Position Title: Business Development Manager (Vocational Services)

Location: Remote with frequent travel throughout Wisconsin (candidate must live in Wisconsin)

Reports To: Director of Employment Services

Status: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Pay: Commensurate with experience

FLSA Status: Not applicable

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities and their families through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

DSAW provides programs and services throughout the lifespan (Parent’s First Call for new and expectant parents, children’s services, adult services, vocational services, and aging services), as well as educational opportunities and events.

We have an immediate opening for a Business Development Manager focusing on new programs through DSAW’s Think Ability Wisconsin project, funded by the Workforce Innovation Grant Program. The Business Development Manager will build relationships with employers in the manufacturing and hospitality industries, as well as other accessible industries, throughout Wisconsin, with a goal of partnering to create employer-embedded train-to-place programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, utilizing curriculum models developed by DSAW or working with employers to customize existing training programs for people with IDD.

In addition, the Business Development Manager will help us expand our reach with industry-specific learning hubs and school partnerships, including middle schools, high schools, and the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). This will involve working to embed DSAW’s curriculum within these systems and/or working with the systems to make modifications to their existing programs.

The Business Development Manager will cultivate relationships with community businesses and schools throughout Wisconsin. These partnerships with community stakeholders will lead to creative workforce initiatives in manufacturing, hospitality, and other accessible industries, as well as solid partnerships within school districts to promote soft skill development, career exploration/assessments and job readiness activities. The Business Development Manager will work closely with the three Employment Services Managers or other applicable staff to successfully hand off relationships once contracts have been finalized.

We are looking for someone who has extensive experience working in business development, presenting information to decision makers and overcoming obstacles in order to further DSAW’s mission of inclusive employment. Preference will be given to individuals who have worked in manufacturing or hospitality and have relationships in one or both of these fields. Current knowledge and understanding of workforce issues that individuals with diverse abilities face in our communities is greatly desired. The Business Development Manager must be a passionate advocate for reducing barriers to employment for individuals with diverse abilities.

The ideal candidate for this role will be self-directed and self-motivated. The Business Development Manager should be comfortable working from home, making frequent cold calls, and setting up meetings to build relationships. Frequent travel across the state of Wisconsin is required.

In order to complete this job well, the Business Development Manager must be very comfortable with technology, and have the ability to quickly learn new systems, such as a new CRM. The Manager should have a thorough understanding of MS Office/G Suite products.

As DSAW continues to grow rapidly, we are seeking a candidate for this role who is excited about having a say in the future of the organization. We work within a collaborative leadership model, meaning that everyone is expected to come to the table with ideas to improve our company. The ideal candidate should be excited to roll up their sleeves and take initiative in creating new processes and procedures throughout the organization.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• • Business Development
    • Build relationships within manufacturing, hospitality, and other accessible industries in order to create employer-embedded train-to-place programs for people with IDD
    • Have a deep understanding of the “why” behind hiring PWIDD in the workplace and be a committed, passionate advocate
    • Create a network of businesses committed to hiring PWIDD through community integrated employment opportunities
    • Form partnerships with schools throughout Wisconsin, including middle schools, high schools, and the WTCS, in order to embed programs to help PWIDD enter the workforce, including career exploration, soft skills, industry-specific training tracts, and more
    • Work with partners in the WCTS to ensure options are available and accessible for PWIDD, with a goal to create direct funnels and increase enrollment numbers for PWIDD
    • Ensure a smooth transition of ongoing relationships to the applicable Employment Services Manager or other applicable staff

• Curriculum Development

• • Play an integral role in the development and testing of the curriculum for the manufacturing and hospitality training programs
  • Identify and analyze other opportunities for training programs in accessible industries
  • Work with the broader team to ensure programs have measurable outcomes and exceed industry standards
• Regional Growth & Strategy
  • Work with the Director of Employment Services as well as other managers and coordinators on big-picture strategy for growth throughout Wisconsin
  • Work with the Director of Employment Services to determine statewide growth strategies and set quarterly and annual goals

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience working with families and clients with diverse abilities is desired
• Background in Business Development/Sales
• Experience in either manufacturing or hospitality preferred
• Experience in program development
• Strong presentation skills
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle
• Applicants must pass a caregiver background check that meets State of Wisconsin requirements

Interpersonal

• Must be a sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to all individuals
• Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for people with disabilities
• Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule
• Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their supervisor
• Able to communicate effectively with participants, employees, and partners
• Ability to multi task and adhere to timelines set forth for quality management

Compensation

Given that the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that is not engaged in the production of goods or services, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Wisconsin overtime law does not apply to DSAW employees. Nonetheless, is a salaried position.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• Health Reimbursement Account program ($300/month) and access to Dental and Vision. Traditional group health insurance benefits will be offered starting 1-1-2023.
• Employer-paid disability and life insurance, with access to supplemental life, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• 10 days of PTO, accrued in bi-weekly increments, as well as 5 set holidays and 5 floating holidays
• Monthly phone stipend of $20/month for using personal cell phone

Additional benefits include the following:

• Flexible schedule
• Remote work for non-client facing duties
• Parental leave after one year of service
• Ongoing training opportunities sponsored by DSAW
• Employee referral program (employee will receive $50 if their referral is hired)
• Relaxed dress code at the discretion of your supervisor
• Annual offsite staff team-building activities
• Continuing education incentives
• One paid day per year to volunteer
• An amazing mission and culture!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

This is a grant-funded position through December 31, 2024. We anticipate the continuation of this position after the grant period ends, but it is not guaranteed.