Director of Business Development in Rockville, Maryland at American Physiological Society

Summary/Objective

The Director of Business Development partners with the Chief Financial and Administration Officer (CFAO) to develop and execute a mission-based strategic vision and revenue-generation plan. The Director builds sustainable partnerships and funding relationships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, academic institutions, and individual donors to increase revenue and advance organizational goals.

The successful candidate brings commercial discipline and a strong understanding of association membership, scientific and educational programs, conferences, publications, and stakeholder engagement. In pursuing revenue growth, the Director balances mission, reputation, and member value while maintaining appropriate safeguards for scientific independence.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Business Development Strategy and Portfolio Growth

· Help develop and maintain a multi-year business development strategy aligned with the association’s mission, strategic plan, audience needs, and financial goals.

· Support the identification, assessment, and prioritization of new and existing revenue opportunities. These include sponsorship, exhibits, strategic alliances, grants, corporate support, licensed offerings, digital programs, and other mission-consistent products and services.

· Develop business cases, partnership proposals, and recommendations for review.

2. Partnership Development and Relationship Management

· Cultivate and manage relationships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, healthcare and life-science organizations, academic institutions, technology providers, and other prospective partners.

· Lead discovery conversations to understand partner objectives and translate association assets into tailored, ethical, and mutually valuable opportunities.

· Develop proposals, pitch materials, sponsorship packages, budgets, timelines, and partnership agreements in collaboration with Finance, Legal, and program owners.

· Negotiate commercial terms within approved authority. Coordinate review of legal, financial, reputational, scientific-independence, and operational considerations.

· Create a disciplined stewardship and renewal approach that strengthens partner satisfaction, measures outcomes, and supports multi-year relationships.

3. Membership Growth and Engagement

· Partner with membership and marketing teams to develop fundraising and donor campaigns that increase charitable contributions and expand financial support for APS programs and initiatives.

· Use market research, member feedback, and participation data to inform growth initiatives.

4. Fundraising and Institutional Support

· Identify and cultivate mission-aligned corporate, foundation, institutional, government, and individual funding prospects.

· Coordinate grant and funding proposals, including narratives, budgets, submission requirements, and internal approvals. Include reporting obligations in this coordination.

· Support annual giving or targeted fundraising campaigns, as assigned, using appropriate digital and direct outreach strategies.

· Partner with Finance and program teams on grant administration, restricted-fund tracking, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership

· Coordinate business development across teams by engaging the appropriate subject-matter experts and ensuring clear ownership at each stage, from concept through delivery.

· Collaborate with meetings, marketing, membership, education, advocacy, finance, and program teams to develop integrated partnership solutions.

· Support annual budgeting, revenue forecasting, and operational planning for business development initiatives.

Skills/Abilities

1. Strong relationship-building and networking skills.

2. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

3. Ability to identify and develop new revenue opportunities.

4. Experience pursuing grants and developing sponsorships and partnerships.

5. Strong negotiation and business development skills.

6. Strategic and analytical thinker with a results-oriented mindset.

7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.

8. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, Science, or a related field required.

2. At least seven years of experience in business development, sponsorship sales, partnership management, fundraising, corporate relations, or association management required.

3. Demonstrated success securing and managing sponsorships and strategic partnerships required.

4. Experience developing and managing revenue-generating programs and partnership pipelines required.

5. Strong negotiation, relationship management, presentation, and consultative selling skills required.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities required.

7. Experience using CRM platforms and business development pipeline tools required.

8. Experience within a scientific, medical, healthcare, higher education, or membership association environment preferred.

Other Duties

1. Analyze business intelligence and funding opportunities.

2. Support brand promotion and sponsorship engagement initiatives.

3. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement plan; paid holidays; generous annual and sick leave; medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; and life and short- and long-term disability insurance.

Where will you work?

We offer a flexible hybrid work model, with employees based out of our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland (Washington, DC metro area). Employees are required to work in the Rockville office every Wednesday as part of our standard hybrid schedule. Additional in-office days may be required based on role, team needs, division meetings, staff meetings, or other organizational events.

Because regular in-person attendance is an essential part of our hybrid work model, applicants should be located within a reasonable commuting distance of Rockville, Maryland. At this time, we are only considering candidates located in the Washington, DC metro area.

To Apply

All qualified applicants must submit a cover letter, salary expectations, and a resume.

To learn more about APS, please visit: https://www.physiology.org

To learn more about APS Publications, please visit https://journals.physiology.org.

APS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

APS may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology tools to help screen applications and identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. AI-assisted screening is only one factor in the evaluation process, and all hiring decisions are made by APS personnel.