Business Development Manager

Description

Position Overview 

The Business Development Manager will expand our fee-for-service revenue for our training and capacity-building services by cultivating authentic relationships and creating systems that welcome a diverse range of paid participants. This role blends revenue generation, community engagement, strategic growth. you will meet with organizations to understand their unique needs, connect them with Alternatives’ training offerings, and implement user friendly processes to ensure a smooth client experience.

Responsibilities:

Perform the following from a racial, gender, sexuality, and ability equity lens:

• Drive growth of fee-for-service programs by targeting new markets and expanding Alternatives’ reach beyond Chicago in alignment with community demand
• Develop and nurture partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies throughout Chicagoland and Illinois. 
• Listen deeply to partner needs and co-create training opportunities that align with their goals and Alternatives’ mission.
• Represent Alternatives at community forums, conferences, and events to raise awareness of our equity-centered capacity-building services.
• Design proposals and service agreements that balance sustainability with accessibility for partners.
• Track and report on revenue and participation goals in collaboration with the Director of Training.
• Create and refine systems to support outreach, registration, and evaluation.
• Oversee and optimize platforms such as Eventbrite, Zoom, G Suite, Constant Contact, and Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) to streamline participant experience and data tracking.
• Collaborate with the evaluation team to ensure accurate data collection and reporting
• Partner with the Director of Training, the Training Manager, and Trainers to align paid offerings with organizational capacity and community priorities.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Minimum 3–5 years of experience in partnership development, community engagement, or earned-revenue growth, ideally within the nonprofit or education sectors.
2. Strong interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. 
3. Demonstrated success in relationship management and in creating systems that increase participation and accessibility.
4. Computer Literacy and proficiency. Preferred - Eventbrite, Zoom, G Suite, Constant Contact, ETO, or similar tools.
5. Strong administrative skills. 
6. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. 
7. Ability to travel as needed. 
8. Must successfully complete the Alternatives Internal Leadership Pipeline Program within the first year as a condition of continued employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.
9. Consistently learning and working within the following frameworks: Anti-oppression, Positive Youth Development, Trauma-informed, and Balanced and Restorative Justice.
10. Committed to working in a community-based, youth-centered organization, with flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
11. The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all employees to the full extent permissible under applicable law.