Director of Business Development, Executive Education

About the role

The Director of Business Development plays a pivotal role in advancing the growth and impact of Vanderbilt Executive Education by developing strategic relationships with organizations seeking transformational leadership and professional development solutions. Working closely with the Senior Director, faculty, Learning Engagement Managers, and university partners, this position serves as a trusted advisor to corporate and organizational leaders, helping them identify learning solutions that address evolving business challenges and leadership priorities. Success requires exceptional relationship management, strong business acumen, thoughtful communication, and the ability to represent Vanderbilt University with professionalism and credibility among senior executives and organizational leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and public-sector organizations to expand Vanderbilt Executive Education's market presence.
• Engage senior executives and organizational leaders in consultative conversations to understand strategic priorities, leadership challenges, and organizational development needs.
• Identify opportunities to introduce Vanderbilt Executive Education offerings that align with client objectives and long-term workforce development strategies.
• Guide prospective clients through the engagement process from initial conversations through proposal development and successful program launch.
• Maintain an active portfolio of prospective and existing client relationships while ensuring timely follow-up and thoughtful engagement throughout the relationship lifecycle.
• Represent Vanderbilt Executive Education at professional associations, community organizations, industry events, conferences, and other external engagements that strengthen institutional visibility and foster new opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty and Executive Education leadership to design customized learning solutions that address client needs and leverage Vanderbilt's academic strengths.
• Prepare high-quality proposals, presentations, and client materials that clearly communicate the value and impact of Executive Education offerings.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure proposed engagements are aligned with academic priorities, operational capabilities, and client expectations.
• Identify opportunities to expand relationships by introducing additional Executive Education programs and services that create long-term value for partner organizations.
• Support contract development and transition activities to ensure a seamless handoff from business development to program delivery.
• Manage CRM activity and data integrity, maintaining accurate records for participants, registrations, payments, client interactions, and engagement outcomes.
• Support management of the Executive Education team inbox and ensure timely responses to inquiries and service requests.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency, participant satisfaction, and program effectiveness.
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to client needs and program demands, including occasional evening, weekend, and travel requirements.
• Serve as a trusted representative of Vanderbilt University by maintaining strong relationships with organizational leaders, alumni, community partners, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends, leadership challenges, and organizational development priorities to inform business development strategies and future program opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, engagement activities, proposals, and business development efforts within the CRM system.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Learning Engagement, faculty, and Executive Education leadership to strengthen market awareness and support strategic growth initiatives.
• Contribute to annual business development planning, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Maintain a disciplined and organized approach to managing opportunities and client communications.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and responsiveness while representing Vanderbilt University.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic business relationships within a consultative, client-focused environment.
• Experience working with senior executives, organizational leaders, or complex institutional clients.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and proposal development skills.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to understand organizational challenges and connect clients with meaningful solutions.
• Experience managing multiple opportunities simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across faculty, leadership, and operational teams within a matrixed organization.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel throughout the region as needed to support client engagement and business development activities.