DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Summary

The Director, International Business Development is responsible for driving the growth of Spartan's international schools and training locations by identifying, cultivating, and securing new partnerships with airlines, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations, and other aviation stakeholders across target regions. This role serves as a primary point of contact with airline and MRO executives and senior regulatory officials to assess and develop new market opportunities in support of Spartan's international expansion strategy.

This position works closely with Spartan's executive leadership, regulatory/academic teams, and in-country development partners to translate commercial relationships into viable, executable training partnerships. Success in this role requires the ability to build trust and credibility with senior executives and government officials across diverse cultural and regulatory environments, and to represent Spartan with the highest degree of professionalism in every interaction.

Essential Functions

• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with airlines, MROs, and other aviation industry stakeholders to support the growth of Spartan's international schools and training locations
• Serve as a primary point of contact for airline and MRO executives and senior regulatory directors, assessing opportunities to establish new Spartan international partnership sites
• Evaluate prospective markets and partners for commercial viability, regulatory feasibility, and strategic fit, in coordination with Strategy & Development leadership
• Support the negotiation and development of partnership documents
• Build and maintain relationships with civil aviation authorities, ministries, and other regulatory or governmental bodies relevant to Spartan's international operations
• Prepare briefing materials, partnership proposals, and executive-level presentations for Spartan leadership and prospective partners
• Represent Spartan at industry conferences, government meetings, and partner site visits internationally
• Maintain and report on a pipeline of prospective partnerships and international market opportunities
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity is required, with the ability to adapt communication style appropriately when engaging with international partners, government officials, and business leaders
• Represent Spartan in a highly professional manner at all times, on and off-site, in interactions with airline and MRO executives, regulatory officials, and international partners
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion befitting an ambassador of Spartan and the U.S. aviation industry in international settings
• Willingness to travel internationally, including to regions with varying business customs, infrastructure, and operating environments

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of international aviation training, and airline/MRO workforce needs
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with senior executives and government officials across diverse cultural and regulatory contexts
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills
• Working knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, EASA, or equivalent national civil aviation authorities) sufficient to assess partnership opportunities at a business level, in coordination with Spartan's regulatory and legal teams
• Comfort operating with ambiguity in the development of new, first-of-its-kind international partnerships
• Proficiency with standard office and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Education and Work Experience

• High School diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree or other related advanced degree preferred
• Minimum seven or more (7+) years of progressive experience in business development, partnerships, or international sales; aviation, aerospace, or education industry experience strongly preferred
• Experience working with airlines, MROs, or aviation training organizations preferred
• Experience interfacing with government officials or regulatory bodies preferred
• Familiarity with the Middle East region preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory responsibilities

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• No certificates, licenses, or registrations required

Travel

• Traveling required approximately 35%. Includes international travel to the Middle East and other target regions
• Travel may involve multi-day trips and overnight stays. Work may be performed across multiple time zones and may occasionally require flexibility in scheduling to accommodate international business needs.
• Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and any required visas, travel authorizations, or other documentation necessary for international business travel

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, including during international travel and extended flights. The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to operate a computer, mobile devices, and other standard office equipment. This requires frequent travel, including domestic and international travel, which may involve walking through airports, partner sites, and participation of meetings of varying durations. Occasional lifting and carrying of luggage or other work-related items up to 25 pounds may be required. Work is typically performed in a remote or corporate office, partner facilities, and other domestic and international business locations. This role may be exposed to varying environmental conditions, security protocols, and business customs while traveling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

AAP/EEO Statement

Spartan College provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In keeping with the above conviction, Spartan College is committed to assuring that:

All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law;

Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action; and all personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, training, and participation in social and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits

401(k) and Employer Match

Medical insurance

HSA/FSA

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement/Employee Scholarship

Sick Paid time off