Director, Business Development (Southern California Region)

Reporting to the Senior Director, Business Development, the Director, Business Development is responsible for driving strategic partnership growth with healthcare systems, clinical networks, employer organizations, and educational institutions to support enrollment and revenue objectives for West Coast University's online and graduate programs. This role may also support efforts for WCU campuses and American Career College. This role blends hands-on relationship development and deal execution with strategic planning and cross-functional coordination.

The Director serves as a critical link between senior leadership's growth vision and frontline business development execution - translating market intelligence and institutional priorities into actionable partnership strategies. This individual will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to identify and manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and partners.

Performance will be evaluated based on key metrics such as:

• Number, quality, and revenue impact of partnerships secured
• Pipeline development, velocity, and conversion rates
• Market expansion and brand visibility within target sectors

This role will require frequent travel to visit prospective and existing partners, attend industry events, and participate in meetings at campuses and office locations. The ability to travel frequently is an essential function of the role.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, clinical networks, employer organizations, community colleges, and aligned industry stakeholders to drive enrollment growth in WCU's online and graduate programs.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective partners through proactive outreach, executive-level engagement, and structured relationship development from initial contact through contract execution.
• Work in close alignment with the Senior Director, Business Development to ensure all partnership pursuits, outreach strategies, and prospect engagements are consistent with broader departmental goals, institutional priorities, and brand standards - seeking guidance and approval as appropriate before advancing key opportunities.
• Operate as a collaborative team member within the Business Development function and across the organization, actively sharing market insights, prospect intelligence, and best practices with colleagues to ensure a coordinated, unified approach to partnership development.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and business cases to healthcare executives, HR leaders, clinical stakeholders, and educational partners that articulate employer ROI and demonstrate the mutual value of partnership.
• Serve as a consultative partner to prospective and existing employers, connecting WCU's academic offerings to workforce pipeline challenges and positioning the university as a preferred education and talent development partner.
• Leverage market research, labor data, competitive intelligence, and industry trends to identify high-potential regions, prioritize target organizations, and tailor value propositions to specific partner needs.
• Partner with the Senior Director, Business Development to develop and refine business development strategies, identify process improvements, and recommend new approaches to increase department efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams - including Marketing, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Career Services, Academics, Compliance, Legal, and Clinical Placement - to ensure seamless implementation of partnership agreements and delivery on employer commitments.
• Manage and nurture existing strategic partner relationships post-contract, identifying opportunities for expansion, renewal, and deeper engagement while ensuring a smooth handoff to implementation teams for day-to-day operations.
• Represent WCU at key industry events, conferences, education fairs, trade shows, and targeted networking opportunities to generate visibility, build relationships, and uncover new partnership opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in CRM systems, tracking all outreach activity, engagement status, pipeline progression, and partnership performance metrics.
• Stay informed on healthcare industry trends, workforce development initiatives, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics that impact healthcare education and professional development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with the inside admissions team and other internal departments to align partnership activities with prospective student needs and enrollment objectives.
• Maintain a high level of proactive communication with the Senior Director, Business Development and cross-functional stakeholders, providing regular updates on pipeline activity, prospect engagement status, potential challenges, and market feedback.
• Ensure full visibility and alignment across the team at all times.
• In partnership with the marketing team, improve brand recognition and perception of the University among employers, healthcare organizations, and community partners through consistent, professional engagement and thought leadership.
• Adhere to University policies and procedures and conduct job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy, and all applicable federal and state laws and professional standards.
• Maintain a regular work schedule, including typical business hours, and ensure time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
• Frequent travel is considered an essential function of the role.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Sales, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of progressive experience in business development, partnership development, B2B sales, or strategic account management, with a strong preference for experience in healthcare, higher education, or edtech sectors.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, developing, and closing complex partnership or business agreements with mid-to-senior-level decision-makers, including C-suite executives.
• Strong consultative selling and strategic thinking skills with the ability to navigate extended sales cycles, manage multiple concurrent opportunities, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing informal leadership to team members in a business development or sales environment.
• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and drive results in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop executive-level presentations, complex proposals, and strategic recommendations.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and business intelligence tools; strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to self-direct, self-pace, multi-task, and function well under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to travel frequently (estimated 50–75% of the time), including local, regional, and national travel.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in all interactions.

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Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at West Coast University.

At West Coast University, we have the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare and guide them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

West Coast University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.