Position | Senior Business Development Executive | Reports to | Chief Development Officer |
Summary The Senior Business Development Executive (SBDE) is responsible for identifying, engaging, and converting new clients, new markets, and new asset opportunities. Accountable for driving net new growth in accounts and assets, with a particular focus on Ultra‑High‑Net‑Worth (UHNW) individuals, family offices, private equity–adjacent stakeholders, and sophisticated intermediaries. The SBDE will shape and execute sales strategy, actively cultivate relationships in new and existing channels, and bring real‑time market intelligence back to Vanguard Charitable leadership. A consultative, confident, entrepreneurial, and relationship‑driven approach is essential to attract new prospects, deepen relationships, and drive long‑term growth. Key Responsibilities New Business Development & Growth (Primary Focus) - In partnership with key stakeholders, design and execute a proactive sales and prospecting strategy focused on net‑new relationships, new markets, and asset growth.
- Personally originate, engage, and advance new prospects, including UHNW individuals, family offices, private equity–adjacent entities, and sophisticated advisors.
- Actively network in external markets, attend and host industry events, and cultivate Centers of Influence (COIs) to generate high‑value opportunities.
- Build and maintain a robust, forward‑looking prospect pipeline, prioritizing opportunities with the greatest growth potential.
- Qualify and convert referrals from Vanguard, advisors, intermediaries, and marketing‑generated leads into new relationships.
- Lead prospect and donor meetings, including travel, aligned to growth objectives.
Strategic Influence & Market Insight - Bring insights on market trends, competitive dynamics, and prospect needs.
- Proactively share business development updates, pipeline health, and competitive intelligence with senior leadership.
- Collaborate with CX, Marketing, Donor Services, and Philanthropic Services to align offerings with market demand.
Relationship Management & Expertise - Build and strengthen relationships with Vanguard representatives, particularly across UHNW and advisor-focused business units.
- Function as a trusted advisor to prospects by understanding key drivers of philanthropic intent, including tax considerations, family dynamics, governance, and advisor roles.
- Identify complex client needs and advocate internally to drive timely, effective solutions.
- Present philanthropic expertise at Vanguard events, COI forums, and external industry engagements.
- Support the relationship management of the Philanthropic Services Group as needed.
Operational & Financial Accountability - Support the development and maintenance of the Business Development departmental budget.
- Partner with Marketing on campaign strategy, messaging, and cadence to support new client acquisition.
- Oversee written prospect communications and serve as an escalation point for complex client situations.
- Lead or participate in special initiatives as business needs evolve.
Requirements & Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 7 years of demonstrated success in business development, sales, or relationship management, ideally in wealth management, philanthropy, financial services, private equity, or family office environments.
- Proven “hunter” mindset with a track record of originating and closing new relationships.
- Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior decisionmakers, including UHNW clients and advisors.
- Deep comfort engaging sophisticated audiences on complex topics (tax, investments, philanthropy, governance).
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage a sales pipeline, prioritize opportunities, and deliver measurable growth.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work effectively across time zones.
- Strong business acumen and ability to quickly develop expertise in Vanguard Charitable and the Vanguard ecosystem.
- Intellectual curiosity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial, solution‑oriented mindset.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including high‑impact presentation capability.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation completed or willingness to complete within 12 months.
Ideal Profile This role is best suited for a senior sales professional who thrives on opening doors, building relationships from scratch, and operating in lean, high‑growth environments. The successful SBDE will be energized by external engagement, motivated by growth outcomes, and capable of operating as both a relationship builder and strategic business partner. |
