Business Development Manager - Center for Management Development

Department: Center for Management Development


Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus


Hire Type: Full Time


Pay: Range between $65,ooo- 75,ooo/yr, negotiated based on qualifications


Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8-5pm, some nights and weekends


Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.


Job Story


Develop the talent, transform the organization! CMD's commitment to professional development is a lifelong partnership, not a one-time transaction.

Be a part of the CMD 60+ year legacy...and operate at the intersection of consultancy, learning strategy, and relationship building! If developing people, solving real business problems, and building partnerships that align organizational strategy and goals interests you, keep reading. We're trusted sales professional who helps organizations diagnose performance gaps and designs high-impact talent development solutions. This role demands intellectual curiosity and business insight to be a consultant for our external clients and partners.


You will assist clients with the following:
Drive strategic growth, Re-engage past partnerships, Lead consultative conversations, Shape solutions not just sell them, Identify emerging trends before they're obvious, Collaborate on big-picture strategy, Educate through the sales process.

Who we want:
Experience in consultative or strategic sales (workforce development, learning, leadership, or HR solutions)
Strong business acumen
Understanding of organizational development, culture, and leadership concepts
Knowledgeable on leadership concepts, adult learning, and consultative sales framework
Ability to diagnose needs through thoughtful, investigative questioning
Comfort operating as a strategic partner, not a transactional seller
A pulse on emerging trends in workforce, leadership, and organizational growth

Priority Considerations:
Background in project management or program development
Exposure to leadership development or professional development programs
Experience working with executive-level clients or business owners

Who You Need to be for Success:
Know how to establish trust and cultivate long-term relationships
Comfortable asking tough questions as you are offering smart solutions
Don't just "sell", transform how clients think and operate
Energized by relationships that are solutions oriented and reframe from "checking the box"
See ambiguity as opportunity, not chaos

If you're motivated to bring the best solution to a client's need, and can effectively communicate and influence them move to the next step
...then you're exactly who we're looking for! Apply now for us to partner together on the next steps.

Job Summary


Develops and manages strategic partnerships to grow and expand business. Develops and maintains client relationships; works directly with internal and external partners.


Essential Functions


• Identify potential new clients and establish relationships. Work closely with existing clients to assess their needs for professional development and training and develop proposals to meet those needs.
• Develop and maintain data and analytical routines to evaluate program success, quality and external partner satisfaction and to identify solutions.
• Collaborate with organizational and community stakeholders and industry professionals nationwide to monitor career trends.
• Optimize existing sales proposals, marketing initiatives, and branding strategies to increase enrollment and improve delivery of services and client feedback.


Job Duties


You'll live where the action is:
With clients. In conversations that matter. At the intersection of strategy, people, and growth.
Effectively communicate to decision-makers the importance of investing in the organization's human capital in order to execute organizational strategy and meet goals.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities while expanding existing client relationships
Reconnect with former clients and educate how talent development elevates employee performance, organizational culture, improved quality, increased efficiencies, outputs, and overall competitiveness.
Ask the right questions, uncover real challenges, and guide clients toward meaningful solutions
Align client needs with current offerings and influence what should be built next
Bring insights to clients that help them align organizational goals in leadership, culture, and organizational development
Work alongside an advisory committee to help shape direction, course offerings, and expand into new markets
Help clients understand not just what they need but why it matters


Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, education, or related field.
• Three (3) years in business development, sales, professional training and development, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to assess organizational training needs through consultations, surveys, and stakeholder engagement
• Experience designing and delivering professional development or training programs using diverse instructional methods
• Ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to develop high-quality, relevant course content
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate program effectiveness and implement continuous improvements
• Project management skills to oversee multiple programs and initiatives simultaneously
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with corporate, community, and academic partners
• Ability to develop financial models and support resource allocation decisions
• Proven ability to work effectively across multiple units and stakeholder groups

Preferred Qualifications:

• Marketing, Education, Leadership, Organizational Development or related fields.
• Business development, corporate partnerships, or professional training environments
• Financial management, budgeting, or program administration within a complex organization

Preferred License/Certifications/Training:


Human Resource Certification, Project Management Certification, Training and Development Certification, or related Certified Human Behavior Assessment tools.


Additional Information:

Physical Requirements:


Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Frequent 60-90%
Ability to remain in a stationary position. Frequent 60-90%


Additional Physical Requirement: