Strategic Business Development Director

The Director of Strategic Business Development will lead RIT Certified's external engagement strategy, generating revenue through strategic relationship development, market expansion, and partnership cultivation. The role is a senior position that manages large, strategic projects, mentors less experienced staff, and serves as the primary voice of the customer within the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision, strategies, and processes to drive new business and revenue generation for the university.
• Identify and build upon business opportunities to grow the university's brand and reputation as a premier event venue.
• Create, develop, and maintain client relationships and industry partnerships to support new and existing revenue streams.
• Assess low-usage periods and formulate strategies to increase venue usage and revenue production during these periods.
• Build and expand customer base with targeted markets, including community and civic organizations, corporate entities, and sports and entertainment industries.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with sales teams and event services staff to maximize leads and opportunities; participate in familiarization tours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of RIT programs, institutional goals/objectives, student services, and university policies to effectively navigate and identify opportunities.
• Knowledge of business development and targeted sales strategies, tactics, and techniques that effectively communicate value and engage potential clients.
• Skill in strategic management of venue operations.
• Skill in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance RIT's visibility.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex business challenges through strategic decision-making and data‑informed analysis.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Job Level Overview – Specialized Contributor Level 4. This advanced/lead role requires a high degree of knowledge and recognized expertise in the profession or field. It manages large projects, programs, or specialized assignments that are strategic in nature and are without precedent and/or structure. Typically serves as a mentor to less experienced staff and reviews or delegates work.

Additional Details – RIT Certified is a strategic university initiative supported by RIT leadership designed to expand Rochester Institute of Technology's engagement with industry through professional education and partnership‑based learning programs. RIT Certified delivers flexible, industry‑informed professional learning experiences that connect subject matter experts, including RIT faculty, with the evolving needs of employers and professionals. Through innovative programs and partnerships, RIT Certified bridges the gap between traditional academic education and modern professional learning, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

The Director of Strategic Business Development reports to the Executive Director of RIT Certified and leads the unit's external engagement strategy with a clear mandate to generate revenue through strategic relationship development, market expansion, and partnership cultivation.

Compensation – $81,600 to $130,600, with a 20% target bonus opportunity.

FLSA Category – Exempt.

Work Location – On Campus.

Equal Opportunity – RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs, and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

Legal Requirement – Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.