Business Development Specialist

Position Summary:

We are committed to transforming lives through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health and addiction services. As we grow, we are seeking dedicated professionals who are ready to elevate care and make a difference every day.

The Business Development is responsible for driving referral growth, strengthening community partnerships, and increasing admissions to “Substance Use Disorder” (SUD) treatment programs throughout Indiana. This role serves as the primary liaison between substance abuse residential program and referral sources including hospitals, behavioral health providers, physician practices, criminal justice agencies, employers, human resource departments, employee assistance programs (EAPs), recovery organizations, and community stakeholders.

The Business Development will manage a territory with primary focus on Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend, and rural Northeast Indiana. Success in this position requires strong relationship-building skills, strategic territory management, knowledge of addiction treatment services, and the ability to consistently generate qualified referrals and admissions.

• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan for assigned Indiana markets.
• Maintain a consistent presence within priority target markets:
• Fort Wayne
• St. Joseph County (South Bend/Mishawaka)
• Elkhart County
• Rural Northeast Indiana
• Identify, prospect, and cultivate new referral relationships.
• Grow referral volume and admissions through targeted outreach and relationship management.
• Analyze market opportunities, referral trends, and competitor activity.
• Maintain an organized referral source database and pipeline.

• Build and maintain relationships with:
• Hospitals and emergency departments
• Behavioral health providers
• Primary care physicians
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Probation, parole, and specialty courts
• Department of Child Services (DCS)
• Employers and EAPs
• Recovery residences and sober living programs
• Community-based organizations
• Conduct regular face-to-face meetings with referral sources.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for referral partners.
• Respond promptly to referral inquiries and service concerns.

• Represent substance abuse residential program at community events, conferences, coalition meetings, and networking functions.
• Coordinate facility tours and educational presentations.
• Deliver training and educational sessions regarding addiction treatment services and levels of care.
• Increase community awareness of substance abuse residential programs and outcomes.
• Assist in developing local marketing campaigns and outreach initiatives.

• Partner closely with Admissions and Clinical teams to facilitate smooth referral processes.
• Assist referral sources with patient placement and treatment access.
• Monitor referral conversion rates and identify barriers to admission.
• Support census stabilization and growth initiatives.

• Document all outreach activities within CRM systems.
• Maintain accurate referral source records and contact notes.
• Provide weekly reports on:
• Referral activity
• Admissions generated
• Meet or exceed established business development goals and KPIs.

The Business Development Representative will be evaluated on:

• Monthly admissions generated
• Referral-to-admission conversion rate
• Face-to-face appointments completed
• Community presentations conducted
• CRM documentation compliance
• Territory coverage and market penetration
• Medical, Dental and Vision plan
• Vacation plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Positive work environment
• Regular staff Appreciation and Recognition
• Mileage reimbursement or vehicle allowance

• Minimum 2 years of business development, healthcare sales, behavioral health, or addiction treatment experience.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Indiana.
• Strong communication, presentation, and networking skills.
• Experience managing a sales territory and referral pipeline.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital outreach.
• Knowledge of Indiana behavioral health systems and referral networks.
• Existing professional relationships within target markets.
• Experience working with Medicaid, commercial insurance, and managed care organizations.

Strive Recovery is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employees; free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.