Position Description
The Business Development Manager partners with the Senior Director of Strategy and Development to further SustainED Leaders’ business development goals and obtain adequate funding to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
In partnership with the Senior Director of Strategy and Development, this role owns the execution and continuous improvement of business development, research, and brand-building activities that strengthen organizational impact and positions SustainED Leaders for sustainable growth.
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
Support the execution of growth initiatives for SustainED Leaders that includes programmatic expansion to schools, districts, and university partners
Cultivate and develop strong, collaborative relationships with leaders of partner organizations, including schools, districts, institutes of higher education, TEA, etc
Identify and build strategic alliances and partnerships with organizations in related but not competing fields (e.g., consulting firms that place superintendents) that could provide a source of new business
Ensure exceptional partnership experiences through proactive relationship management, regular stakeholder engagement, and responsive communication, leading to high levels of stakeholder satisfaction and renewal.
Analyze pipeline trends and partnership data to inform sales targets, forecasting, and strategic growth priorities.
Lead the development and stewardship of strategic partnerships that expand SustainED Leaders' impact and contribute to sustainable organizational growth.
Identify and cultivate prospective partnership opportunities and conduct discovery conversations to understand partner priorities and needs.
Develop tailored pitch decks, scopes of work, and presentations that align SustainED Leaders' offerings to partner priorities and needs.
Manage CRM systems and maintain accurate pipeline information to support forecasting, sales planning, and organizational decision-making.
Coordinate contract development, proposal revisions, and pricing scenarios in partnership with the Finance & Operations team and SDBD.
Drive client communications and ensure timely follow-up throughout the sales cycle.
Ensure smooth transitions from partnership development to program implementation through effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Manage ongoing partner relationships and contribute to long-term partnership success, renewals, and expansion opportunities.
Codify and streamline sales processes, developing customizable templates and assets to reduce time spent per deal while ensuring consistency and quality.
Philanthropy & Impact Communications
Support the development of diversified funding strategies that strengthen organizational sustainability.
Work in connection with the SDBD and program team to develop routine progress reports and updates with key stakeholders and partners.
Support thought leadership and define marketing programs and outreach initiatives across channels that positions SustainED Leaders as the national leading expert in the field.
Develop and disseminate high-quality program collateral, including reports, case studies, and other materials, as needed.
Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of in-person and virtual events (e.g., conferences, webinars, partner convenings) that elevate SustainED’s visibility and deepen stakeholder engagement.
Program Research & Development
Lead research and analysis that informs future growth opportunities and service offerings.
Research the education landscape in Texas to understand the needs of schools and districts.
Contribute to the design and refinement of new program opportunities to help the organization increase its impact.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Analyze student achievement and program outcomes to identify key trends and the core drivers of organizational performance.
Provide data-driven recommendations to align organizational and programmatic priorities to strongest impact levers.
Interpret NPS, renewal rates, and growth metrics to provide actionable recommendations for programming and business development.
Evaluate district and internal survey data to measure program efficacy and drive improvements in support services and team engagement.
Translate program impact data into compelling narratives to support business development and marketing initiatives.
Socialize findings across departments to build data literacy and empower leaders to make evidence-based strategic decisions.
Other Duties
Take on special projects on an ad hoc basis as needed based on organizational needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational goals.
Position Locations
Dallas, Austin, or Houston, Texas
Position Requirements
Demonstrated Skills & Attributes
Experience in an education-related field and knowledge and experience working with school districts.
Strong understanding of HQIM implementation and products, such as Bluebonnet Learning, and TEA grant cycles (LASO, LIFT, etc.).
Exceptional ability to build diverse stakeholder relationships and manage partner relationships with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and clear, professional communication.
Ability to adapt quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced settings while remaining open to multiple rounds of feedback.
Desire to contribute to the growth of a transformative startup organization.
Deeply held commitment to the belief that all students can achieve at high levels, regardless of background, coupled with a results-oriented approach to maximizing growth.
Experience in education and/or data science with an emphasis on qualitative and quantitative interpretation
Proven ability to look beyond the "what" of the data to explain the "why," specifically within a K-12 or educational non-profit context
A deep understanding of educational metrics (student achievement, teacher growth, etc.) and a passion for utilizing data to drive equity and impact
Experience developing performance metrics and using data analysis to achieve measurable results and inform decision-making.
If has sales experience, proven track record of contributing to and executing effective sales strategies and closing deals to meet or exceed sales goals.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in education, business, or related field, or commensurate experience
Master’s degree (preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in education, consulting, business development, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years working in the K-12 education sector (school, district, nonprofit, or education-focused organization), including interfacing regularly with school or district leadership
Preferred: Minimum of 1 year leading or contributing to development work, such as partnerships, client engagement, program development, or sales-related activities.
Other Requirements
Willingness and ability to travel
A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle
Commitment to Core Values
SustainED Leaders operates with a commitment to its core values and seeks to build a team of individuals who share a commitment to those core values. Our organization’s core values are:
Builds Trusting Relationships
Utilizes Evidence-Based Practices
Thinks & Acts Strategically
Commits to Excellence
Continuously Learns & Improves
Leads Courageously
Travel & Working Environment
This is a hybrid role that includes a combination of remote work, in-person meetings, and travel to partner and prospective partner sites for in-field work. This role requires regular local travel (typically 2–3 days per week) alongside monthly trips within Texas and occasional national travel for conferences. Frequency may increase, including multiple out-of-town trips per month, during peak seasons or to meet partner and organizational needs. Evening and weekend commitments are required during key seasons to support conferences, board meetings, networking events, and key organizational initiatives.
Remote work and virtual meetings will generally be completed from a home office. Regular work hours are 8 am to 5 pm but will vary based on organizational needs, travel requirements, and conference and event schedule.
This role requires the ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday and may occasionally require lifting or transporting materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Salary & Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000. SustainED Leaders offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our team’s total well-being, including:
Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer-sponsored contributions
Retirement Savings: Retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 3% and 100% immediate vesting, subject to plan terms and eligibility
Bonuses: Eligibility for discretionary, performance-based bonuses up to 4% of base salary, based on individual performance and organizational goal achievement
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid organization holidays
Travel Support: Travel reimbursement and/or mileage stipend for field-based work
FLSA Status: Exempt
About SustainED Leaders
SustainED Leaders is a nonprofit organization focused on transformational leadership in public education so that all children can attend a school where the adults have the courage, commitment, and capacity to maximize learning and growth for all students. SustainED Leaders designs and delivers training and personalized coaching to aspiring and existing school leaders that builds their capacity to lead continuous instructional improvement in schools. Our training and coaching focuses on supporting educators to implement evidence and research-based practices and high-quality instructional materials that accelerate the learning and growth of all students.
Applying to the Position
We thank you for your interest in joining our team! To apply for the position, please apply through our official application form below. Due to the high volume of applications, applications sent via e-mail or to individuals may not be received by our hiring team.
For additional questions, please reach out to careers@sustainedleaders.org.
SustainED Leaders is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, ancestry, color, race, ethnicity, or creed; LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by jobholders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications. Employment with SustainED Leaders is 'at-will,' meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause.