Senior Director, Business Development-Innovation Advisors

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. Our staff of nearly 6,000 works in more than 80 countries—tackling hundreds of projects each year to address complex social and scientific challenges on behalf of governments, businesses, foundations, universities, and other clients and partners.

As a division of RTI, RTI Innovation Advisors (IA) has been helping global corporate, federal, and foundation clients solve their toughest technology and innovation challenges for more than 50 years. As a consulting group within a mission-driven organization, we share your drive to make the world better and your desire for work with purpose: to solve challenges facing science and society, and to learn and grow in a diverse and inclusive global environment.

We see our work as an act of service, and service as an opportunity to lead our clients along a journey to greater impact and our colleagues along a journey of professional growth. IA provides an environment that promotes our values of quiet confidence, learning, collaborating, empowered by a culture of trust and respect, responsibility, and accountability. We are a collaborative, growing team, working in a matrixed way, where diverse perspectives are valued, and professional growth opportunities abound

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
• A dynamic, innovative environment focused on growth and development.
• Opportunities to lead impactful initiatives that improve the human condition.
• A supportive and collaborative culture that values diversity and professional growth.

We are seeking a Senior Director of Business Development to lead and expand growth initiatives for our consulting services. Reporting to the Vice President and head of the Innovation Advisors group, you will oversee and grow a high-performing commercial sales team of nine full-time professionals. The role involves unlocking the sales team’s potential to position innovation services for significant growth.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned business development professional with deep consulting experience, a passion for innovation, and a desire to contribute to societal impact. This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking for a fulfilling chapter in your professional journey where you can apply your deep business development experience and consulting expertise within a mission-driven organization where you can make a meaningful impact. Accomplished professionals seeking to make a difference in this purpose driven organization are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Opportunity Identification: Develop and implement systematic processes for discovering client opportunities that align with organizational strengths and client needs.
• Innovation Leadership: Collaborate across teams to integrate innovative services into proposals, enhancing value propositions and client impact.
• Sales Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and expand the sales team, cultivating a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level stakeholders to broaden the organization’s impact and reach.
• Revenue Growth: Drive strategies that achieve measurable business growth by expanding consulting services and surpassing sales targets.
• Market Insights: Analyze market trends to develop innovative solutions that address evolving client needs effectively.
• Purpose-Driven Focus: Align all business development efforts with RTI’s mission to improve the human condition.

To be successful in this role, you will possess the following skills and abilities:

• Innovation Acumen: Ability to embed innovation into client solutions and proposals to drive value.
• Client Discovery Expertise: Skilled in conducting systematic processes to identify and capitalize on client opportunities.
• Mission Alignment: Passionate about contributing to societal improvement through impactful consulting initiatives.
• Innovation Consulting Expertise: Deep understanding of the nuances of innovation consulting, with the ability to position these services strategically.
• Market Growth Identification: Strong ability to analyze and identify new revenue opportunities by understanding market trends and client needs.
• Client and Account Management: Proven experience in managing major client relationships and overseeing P&L and operational delivery.
• Strategic Partnership Development: Expertise in forging partnerships and capturing value from strategic growth opportunities.
• Leadership and Team Building: Exceptional ability to inspire and lead diverse teams while fostering an environment of collaboration and accountability.
• Communication and Influence: Outstanding communication skills with the ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s level degree is required
• A minimum of 20 years in business development, with extensive experience in the consulting industry and a proven record of driving growth.
• Demonstrated success in leading and scaling sales teams, particularly within consulting services, preferably working across multiple sectors, which may include: Consumer Products, Medtech, Manufacturing, and Food and Agriculture

#LI-BM1