Director Business Development & Strategy

Position Summary

The Director of Business Development and Strategy supports institutional growth by identifying, evaluating, and advancing new revenue-generating initiatives and strategic, mutually-beneficial partnerships aligned with Wilmington College’s mission. This role conducts market research, due diligence reviews and financial analyses; leads cross-functional feasibility studies; and manages external partner engagement from initial exploration through contract negotiation and launch planning. The Director works closely with Academic Affairs, Enrollment, Finance, Advancement, and external organizations to diversify revenue, expand enrollment opportunities, and strengthen the institution’s long-term financial sustainability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

• Seek, cultivate, and maintain partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, school districts, community organizations, and higher education institutions.
• Assess partnership opportunities for mission alignment, strategic value, operational feasibility, and financial impact.
• Coordinate due diligence, risk assessment, and internal stakeholder vetting.
• Support contract development in collaboration with the CFO.

2. New Initiatives Development

• Identify and evaluate new revenue opportunities including academic programs, non-credit offerings, certificates, workforce development programs, and auxiliary enterprises.
• Conduct market research, competitor benchmarking, enrollment demand analyses, and cost/benefit modeling.
• Prepare business cases, financial pro formas (in collaboration with the Office of Finance), and recommendations for executive consideration.
• Lead feasibility studies in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Enrollment, Finance, and external stakeholders.

3. Responding to External Partnership Requests

• Serve as the primary institutional contact for outside organizations seeking to explore partnership opportunities.
• Receive, prioritize, and respond to inquiries from businesses, nonprofits, school districts, government agencies, and community groups.
• Conduct initial assessments of alignment with institutional mission, academic capacity, workforce relevance, and strategic priorities.
• Facilitate introductory conversations to clarify partnership goals, expectations, timelines, and resource needs.
• Coordinate internally with the Provost, Finance, Academic Affairs, Enrollment, and other units to evaluate feasibility and interest.
• Provide timely and professional follow-up to external entities regarding progress, outcomes, and next steps.
• Maintain a centralized log of all external requests, including status, communications, and decision history.

4. Market & Financial Analysis

• Work with the Office of Finance to prepare financial models for proposed initiatives, including projected revenue, expenses, net contribution, capital needs, and return-on-investment.
• Monitor external market trends and emerging opportunities in higher education, workforce development, online learning, and alternative credentials.
• Provide ongoing analyses to support institutional financial planning and strategic decision-making.
• Present proposals and updates to campus leadership and committees.

5. Project Management & Implementation

• Manage implementation of approved initiatives, including timeline development, milestones, risk mitigation, and cross-department coordination.
• Ensure initiatives integrate with campus departments (e.g., Finance, Enrollment, Academic Affairs, IT, Advancement, and Marketing).
• Track project performance, outcomes, and financial results; provide regular progress reports to senior leadership and other constituents.

6. Communication & Reporting

• Produce executive summaries, presentations, and briefing materials for senior leadership and other audiences.
• Maintain and track a pipeline of prospective opportunities, including status, benefits, risks, and projected impact.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency and shared understanding of goals and expectations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in business development, program development, market analysis, or strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in conducting market research, evaluating financial feasibility, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management ability.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience developing academic or workforce programs.
• Familiarity with enrollment management, finance operations, and accreditation considerations.
• Experience negotiating contracts or partnership agreements.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Financial modeling and business-case development.
• Relationship management and communication.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Project management and execution.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with mission alignment.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.

Please include a cover letter with your resume to be considered.

Full benefit package including holidays and time off