Program Director, Business Development - Center for Early Childhood (Hybrid)

WestEd is a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact through customized methodologies, relevant tools, and best practices specific to diverse stakeholder needs.

About the role

The Center for Early Childhood at WestEd is expanding its impact and portfolio through strategic business development. The Program Director, Business Development will plan, develop, and implement strategies for managing a portfolio of work focused on early childhood development and learning in the areas of professional learning, technical assistance, research and evaluation, and policy analysis.

Reporting to the Center Vice President, the candidate will join a Business Development leadership team focused on increasing WestEd’s visibility and impact nationally. This role involves developing sole-source work and leading competitive proposals, representing WestEd before federal, state, and local government agencies, and identifying internal and external partnership opportunities. The position combines strategic market development, proposal leadership, and portfolio expansion, requiring proactive opportunity creation and cross-organizational collaboration.

The Program Director may also strengthen the Center's business development capacity by mentoring proposal teams, supporting strategic capture efforts, and fostering collaborative resource development practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support the growth of a large portfolio of professional services, including research and development, evaluation, and state-wide technical assistance.
• Lead business development efforts, including writing competitive proposals and developing sole-source work.
• Represent WestEd before federal, state, and local government agencies and early childhood groups using subject matter expertise and reputation.
• Identify and cultivate internal and external partnership opportunities aligned with the portfolio’s areas of work.
• Provide project leadership and develop collaborative working relationships with other WestEd leaders.
• Conduct national market analysis to identify trends, growth drivers, and challenges in early learning and care.
• Strengthen business development capacity by mentoring proposal teams and supporting strategic capture efforts.
• Foster collaborative resource development practices across the organization.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of and demonstrated leadership in early childhood development and learning at statewide, regional, or national levels.
• Credibility to advise high-stakes clients and speak to national audiences on relevant topics.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in early childhood systems-based delivery of educational services.
• Experience in policy development and/or management of early childhood initiatives, translating trends into business opportunities.
• Experience leading or collaborating with state, regional, and/or local early childhood agencies to implement and sustain system improvements.
• Ability to conduct national market analysis and identify key growth drivers and industry challenges.
• Commitment to addressing equity of opportunity and outcomes for young children and their families.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative early childhood systems and services.
• Experience working in early childhood educational settings or organizations addressing the needs of children and families.
• Experience engaging stakeholders in policy development and decision-making processes.
• Ability to lead resource development efforts and supervise successful proposal writing for multi-million-dollar awards.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate executive-level relationships with state agencies, philanthropic organizations, and national partners.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, managerial, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage contracts and budgets and collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues.
• Superior communication skills, including writing, presentation, and engagement with diverse audiences.
• Capacity in talent development and management with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Advanced degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child/Human Development, Organizational Development/Management, or related areas.
• Willingness to travel.

Schedule

The position is currently remote with optimal presence in a WestEd office/facility 2 times per week. Offices are located in California (San Francisco, Alameda, Seal Beach, Camarillo, Sacramento, San Diego, Sunnyvale), Washington D.C., Seattle, WA, Phoenix, AZ, and Boston, MA.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $162,800 to $254,400. The typical hiring range is $162,800 to $203,500. The actual offer considers education, experience, internal equity, and organizational needs.

Benefits

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective on day 1 of employment, with immediate 100% vesting.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account options.
• Health and welfare benefits effective the first of the month following hire date.
• 19 days of PTO (increases to 21 days beginning the third year of employment) and 12 paid holidays.
• Life insurance valued at 3x gross salary, up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases and incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship program.

For more details about benefits, visit WestEd Benefits.