implement business development processes including but not limited to RFP identification, proposal development, and pipeline tracking.
• In coordination with the NASWA Executive Team (ET), develop annual goals, targets, and metrics for NASWA.
• In collaboration with each business area, identify and prospect new business opportunities with state and local workforce agencies, government organizations, private sector partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow NASWA’s member engagement, partnerships, and sponsorships.
• Alongside business area leads, build relationships with potential and existing partners to create new revenue streams, collaborative opportunities, and joint ventures.
• Manage the full sales cycle, from lead generation to proposal submission, and contract negotiation.

Program & Service Development:

• Work closely with internal teams to identify opportunities for new programs, products, and services that align with market demands and NASWA’s mission.
• Collaborate with business line leaders to develop proposals, presentations, and promotional materials that effectively communicate NASWA’s value proposition to potential partners.

Market Intelligence & Reporting:

• Monitor market trends, industry developments, and competitor activity to identify emerging opportunities and threats.
• Regularly report on progress, sales metrics, and performance against business development targets.

Competencies and Skills 

Required

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of the workforce development landscape, including the challenges and opportunities facing state workforce agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with philanthropic foundations, government agencies, corporate partners, and non-profit organizations.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding business development goals and securing new partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate both horizontally and vertically within the organization.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in CRM software and sales tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with government funding mechanisms and grant processes.
• Experience working with state or local workforce development systems or similar government initiatives.
• Knowledge of membership organizations or non-profit management.

Experience & Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership management, ideally in workforce development, government services, or a related sector.

Job Details

Location: The position is a remote/telework position

Title: Business Development Manager

Reports To: Vice President, Communications and Operations

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $100,000 to $130,000 per year commensurate with experience

Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including an exceptional health care package, 401(k), educational assistance, remote work stipend, plentiful time off, and other great options.

Travel Requirements: Required domestic travel as needed for conferences and meetings, as much as once a month.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to recruiting@naswa.org no later than April 18, 2025.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

NASWA is an equal-opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by Federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.