Business Development Associate

Summary

Join ALU's Grow Commercial division as a Business Development Associate and play a crucial role in driving conversions and enrollments for Executive Education Open Programs. You will nurture leads, support the application process, collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, ALUSB, Technology), and contribute to optimizing sales processes. This role requires excellent communication and organizational skills, proficiency in CRM software, and a proven ability to meet targets. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in sales or business development, preferably in education or tech. This is a chance to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment and make a tangible impact on the lives of aspiring leaders across Africa. The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda (or remote within Africa, with preference for Kigali).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any relevant field
• 3+ years of experience in sales, business development, lead generation, or a similar client-facing role, preferably in the education or tech sector
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed targets
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills (written and verbal)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Google Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Lead nurturing and engagement
• Proactively engage with prospective students through various channels (email, phone, LinkedIn, webinars) to understand their needs and articulate the value proposition of Open Programs
• Maintain regular communication with leads, providing relevant information, answering queries, and addressing concerns to guide them through the decision-making process
• Develop and implement creative strategies to re-engage dormant leads
• Conversion and Enrollment Support
• Actively engage the pipeline by converting qualified leads into enrolled participants
• Assist with the application process, guiding prospective students through each step and providing necessary support
• Follow up on applications to ensure completion and timely submission
• Track and report on conversion rates, identifying areas for improvement
• Market research and analysis
• Provide insights into customer needs and preferences to inform program development and marketing strategies
• Contribute to the analysis of sales data to identify opportunities for growth and optimization
• Collaborative workstreams
• Marketing: Work closely with the marketing team to ensure alignment between lead generation efforts and sales strategies. Provide feedback on marketing campaigns and content effectiveness
• ALUSB: Collaborate with the ALUSB team to understand program specifics, unique selling propositions, and target audiences for various open programs
• Technology: Utilize CRM and other sales enablement tools effectively to manage leads, track progress, and generate reports. Provide feedback on tool enhancements to the Technology team
• Reporting and Administration
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions and sales activities in the CRM system
• Prepare regular reports on sales performance, lead status, and conversion rates for the Director of Business Development
• Assist with administrative tasks related to business development as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a blended learning or online education model
• Understanding of the African market and its unique educational landscape
• Proactive and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
• Ability to adapt quickly to change and thrive in an agile environment
• Naturally curious with a continuous learning mindset

Benefits

• An exciting opportunity to be part of a transformative organization shaping the future of African Leadership
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with a culture of innovation and collaboration
• Exposure to a diverse range of stakeholders and opportunities for professional growth
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• The chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of aspiring leaders across Africa