Director of Business Development

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description - Director of Business Development

Title of the Position: Director of Business Development

Organization: Detroit Cristo Rey High School

Department: Corporate Work Study (CWSP) 

Reports to: President

Type: Full-Time/12 Month Salaried/Exempt

Location: Detroit, MI

About Detroit Cristo Rey 

Located in the heart of Mexican Town in Southwest Detroit, Detroit Cristo Rey High School (DCRHS) is a diverse learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. Our rigorous and personalized Catholic college preparatory curriculum, combined with a corporate work-study experience, sets our students up for success in college and beyond. DCRHS is part of the Cristo Rey Network, consisting of over 40 schools nationally, which has been delivering a proven educational model for over 25 years. 

At DCRHS, faculty and staff play an essential role in building relationships that are foundational to student success. We pride ourselves on a 100% college acceptance rate since our first graduating class in 2012, with the aspiration that all our students will graduate from high school and college, becoming future leaders in various sectors of society.

Position Overview

The Director of Business Development is responsible for securing and sustaining the corporate partnerships that power Detroit Cristo Rey's Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). This role drives new business acquisition, manages key partner relationships, and ensures that sufficient job placements exist for every enrolled student. The Director works in close collaboration with the Advancement team and serves as a strategic bridge between the CWS department and corporate stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

Job Acquisition & Partner Pipeline

• Secure enough job placements to ensure every student in the program has a meaningful corporate work assignment each semester.

• Lead and steward the CWSP Jobs Committee (a committee comprised of external supporters who prospect and engage prospective partners) to identify and cultivate potential new CWSP partners.

• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate partners through outreach, networking, and community engagement.

• Participate in site visits to prospective and existing partner companies.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Foster successful collaboration between the CWS team and Advancement teams to align fundraising and partnership strategies.

• Serve as a liaison between corporate partners and internal program staff to ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing partnership management.

Data & Systems Management

• Oversee Work Studyforce and Sales Data management systems to track partner status, placements, and renewal timelines.

• Generate regular reports on pipeline activity, partnership health, and placement progress for senior leadership.

Stewardship & Renewal Support

• Plan and manage CWS stewardship events, including supervisor training sessions, CEO breakfasts, and other engagement activities.

• Provide support materials and strategic guidance to Client Relationship Managers during the annual contract renewal season.

• Other Duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, sales, corporate relations, or partnership management.

• Proven track record of cultivating and closing institutional or corporate partnerships.

• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Proficiency with CRM or sales tracking systems.

• Passion for educational equity and the Cristo Rey mission.

Success Metrics:

• Number of job placements secured relative to enrolled students.

•