SUMMARY: The Director of Business Development is a pivotal leadership role driving the long-term growth and success of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes (GFL). This position is responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities, products, and services that enhance profitability and advance strategic initiatives across GFL's diverse social and business enterprises. Key areas of focus include government contracting, the AbilityOne Program, strengthening the Contact Center business, and expanding sustainability initiatives, such as textile recycling and other eco-conscious ventures. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in both existing and emerging markets to foster innovation, growth, and long-term impact. The Director is a key leader responsible for advancing the organization's sustainability mission by developing strategic partnerships and driving the creation of innovative, environmentally conscious products and services. This role encompasses market research, marketing strategy, and business planning to align sales initiatives with the company's sustainability objectives. Core responsibilities include overseeing pricing strategies and portfolio management, leading cross-functional teams to execute critical initiatives, and managing business development processes for both government and commercial opportunities. The Director will focus on growth through sustainability-focused ventures, with an emphasis on waste management and recycling solutions that support the organization’s strategic goals. The Director will also ensure the successful execution of sales plans, serve as a representative at industry-specific events, and identify new opportunities to enhance the company’s market presence while championing its commitment to environmental stewardship. This role involves leveraging analytics, research, and professional expertise to identify emerging business trends and uncover opportunities for upselling within existing contracts. In addition, the person for this role requires a strategic mindset to analyze market dynamics and develop actionable insights that drive business growth. A key focus is building and maintaining strong relationships with current and prospective business partners, coupled with effective negotiation skills to expand access to both existing and new markets. This role is integral to aligning business opportunities with organizational goals and maximizing market potential. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Business Initiatives: + Use data to analyze and define markets for manufactured and sewn products in new markets such as commercial spaces as well as existing markets + Use data to analyze and define markets for Contact Center Business in new markets such as commercial spaces as well as existing markets + Build and manage strategic partnerships, in government channels and other key business service sectors. + Develop and implement objectives to increase market share and profitability, ensuring alignment with sustainable business practices. + Lead cross-functional teams to ensure strategic initiatives in sustainability, such as textile recycling and other waste-reduction efforts in collaboration with Donated Goods Retail, are successfully executed. New Product and Service Development: + Conduct market research to identify opportunities for increased sales, including sustainability-focused products and recycling initiatives, along with new services such as contact center customer service, + Develop new products and services for diverse markets, focusing on environmentally conscious initiatives such as converting waste into profitable products. Marketing and Business Planning: + Support the development of the annual operating plan and budget, emphasizing growth areas like government contracting, contact centers, and sustainability-focused businesses. + Develop comprehensive marketing and sales strategies that leverage core business strengths + Ensure marketing efforts align with emerging sustainable business opportunities and environmental impact goals. + Oversee pricing analysis and portfolio management for all products and services. Business Development: + Initiate and strengthen partnerships with strategic customers, resellers, and new markets, including those focused on government contracts, AbilityOne products and services, NYSPSPS products and services and sustainability sectors. + Develop and manage business development operations and processes for both AbilityOne systems and Commercial business Opportunities. + Use data to analyze and adjust business development plans to meet organization strategic plan objectives. + Develop and report on Key Performance Indicators. Sales: + Develop and direct the execution of sales plans. + Present new business opportunities at key industry events, particularly in sustainability and government contracting sectors. + Lead follow-up on sales leads related to new sustainable ventures, ensuring alignment with business development goals. Leadership + Lead a team of Business Development professionals REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: + A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance or other relevant field from an accredited higher education institution. Master’s degree preferred. Five plus years of successful professional experience. + Excellent vendor negotiation and networking skills + Strategic problem solving and conflict resolution skills + Excellent communication skills, verbal and written + High Emotional Intelligence + Time management skills, technical and computer skills, and self-motivation. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS: + Industry knowledge: Understanding the manufacturing & non-profit industry + Sales and relationship-building: Identifying new business opportunities and building long-term relationships with potential clients. + Grant management: Developing and writing unrestricted or program grant requests, tracking grants, and maintaining excellent records. + Strategic direction: Driving the company's strategic direction and growth strategies. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. The employee must have reasonable mobility. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time and to work extensively with computers. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.