Director of Business Development

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division.We’re seeking a Director of Business Development to join our team. In this role, you will secure new and repeat business, explore new market opportunities by building strong relationships with key customers, stakeholders as well as organizations supporting children and families, with the primary goal of growing sales year over year.Responsibilities:Securing new and repeat business by building strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders, growing sales year over yearParticipating in new market development—inclusive of research, on-site and new sales investigationIdentifying and owning new and nontraditional business opportunitiesDevelop and drive innovative strategies to grow and expand within existing markets/customer segmentsAttending State ECE Council Meetings, Head Start Association meetingsCompleting client visits on a regular, ongoing basis to assess emerging and ongoing needsMaintaining strong partnership and ongoing communication with Inside/Outside sales team to drive projects through completionParticipating in local, state and national associations/conferences to promote the Lakeshore brandMaintaining an ongoing awareness of local, state and national trends as well as funding opportunitiesPursuing relationships with city, county, tribal, and state government officials, school administrators and community-based organizations to support cutting-edge learning environments for childrenCreating, reviewing, and delivering sales presentations for large opportunities; assessing need for senior leadership participation in next stepsInitiating and implementing marketing campaigns targeting funding and/or legislative-driven opportunitiesEstablishing a thorough understanding of Lakeshore’s value adds and service proposition; ability to communicate funding and initiatives to opportunities for capture of market shareUtilizing internal/external partnerships to create revenue-focused pipelines for success in relationship management and sales strategyCoaching cross-functional partners (Outside Sales, Inside Sales) on basics of policy, funding and legislation supporting education on local, state and national levelStrategic planning, gap strategy development and resource planning, in alignment with company goalsProspecting in new markets; identifying and investigating new funding opportunitiesAbility to identify nuances of current/emerging markets and supporting growth in new or existing areas of businessQualifications:Bachelor’s degreeMinimum 5+ years sales experience in pre-k through 12 education marketPreferred: combination of related education and experience is highly desirableLocated in: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, MichiganAbility to travel as needed 75% of time with overnights more than 50% of the time (15-28 days a month away, 2-3 nights per week away from home)Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and SalesforceExisting relationships with state DOEs and related government agencies, early learning systems and school district leadership preferredStrong written and verbal communication skillsStrong administrative and organizational skillsGreat attention to detailCreative problem-solving skillsWhat We Offer:Competitive compensation based on skills and experienceUncapped commission structurePaid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bondingExcellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA401(k) retirement plan with company contributionFlexible benefit options—choose what you like, ignore the restGenerous employee discount on productsLakeshore is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06