Program Director, Business Development – Center for Early Childhood

WestEd

WestEd business development director expanding early-childhood research, evaluation, policy, and technical-assistance services. Leading proposals, partnerships, market strategy, and portfolio growth nationally.

Posted 8/8/2026full-timeAlameda • Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $162,800 - $203,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in early childhood development and learning, with a strong focus on business development, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to lead resource development efforts and cultivate strategic partnerships within governmental and non-profit sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development ExperienceEarly Childhood Technical AssistanceProposal Writing and Resource DevelopmentMarket Analysis and Trend IdentificationLeadership in Early Childhood Initiatives

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal WritingMarket AnalysisBudget ManagementPolicy DevelopmentEarly Childhood Systems DesignStakeholder EngagementResearch and DevelopmentEvaluationContract ManagementTalent Development

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsLeadership SkillsAdministrative Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in EducationEarly Childhood EducationChild/Human DevelopmentOrganizational Development/Management

Industry Keywords

Early Childhood DevelopmentEducational Service DeliveryGovernment AgenciesNon-Profit SectorStrategic CollaborationsDiversity and InclusionStakeholder EngagementFederal and State AgenciesProfessional ServicesCompetitive Proposals

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan, develop, and implement business development strategies for early childhood development and learning work
Develop and support growth of a large portfolio of professional services, including research and development, evaluation, and statewide technical assistance
Develop sole-source work and lead writing of competitive proposals
Represent WestEd before federal, state, and local government agencies and early childhood and adjacent groups
Identify internal and external partnership opportunities and provide project leadership
Develop collaborative relationships and partnerships with WestEd leaders
Create proactive market opportunities and translate them into funded work
Mentor proposal teams and support strategic capture efforts
Foster collaborative resource development practices across the organization
Conduct national market analysis and identify trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities
Lead resource development efforts and supervise proposal writing
Cultivate executive-level relationships that result in strategic collaborations and new business opportunities
Manage contracts and budgets
Support talent development and management of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong and proven track record managing high-quality processes in a governmental, non-profit, or corporate setting
Demonstrated business development experience
Experience providing early childhood technical assistance to states
Deep knowledge and demonstrated leadership in early childhood development and learning at statewide, regional, and/or national levels
Credibility to speak to national audiences and advise high-stakes clients
Knowledge of current and emerging trends in early childhood systems-based educational service delivery
Leadership experience in policy development and/or management of early childhood initiatives
Experience translating industry trends into business opportunities
Experience leading or collaborating with state, regional, and/or local early childhood agencies and organizations
Ability to conduct national market analysis and identify market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities
Experience designing and implementing innovative early childhood systems and services
Experience working in early childhood educational settings and/or organizations serving children and families
Experience engaging stakeholders in policy development and decision-making
Ability to lead resource development and supervise successful proposals producing multi-million-dollar awards and/or significant contracts
Ability to cultivate executive-level relationships with state agencies, philanthropic organizations, national partners, and internal leaders
Excellent organizational, administrative, managerial, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage contracts and budgets and collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues
Superior writing, presentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to write for publication and present to educators, the public, non-educators, and policymakers
Capacity in talent development and management, with focus on a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce
Advanced degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child/Human Development, Organizational Development/Management, or related areas
Willingness to travel
Must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available
Must pass criminal background check and education verification

Benefits

Comp & perks

15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment and immediately 100% vested
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account option
Health/welfare benefits effective the first of the month following the hire date
PTO: 19 days, increasing to 21 days beginning the third year of employment
12 paid holidays
Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary, max of 500k
Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases
Annual incentives
Professional development opportunities
Mentorship program
Option to work remotely for employee convenience, subject to position/project requirements