Business Development Manager

Responsibilities

The Business Development Manager will own and develop referral and affiliate partner programs to drive learner enrollment. They will build relationships with educational consultants and execute outbound strategies to expand the company's market reach.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of experience in business development or partnership management with a proven track record of measurable outcomes. Proficiency in CRM software and the ability to travel for industry events are required.

Skills

• Business development
• Channel sales
• Partnership management
• Relationship building
• Outbound prospecting
• Pipeline development
• HubSpot
• CRM management
• Strategic planning
• Communication
• Consultative sales
• Market research
• Public speaking
• Data analysis
• Accountability

Benefits

• Medical
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with matching
• Remote work setup
• Growth opportunities

About this role

Job Title: Business Development Manager
Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
Reports To: Chief Revenue Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Compensation:
$65,000 + Commission
Who We Are
LanguageBird® is an accredited online language school providing personalized language learning experiences to learners around the world. Through one-to-one instruction and partnerships with schools and organizations, we help learners build language skills through meaningful human connection, flexibility, and learning experiences designed around their goals.
As LanguageBird continues to grow, we’re expanding our reach and building partnerships that help more schools and learners experience what LanguageBird has to offer.
Our company core values are Growth Mindset, Relationships, Ownership & Outcomes, Work with Intention & Momentum, Team Energy & Positivity, and Human Connection. They guide how we work, make decisions, and show up for our learners, partners, and one another. We look for team members who embrace these values and bring them to life in their work each day.

About the Role
LanguageBird is seeking a Business Development Manager to develop and grow referral and outbound channels that connect prospective learners and parents/guardians with LanguageBird's personalized language learning programs.
This role is responsible for leading our Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) recognition program and affiliate partner program, building meaningful relationships with advisors and organizations that influence enrollment decisions, and developing outbound opportunities that generate new learner interest and enrollments.
Working closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and cross-functional teams, the Business Development Manager will help expand LanguageBird's reach through strategic partnerships, relationship development, and new market opportunities. This position offers significant ownership of referral programs and the opportunity to shape how these channels grow over time.
Key Responsibilities
Own and develop LanguageBird's IEC recognition and affiliate partner programs, including program structure, partner engagement, and ongoing improvements
Build and maintain strong relationships with IECs, affiliate organizations, and other referral partners through proactive outreach and consistent communication
Identify and develop new referral partnerships and affiliate opportunities that align with LanguageBird's target audiences and growth objectives
Represent LanguageBird at industry conferences, events, and regional meetings to strengthen relationships and expand referral opportunities
Develop and execute personalized outbound outreach strategies targeting prospective learners, previous inquiries, and new audience segments
Research and identify new markets, lead sources, and partnership opportunities that support referral and outbound channel growth
Manage partner recognition activities, engagement tracking, and referral program reporting
Maintain accurate partner, prospect, and pipeline information in HubSpot, including relationship history, activity, and next steps
Monitor referral and outbound channel performance, using data and market insights to recommend improvements and guide priorities
Work closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and cross-functional teams to support revenue growth and continuously strengthen business development strategies

Required Qualifications
Three or more years of experience in business development, channel sales, partnership management, or a closely related role
Demonstrated experience building or managing referral, affiliate, or partner programs with measurable outcomes
Strong relationship-building and communication skills, particularly with professional audiences such as advisors, counselors, and organizational partners
Experience with outbound prospecting and pipeline development using a consultative, research-driven approach
Proficiency with HubSpot or a comparable CRM for pipeline and relationship management
Ability to represent an organization professionally and credibly at conferences, events, and partner meetings
Strong organizational skills, initiative, and accountability, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a remote environment
Must be able to travel by air and motor vehicle to attend conferences, industry events, and partner meetings as required
Must reside in and be eligible to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with or marketing to IECs or the broader college counseling community
Familiarity with education-related conferences, particularly IECA or HECA, and their guidelines around referral and affiliate relationships
Background in education, educational technology, or a premium consumer services brand
Experience developing outbound strategies for businesses with longer customer consideration cycles
Experience designing or developing tiered partner or referral programs from the ground up

Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $65,000 +
commission
Benefits: Medical, PTO, 401 (k) with matching, remote work setup, growth opportunities, mission-driven team

About LanguageBird

E-Learning Providers · 11-50 employees · headquartered in Los Angeles, CA · founded 2015