Business Development Manager

About Vertex Education

Join Vertex Education, a dedicated and purpose-driven education services provider committed to impacting schools, students, and communities positively through innovative solutions.

Role Overview

As a Business Development Manager, you will spearhead efforts to identify and engage potential clients in the education sector, building and nurturing relationships to align their needs with our comprehensive service offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize diverse sales research methods to identify prospective clients and prioritize targets within assigned territories, including cross-selling opportunities with acquired companies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with multiple key contacts within prospective organizations such as school leaders, department heads, and board members to understand their objectives and challenges.
• Conduct consultative sales discussions to qualify client needs, navigate objections efficiently, and uncover deeper insights.
• Create and execute strategic sales plans tailored to clients’ goals and Vertex's services.
• Present Vertex’s wide range of services—such as marketing/enrollment, finance, HR support, talent acquisition, NSLP administration, IT support, and campus development—to generate new business.
• Continuously research client organizations through multiple sources to stay informed about their mission and needs.
• Manage client satisfaction proactively by anticipating and resolving issues.
• Clearly articulate Vertex solutions to decision-makers and cross-sell additional offerings.
• Collaborate with internal departments and other regional representatives to maximize referral opportunities and service quality.
• Handle inbound and outbound communications with prospects, managing issues and escalating as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and forecasts using Hubspot CRM.
• Travel to client sites and industry events to present, network, and initiate business discussions.
• Engage in follow-up communications with event attendees to convert interest into opportunities.
• Report market intelligence to help shape organizational strategies and messaging.
• For long-term accounts, develop comprehensive partnership plans and act as a client advocate to improve satisfaction and service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3 to 5 years of direct sales experience involving organizational leadership including C-level executives and boards, with a proven achievement record; experience with nonprofits or charter schools preferred.
• Strong expertise in consultative selling and business development in the education or related sectors.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, presentation, persuasion, and negotiation abilities.
• Proven aptitude to quickly build trust and rapport with key education stakeholders.
• Ability to simplify complex messages for diverse audiences and maintain a tenacious sales approach.
• In-depth understanding of Vertex’s service suite and capability to convey benefits effectively.
• Experienced in lead generation, meeting coordination, and proactive client engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and responsiveness in relationship building.
• Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently and navigate a fast-paced environment with persistence and integrity.
• Committed to clear communication and accountability.

Background and Compliance

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Required to obtain and maintain a valid IVP Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Work Environment and Travel

• Flexible work location with possibility of remote work if functional.
• Travel required within the US approximately 25-50%, especially during conference seasons.
• Physical requirements include occasional lifting up to 25 pounds and varied physical activities such as sitting, standing, and concentration.

Additional Information

• This role currently has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Vertex Education offers a supportive and inclusive culture valuing diversity, fair treatment, and opportunities for growth.
• Comprehensive benefits include competitive pay, flexible paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with employer match, mentoring, and reimbursements for training.