Director, Business Development; Southern California Region

Reporting to the Senior Director, Business Development, the Director, Business Development is responsible for driving strategic partnership growth with healthcare systems, clinical networks, employer organizations, and educational institutions to support enrollment and revenue objectives for West Coast University's online and graduate programs. This role may also support efforts for WCU campuses and American Career College. This role blends hands‑on relationship development and deal execution with strategic planning and cross‑functional coordination.

The Director serves as a critical link between senior leadership’s growth vision and frontline business development execution - translating market intelligence and institutional priorities into actionable partnership strategies. This individual will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to identify and manage a portfolio of high‑value prospects and partners.

Performance will be evaluated based on key metrics such as:

• Number, quality, and revenue impact of partnerships secured
• Pipeline development, velocity, and conversion rates
• Market expansion and brand visibility within target sectors

This role will require frequent travel to visit prospective and existing partners, attend industry events, and participate in meetings at campuses and office locations. The ability to travel frequently is an essential function of the role.

• Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, clinical networks, employer organizations, community colleges, and aligned industry stakeholders to drive enrollment growth in WCU’s online and graduate programs.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective partners through proactive outreach, executive‑level engagement, and structured relationship development from initial contact through contract execution.
• Work in close alignment with the Senior Director, Business Development to ensure all partnership pursuits, outreach strategies, and prospect engagements are consistent with broader departmental goals, institutional priorities, and brand standards - seeking guidance and approval as appropriate before advancing key opportunities.
• Operate as a collaborative team member within the Business Development function and across the organization, actively sharing market insights, prospect intelligence, and best practices with colleagues to ensure a coordinated, unified approach to partnership development.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and business cases to healthcare executives, HR leaders, clinical stakeholders, and educational partners that articulate employer ROI and demonstrate the mutual value of partnership.
• Serve as a consultative partner to prospective and existing employers, connecting WCU’s academic offerings to workforce pipeline challenges and positioning the university as a preferred education and talent development partner.
• Leverage market research, labor data, competitive intelligence, and industry trends to identify high‑potential regions, prioritize target organizations, and tailor value propositions to specific partner needs.
• Partner with the Senior Director, Business Development to develop and refine business development strategies, identify process improvements, and recommend new approaches to increase department efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams - including Marketing, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Career Services, Academics, Compliance, Legal, and Clinical Placement - to ensure seamless implementation of partnership agreements and delivery on employer commitments.
• Manage and nurture existing strategic partner relationships post‑contract, identifying opportunities for expansion, renewal, and deeper engagement while ensuring a smooth handoff to implementation teams for day‑to‑day operations.
• Represent WCU at key industry events, conferences, education fairs, trade shows, and targeted networking opportunities to generate visibility, build relationships, and uncover new partnership opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation in CRM systems, tracking all outreach…