Business Development Manager, STEM Partnerships

Job Description

Job Description

The Role
The Business Development Manager of STEM Partnerships at Liberty Science Center (LSC) will play a crucial role in enhancing our reputation as a leader in informal STEM education. In addition to cultivating and strengthening relationships with existing education partnerships, the Manager will be expected to develop a new portfolio of revenue-generating relationships to drive growth in STEM programming. By leveraging knowledge of the education landscape and your exceptional sales skills, the Manager of STEM Partnerships will not only foster existing connections but also identify and convert potential partnerships into profitable ventures. This role is crucial in increasing earned revenue and accelerating LSC’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and engage learners of all ages with the excitement of science and technology.

The Business Development Manager of STEM Partnerships is a full-time role and reports to the Director of STEM Partnerships.

What You’ll Bring
You possess strong communication, relationship-building, and sales skills, coupled with a proactive approach to problem-solving and critical thinking. You thrive on cross-team collaboration and enjoy juggling multiple projects while navigating ambiguity and adapting to change. Your enthusiasm for STEM partnerships education will be a key driver in your outreach efforts. A commitment to meeting and exceeding revenue goals will be paramount.

What You’ll Do
The essential functions of the Business Development Manager of STEM Partnerships role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Partnership Development and Management: Develop and manage a diverse portfolio of partnerships, focused on revenue growth and mutually beneficial relationships

• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the STEM leadership and Reservations team to enhance partnership experiences through exceptional service and measurable outcomes

• Data Management and Tracking: Utilize tools such as monday.com to track and manage all aspects of partnership programming, ensuring accurate scheduling, resource allocation, and revenue-generation data

• Outreach and Marketing Strategy: Develop engaging communications and outreach materials that resonate with diverse stakeholders, highlighting the value of LSC’s STEM initiatives. Create and implement outreach strategies, in collaboration with the Marketing team, to attract new partners and cultivate interest in STEM programming

• Research and Innovation: Conduct research to identify new revenue streams and inform the development of innovative programs that meet market needs

• Event Logistics Management: Manage logistics for STEM Education events, including Community Evening and Sensory Day, ensuring a seamless experience that strengthens LSC’s relationship with its community

• Representation and Brand Ambassadorship: Represent LSC in on-site meetings, travel by car (as driver/and or passenger) to participate in a variety of off-site school and district-level meetings in the tri-state area, and attend key education-related conferences to expand your network and sell LSC’s portfolio of STEM programs

• Other Duties: Participate in special projects and other responsibilities as necessary

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong understanding of New Jersey’s educational landscape, with an eagerness to engage with potential partners

• Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to operate professionally across all levels of staff

• Positive, friendly demeanor with excellent organizational and customer service skills

• Proactive self-starter capable of effectively managing multiple priorities and deadlines

• Aptitude for data analysis to inform decision-making processes and program enhancement.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, adaptable to different audiences and purposes.

• Ability to work independently while remaining a dedicated team player

• Comfort speaking to diverse audiences, from small gatherings to larger groups

• Familiarity with LSC’s STEM programming offerings and a commitment to the organization’s mission

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license (required)

• Commitment to LSC’s mission

• Knowledge of the education landscape in NJ and its major stakeholders.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in educational sales, with a focus on expanding and developing a client portfolio

• At least 3 years of experience in customer service and relationship management.

• Experience with complex scheduling of people and projects

• Familiarity with project management and CRM software like Tessitura and monday.com

• Proficient in Google applications and graphic design tools like Canva

• A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a STEM-related field is preferred

Classification & Schedule
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The ideal candidate must be available to work at least eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed to meet business requirements. Travel to partner sites and conferences will be required.

Physical Demands
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions to the extent that LSC may do so without undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.

• On-site Support: Ability to work in open floor plan environments that can be noisy

• Physical Activity: Ability to carry up to 25 lbs of equipment or supplies needed to support events or assist in the delivery of programs; must also be able to withstand Intervals of frequent standing, walking, and moving around to provide on-site and off-site support, and assist with event setup and breakdown

• Technology Usage: Ability to conduct online research, work with large data sets, operate project management and CRM platforms, and facilitate meetings

• Event Support Flexibility: Available to work occasional mornings, evenings, weekends, and flexible hours to provide support for LSC events, requiring physical presence during setup and breakdown phases

• Multi-Tasking: Ability to stay focused and perform tasks under pressure

• Prolonged Use of Office Equipment: Will need to work in sedentary intervals that require the use of standard office equipment, such as laptops, keyboards, printers, etc., for extended periods

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to our guests and one another. Our Environment

Work Location
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful state park in Jersey City, New Jersey, with easy access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. LSC is a pleasant 15-minute commute from lower Manhattan.

Travel
Travel to conferences, meetings, and partner sites to observe off-site programming will be required. Ability to drive is a requirement.

Compensation & Benefits

The budgeted compensation for this position is $60,000-$65,000. The final salary is commensurate with abilities, education, certifications, and experience. In addition to compensation for salary, you will receive compensation in the form of generous benefits, including, but not limited to:

• A range of excellent health insurance options

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care

• Life and disability coverage

• Two retirement savings plans

• 15 days of paid vacation (+5 additional days in year 4 and year 15)

• Paid flex and sick time

• Pet insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Commuter benefits

• LSC Family Membership

• 25% LSC store discount

• 15% on-site cafe discount

To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting why this role and this organization are a good fit for you.

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Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with qualified employees.