Director, Business Development

Applications will be accepted through October 28, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as review of applications may begin prior to the closing date. Due to the nature of the work environment, candidates must be a US person as defined by US export control regulations and eligible to access controlled unclassified information (CUI).

The Pay, Perks, and Benefits

• Annual Salary of $115,600 - $122,500
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System with employer match.
• Generous time off is provided, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays are provided, including a two week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans are offered, with excellent dental options.

What You Will Do
The Director, Business Development will help expand strategic partnerships, generate revenue opportunities and strengthen engagement with industry, government, manufacturing technology and academic partners. This position will lead the tactical and operational business development plan for IALR’s Manufacturing Advancement Division, with a particular focus on securing clients and revenue opportunities for the Center for Manufacturing Advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Vice President of Partnerships to develop strategic, operational and tactical plans that support revenue growth.
• Build and strengthen relationships with technology, strategic and academic partners.
• Work with technical subject matter experts to remain current on industry needs and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Oversee CRM activity, partner engagement and the business development pipeline.
• Supervise the Business Development Coordinator, including work related to market research, pipeline development and marketing and sales events.
• Coordinate meetings, presentations and communications with prospective and existing clients and partners.
• Develop partnership proposals, presentations, executive briefings and reports.
• Track partnership performance, key performance indicators and business development activity.
• Support development of project budgets, quotes, proposals and work breakdown structures.
• Assist with the Manufacturing Advancement business development budget.
• Collaborate with the Program Management Office on client and partner engagement.
• Provide contract proposal and grant application support when applicable.

How You Will Help the Team
You will connect business opportunities with IALR’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and help translate industry needs into meaningful client and partnership opportunities. Working across technical, programmatic and operational teams, you will help build a sustainable revenue pipeline while ensuring business development efforts align with organizational programs and priorities.

Qualifications

Your Knowledge and Expertise

• A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, engineering or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in business development, partnerships, sales support or sales pipeline development.
• At least five years of experience in industrial manufacturing or production.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic sales or business growth plans, preferably for an industrial manufacturer or industrial manufacturing consulting firm.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation and executive communication skills.
• Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce or HubSpot, preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• An interest in advanced manufacturing technologies or workforce development.
• The ability to prioritize responsibilities and perform effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What Makes Working Here Different
Success in this role requires the ability to build strong relationships, identify new business opportunities, and translate industry needs into strategic partnerships and revenue growth. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who can think strategically, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and collaborate across technical and business teams to achieve organizational goals. Strong business acumen, project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment will be essential to driving the continued growth and impact of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement.

Key Success Factors:

• Strategic thinking and business growth mindset
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Leadership and team development
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Project and budget management
• Data-driven decision making
• Collaboration across technical and operational teams
• Adaptability and initiative in a dynamic environment

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.