Business Development & Partnerships Manager

Business Development & Partnerships Manager

The Business Development and Partnerships Manager (BDPM) is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships, sponsorships and other revenue-generating opportunities that advance IndyGo's mission and strengthen its relationship with the business community. This position promotes and solicits for IndyGo's Bus Pass Sales Program, generating revenue and increasing ridership by building and managing partnerships and sales with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations who will support and promote transit to their employees and stakeholders. The BDPM will work closely with the Mobility Manager to grow and maintain a database of program participants, and create sustainable programs and partnerships that drive mutual benefit and long-term organizational growth.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy to foster partnerships and collaborations with local and regional businesses, developers, and community stakeholders.
• Create and lead the marketing efforts surrounding the promotion of the program. This includes working with Public Affairs team members to supply information and ideas needed to create graphics, promotional flyers, ads, social media posts, videos, etc.
• Identify new revenue opportunities through sponsorships, joint ventures, and partnerships aligned with IndyGo's strategic goals.
• Set regular in-person and virtual meetings to connect with prospects and share the benefits and options of the program.
• Represent IndyGo at community events, business forums, and regional development meetings to promote the program and build relationships.
• Will assist with the negotiation, creation, and management of business agreements, contracts, and memoranda of understanding with external organizations and businesses, in coordination with IndyGo's Legal and Strategic Planning teams.
• Collaborate with internal departments—including Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Public Affairs—to align partnership activities with agency priorities and public campaigns.
• Work with the Mobility Manager to build and manage a variety of business relationships that promote the economic and social value of public transportation within the business community.
• Look for other revenue generators to engage partners in sharing their program participation, i.e. transit advertising, including bus and shelter ads.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of proposals, financial projections and partnership reports for executive leadership and the IndyGo Board of Directors.
• Monitor performance metrics to evaluate partnership success and ensure accountability for program goals.
• Stay current on transportation industry trends, public-private partnership models, and funding opportunities relevant to IndyGo's objectives.

Other Functions:

• Track and report on business development-related budgets, including but not limited to sponsorships.
• Develop, manage, or assist with special projects as needed.
• Participate and contribute to the functional budget and procurement process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversee consultants, interns, or project staff as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, public administration or related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, sales, marketing, corporate relations or related field preferred.
• Experience in the public transit industry, government or economic development preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, complex spreadsheets, and familiarity with CRM or database software.
• Ability to collect, process and analyze data, and develop reports on data and statistics.
• Strong understanding of partnership development, contract negotiation, and revenue-generation strategies.
• Must possess and exhibit demonstrated ability to collaborate, think strategically and translate organizational goals into actionable business solutions.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage tasks and time effectively, and exhibit strong project management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to express oneself using correct language and grammar effectively and persuasively in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic and tactful manner, and present publicly to individuals or groups.
• Knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and procedures of government and community relations.
• Ability to interact with internal and external constituents, both in person and through video conferencing, phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including copiers and phones.

Physical Demands:

• Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of this position due to the need for in-person collaboration, operational support, hands-on infrastructure management, and training and development activities. This role is designated as fully onsite and is not eligible for remote work.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with frequent travel required for partnership meetings, conferences, and community outreach activities to build relationships with prospective partners.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours to attend events.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday, occasionally between departments and/or facilities.
• Ability to visually review marketing materials, contracts and data presentations with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to occasionally transport materials weighing up to 25 lbs. (such as marketing or outreach materials) with or without reasonable accommodation.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer