Manager, Engagement & Business Development

Manager, Engagement & Business Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA
Department: Engagement & Business Development
Reports to: Director, Engagement & Business Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000
Travel: Up to 10%

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most influential and impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has supported companies of all sizes—from early-stage startups to established industry leaders across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.

CLS works closely with universities, research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners to shape public policy, improve access to breakthrough technologies, educate lawmakers, and advance equity across the ecosystem. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and nurture California’s life sciences industry—empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world.

CLS

Purpose:

Empowering our life sciences community to deliver innovative solutions for healthier lives.
CLS Core Values: Impact, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Collaboration

The Manager, Engagement & Business Development is responsible for strengthening, expanding, and retaining member relationships while driving revenue growth and long-term value across the CLS membership portfolio. This role serves as the primary point of contact for small member companies and plays a central role in shaping the end-to-end member experience.

This position is highly relationship-driven and execution-focused, combining proactive engagement, strategic account management, and data-informed decision-making to increase member ROI, reduce churn, and grow member lifetime value. The Manager partners cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure members are fully leveraging CLS programs, benefits, and resources.

Member Engagement & Account Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned member accounts, delivering a high-touch, value-driven member experience
• Proactively identify member needs and connect members with relevant CLS programs, resources, and internal partners
• Conduct business reviews (virtual and in-person) to demonstrate value, cost savings, ROI, and future engagement opportunities using the Member Benefit Summary
• Execute multi-touch engagement strategies throughout the year, promoting cost savings programs, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) initiatives, and CLS events
• Engage with stakeholders across member organizations, including C-suite, HR, Business Development, Marketing, IT/Facilities, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Lab teams

Retention, Renewals & Revenue Growth

• Own the renewal process for assigned member accounts, particularly small member companies, and achieve annual retention targets
• Manage membership renewals and invoicing in collaboration with Membership, Accounting, and internal partners to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to streamline the renewal experience for both members and internal teams
• Support incubator strategy and engagement with selling partners to increase participation and utilization of CLS cost savings programs

Business Development & Field Engagement

• Represent CLS at industry events, association meetings, and conferences to build relationships, generate leads, and stay current on industry trends
• Act as an ambassador for CLS within assigned market segments, supporting organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Follow up consistently with members and prospects to drive engagement, participation, and satisfaction

Data Management, Systems & Reporting

• Document all member interactions and activities in Salesforce and maintain accurate records of engagement, renewals, and transactions
• Utilize Salesforce dashboards and reports to track progress against defined goals and scopes of work
• Review trends related to membership growth, retention,…