Business Development Manager (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC)

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? Do you want to be with an organization where your knowledge and skills will help increase school engagement and student success, and extend our global reach? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for students?

These opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST^® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We promise a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you will be part of a team that cares about each other and thrives on each other’s successes. You’ll feel good about the future of the world after doing hard work with the talented people at FIRST^® and will have a front row seat to our life changing programs.

Our extensive benefits package is highly competitive and includes:

• Healthcare Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Supplemental life insurance
• Voluntary accident and legal plans
• Income Protection Insurances (STD & LTD)
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Hybrid Work Model
• 160 PTO hours for FT employees 
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year (one is a floating holiday)
  • Paid July 4th Week Holiday Closure 
• 40 hours paid sick leave per calendar year
• One paid volunteer day per anniversary year
• Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan (with employer match)
• Medical and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $85,905 - $97,240. New hires typically start within this range based on their qualifications, experience, and considerations of internal equity.

This role offers a base salary along with eligibility for an incentive compensation plan, which is designed to reward performance that aligns with both company objectives and individual goals. Specifically, it rewards individuals for building a strong, sustainable sales pipeline and driving growth for FIRST teams within their assigned region. Full details of the plan will be provided to candidates during the interview process.

Who You Are
The FIRST Business Development Manager drives growth and sales for FIRST Programs within a designated territory and for specific FIRST program(s). Key responsibilities include spearheading sales for a defined geography, closing deals, following up on leads, meeting annual sales goals and qualifying prospects. This role involves exploring new or underrepresented markets, providing management with strategic recommendations, forecasting /managing sales opportunities and partnerships, and periodically representing FIRST at trade shows within the territory when deemed appropriate to cultivate new business. This role will also work closely with local FIRST program delivery partners to identify prospects and leverage local sales opportunities. 

Ideal candidates will demonstrate enthusiasm for the FIRST mission and have proven experience selling products to the K-12 education market.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What You Will Do
Essential duties and responsibilities include (other duties may be assigned):

• Collaborating with FIRST local Program Delivery Organizations to understand the local market for selling opportunities and lead generation. 
• Identifying new opportunities within the existing customer base as well as generating and securing new customers. 
• Delivering impactful customer-facing presentations. 
• Creating and implementing annual business plans focused on a given territory. 
• Maintaining market share (i.e., sustainability) in accordance with annual plans and budget. 
• Using sales data to drive decision-making for territory insights and growth. 
• Utilizing sales technology tools (Salesforce) to prospect, sell, market to clients, and manage sales pipeline, ensuring timely follow-up on all leads within specific time frames. 
• Understanding & researching of territory trends, educational trends, competition, & available local and federal funding sources. 
• Embracing and utilizing a solution-selling approach.
• Traveling to and setting up displays at conventions for customer associations and attending such functions. 
• Submitting all sales related expenses per company procedures. 

What We Expect
We are seeking candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Creative problem solver who thrives in a customer-centric environment. 
• Typically requires a BA or BS in a related discipline. 
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience. 
• Self-motivated worker with excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skillset with excellent presentation skills.
• Experience with a CRM system such as Salesforce is required. 
• Experience with or exposure to FIRST programs (preferred).
• Experience selling products in the K-12 education space (preferred). 
• Comfortable working in a remote team environment. 
• Ability to travel 30-40% of the time required. 
• Position will be located within an assigned territory. 

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values

Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.