Strategic Business Development Manager

Strategic Business Development Manager

Be part of a purpose-driven team making a big difference in the lives of leaders and their teams.

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina (in-person role with some travel required)

About Bell Leadership Institute

For more than 50 years, Bell Leadership Institute has helped leaders around the world “build their personal effectiveness and leadership skills to contribute to humankind”. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Bell is a bespoke, purpose-driven firm delivering world-class training and executive coaching grounded in deep personal insight, practical tools, and lasting change. Our collaborative team is passionate about leadership and dedicated to helping individuals and organizations grow.

Why Bell

• Mission with Meaning: Every day, you’ll help leaders and teams build stronger organizations and better lives.

• Collaborative Culture: We value connection, curiosity, and shared learning. Everyone contributes to our success.

• Trusted Legacy: Bell Leadership’s programs and research have shaped leaders in thousands of organizations worldwide.

• Room to Grow: As part of a smaller, dynamic team, you’ll have opportunities to make a visible impact and expand your professional path.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Strategic Business Development Manager to help drive Bell’s growth by cultivating meaningful client relationships, expanding our reach, and strengthening the systems that support proactive account management.

You will work closely with Bell’s senior leaders, trainers, facilitators, marketing, and program management teams to identify and pursue opportunities, and ensure exceptional client experiences from first conversation to lasting partnership.

Key Responsibilities

I. Strategic Growth & Market Positioning

• Lead strategic growth initiatives by identifying, researching, and prioritizing markets and organizations aligned with Bell’s ideal client profile.
• Manage Bell’s exposure strategy by identifying and executing high-value visibility opportunities such as conferences, speaking engagements, and partnerships.
• Help refine Bell’s messaging and positioning to make it easier for prospective clients to understand how to work with us and the value of doing so.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity to inform targeting and strategic decision-making.

II. Client Development & Partnerships

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of new business opportunities with best-fit organizations.
• Lead discovery conversations with prospective clients, translating their goals into tailored recommendations that align with Bell’s programs and services.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with key partners and industry associations that expand Bell’s reach and reputation.
• Collaborate with trainers and coaches to help them extend their networks and visibility as thought leaders.

III. Account Management & Relationship Expansion

• Contribute to the continued buildout of Bell’s account management system, helping ensure structure, accountability, and consistency across key accounts.
• Serve as account manager for select clients, partnering with trainers and program managers to deepen relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Support the onboarding and growth of “new-to-Bell” client organizations, ensuring a positive first-year experience and guiding them toward continued engagement.
• Represent Bell at leadership programs and events to build relationships, identify opportunities, and serve as a brand ambassador.
• Attend and support Bell programs as needed, assisting with program set-up, logistics, and facilitation when appropriate. This may include light travel to client sites or program venues to help ensure seamless execution and exceptional client experiences.

IV. Systems, Insights & Team Integration

• Leverage ACT and client data to track activity, analyze trends, and identify patterns that inform business development priorities.
• Maintain a steady rhythm of accountability through pipeline reviews, progress reporting, and collaboration with leadership.
• Partner closely with the marketing and program teams to align campaigns, messaging, and follow-up activity with business development goals.

Who You Are

• A strategic relationship-builder who thrives on helping others succeed.

• Experienced in consultative business development or account management, ideally in leadership development, consulting, or professional services.

• Skilled at both creating systems and executing within them.

• Comfortable engaging senior executives and translating complex needs into clear solutions.

• Insightful, collaborative, and motivated by Bell’s mission to build leaders for life.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in business development, client partnerships, or account management roles.

• Proven ability to build relationships and generate new business opportunities in a B2B, service-oriented environment.

• Experience developing and maintaining structured sales or account management systems (CRM experience preferred).

• Excellent listening, communication, and presentation skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

• Familiarity with leadership development, executive education, or professional learning programs preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and aligned with skills and qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

• Paid time off and professional development opportunities.

• Warm, collaborative, mission-driven culture based in Chapel Hill, NC.