Business Development Manager

Position Overview:

The Business Development Manager works collaboratively with the Society for Scholarly Publishing’s (SSP) staff, volunteers, the Executive Director, and the Board, in setting strategic direction for the development of non-dues revenue programs and the sales of sponsorship, advertising, exhibits, key products/programs, as well as organizational memberships. This position is responsible for developing new business opportunities, growing the society’s revenue, finding and developing new business opportunities and expanding the brand. This position also provides support for fundraising activities.

SSP is a virtual organization with no brick-and-mortar headquarters, so this position will telecommute from anywhere in the U.S. and work virtually with other SSP staff and contractors. Applicants must be able to maintain a safe, separate workspace in which they can complete their work that is free from distraction and limits accessibility by non-employees, and live in an area where they can obtain reliable internet service. This is a full-time staff position including benefits and a stipend for internet and telephone services.

Send resume and letter of interest to mdolechek@sspnet.org. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received before October 15. Compensation commensurate with experience and total qualifications. Salary is structured as base + commission with earning potential at $70,000 to 90,000+ based on performance. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and a flexible work schedule. Anticipated position start-date is no later than December 1, 2024.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Create a business development strategy, informed by SSP strategic objectives and revenue goals. Conceptualize, develop, enhance, and execute new and unique revenue-generating opportunities across all lines of business. Identify SSP’s value propositions and unique points of differentiation in the market. Conduct market research and analysis to inform strategic decisions and identify new business opportunities.
• Revenue Generation: Drive sales through various channels including advertising, sponsorships, exhibits, and the sale of products/programs. Create, maintain, and advance an active sales pipeline to achieve revenue targets. Create professional proposals that leverage bundling of relevant services and offerings to create the optimal possible development opportunity. Collaborate with marketing staff to develop collateral and campaigns that will drive revenue growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with society members, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to align development efforts with the association's goals. Build relationships with key contacts, including prospective and existing members, sponsors, and volunteer leaders.
• Membership Growth: Develop and implement strategies for outreach to potential organizational members in collaboration with the membership staff and Membership Committee.
• Program Management: Oversee the SSP Awards Program, ensuring its success as a tool for industry recognition and member engagement. Gather input regarding the society’s benchmarking studies to inform future data collection cycles and assist with promoting the study through outreach and encouraging participation.
• Administration: Collaborating with other SSP staff or third-parties as needed, track and ensure all supporter deliverables are fulfilled as contracted, ensure proper billing and collections of accounts receivable, and develop floor plans and other aspects of events where supporters will be represented.
• Vendor and Platform Management: Manage relationships with third-party vendors necessary to fulfill sponsor/exhibitor/advertiser benefits, including, but not limited to decorating companies, digital advertising management platform(s), retargeting suppliers, etc. Maintain digital advertising platform and customer relationship management (CRM) database of active supporters and prospects.
• Partnership Development: Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to increase organizational reach and influence including potential in-kind opportunities that benefit the society.
• Reporting & Analytics: Monitor and report on sales and program performance and market trends, providing actionable insights to SSP leaders.
• Fundraising: Provide administrative support and outreach for the society’s fundraising activities.

Qualifications and Professional Qualities

Sales and marketing: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field, preferably within an association or non-profit sector. Strong understanding of the mechanisms of advertising, sponsorship, and exhibit sales, with a deep understanding of association dynamics. Knowledge of mainstream and emerging sales and marketing strategies and tactics; experience with market research tools and approaches, ability to analyze and interpret data.

Program development: Ability to conceptualize, develop, and implement successful, creative programs and opportunities that benefit the society and its supporters. Knowledge of the scholarly publishing market as it relates to stakeholder needs.

Planning and project management: Experience leading process change and developing programs from concept to implementation, successful track record of directing multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; strong organizational skills to handle multiple overlapping activities; attention to detail.

Leadership and relationship management: Effectiveness at group/team leadership; collaborative, solution-oriented team leader and colleague; exceptional interpersonal skills at all levels of the organization, networks outside and inside the organization and builds positive strategic relationships with key individuals and groups; ability to effectively work with and through volunteers to accomplish SSP’s projects and goals.

Communication: Strong communication skills with proficiency in developing written communications for a variety of audiences and verbal communications within groups.

Financial management: Understands basic financial statements and key financial indicators; practical experience in budgeting; ability to manage effectively within available resource allocations.

Technology: Proficiency in the use of personal computers and application software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent applications) as well as web-based desktop and mobile app technology (e.g, Zoom or similar). Strong analytical skills and proficiency in utilizing CRM systems and data analysis tools.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience engaging with the participants in the scholarly communications and publishing industry regarding business development needs.

Travel: Willingness to travel 2-3 times annually on behalf of SSP for prospecting and experience management.

About Society for Scholarly Publishing

The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and advance communication among all sectors of the scholarly publication community through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field. SSP members represent all aspects of scholarly publishing — including publishers, printers, e-products developers, technical service providers, librarians, and editors. SSP members come from a wide range of large and small commercial and nonprofit organizations. They meet at SSP’s annual meetings, educational seminars, and regional events to hear the latest trends from respected colleagues and to discuss common and mutual (and sometimes divergent) goals and viewpoints. Learn more at www.sspnet.org.