Vice President, Business Development

Position Overview

The Vice President of Business Development is a leadership role that works with the senior leadership team to develop the strategic direction and growth of Merrimack College through internal consulting, strategic planning, and business planning. This position focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with corporations and organizations to create new revenue streams and enhance the college’s academic and non-academic offerings. The role involves corporate strategy, partnership development, sponsorship acquisition, research initiatives, and product shaping and positioning.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Business Development:
  • Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans to achieve the college’s growth objectives.
  • Oversee business planning for various units within the college, ensuring alignment with overall strategic goals.
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities, including partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations with external organizations.
• Internal Consulting:
  • Provide expert advice and support to internal units on business development strategies and initiatives.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive and effective business plans.
• Corporate Engagement:
  • Engage with corporations, non-profit organizations, and other external entities to establish and nurture mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Develop and implement strategies to attract and secure corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the college and external partners, fostering long-term relationships.
• Revenue Generation:
  • Develop and execute plans to generate new revenue streams through innovative partnerships and business opportunities.
  • Explore and implement new academic and non-academic products and services that align with market needs and the college’s strengths.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance revenue through research collaborations and sponsored projects.
• Product Development and Positioning:
  • Oversee the development and positioning of academic and non-academic products to ensure they meet market demands and support the college’s strategic objectives.
  • Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for new product offerings.
  • Collaborate with academic and administrative units to shape and refine products and services.
• Corporate Strategy:
  • Develop and implement corporate strategies focusing on partnerships, sponsorships, research, and product development.
  • Analyze market and industry trends to inform strategic decisions and initiatives.
  • Ensure the college’s strategic initiatives are aligned with broader industry and market dynamics

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience in business development, corporate strategy, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in higher education is preferred, but not required.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Remote Work 

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus. 

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and some 1,400 graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College comprises five schools: liberal arts, science and engineering, nursing and health sciences, the Winston school of education and social policy, and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 240-acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in the towns of North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, coming in 34th out of 175 schools ranked in the Regional Universities North category in 2022. Merrimack also ranked 3rd in the Most Innovative Schools category. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.