Business Development Lead

• Location 620 Cherry Street,Des Moines, IA, 50309,United States
• Employee Type Admin FT - Exempt

The Business Development Lead will develop new and grow existing relationships that generate revenue and strengthen support for public transit across Greater Des Moines. Joining during an exciting time following the launch of DART’s reimagined bus network, the position will oversee programs and partnerships with businesses, community organizations and regional leaders, with a focus on increasing and diversifying revenue for DART while also expanding access to public transit.

As part of the External Affairs team, this role works closely with Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement to ensure a coordinated approach to external engagement. The role operates in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and requires initiative, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to stay organized and communicate effectively with many diverse stakeholders.

• Manages DART’s Unlimited Access program, seeking new partnerships and supporting existing relationships that increase access to transit and generate revenue for DART.
• Develops and implements strategies that support revenue growth and guides the organization in evaluating new partnership opportunities.
• Works with leadership to establish an effective framework for creating and maintaining business relationships, including pricing, structures, policies and procedures.
• Builds and strengthens relationships with community and business stakeholders to foster engagement with DART and support for public transit. Develops and delivers presentations on DART and the value of public transit to various groups.
• Represents DART in the community and works closely with the External Affairs Team to increase transit access, promote services, and raise community awareness of DART and the value of public transit.
• Oversees DART’s bus advertising programs and relationships with contractors who fulfill that work.
• Identifies new grant revenue opportunities with private and corporate foundations and works with staff to vet, write applications and manage grants.
• Manages DART’s membership in Chambers of Commerce, building relationships, identifying sponsorship opportunities and ensuring staff presence at events.
• Works with leadership and across internal departments to identify opportunities to reduce barriers to DART services in the community and improve the overall DART experience for external stakeholders.

• Supports business development of the Caravan Rideshare program.
• Ensures proper records and procedures are maintained to comply with government regulations.
• Participates in cross-functional teams on various community and/or DART projects as needed.
• Analyzes data and statistical reports and presents recommendations to DART Leadership and/or the DART Commission.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education and/or experience) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in business development, nonprofit fundraising, or sales required, with a proven history of fundraising, sales, or business development results.

• Sales, marketing and/or fundraising principles and management.
• The Des Moines area business and/or non-profit community, as well as business locations, landmarks and towns in DART’s service area.
• Consumer behavior and motivation and how to translate that into communications and pitches to generate sales or…