Director, Business Development

Summary

Join ITHAKA as a Director, Business Development and play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of a new service supporting special collections and archives. You will drive growth, foster partnerships, and build global awareness of solutions addressing collection processing, cataloging, content management, and preservation. This role involves strategic leadership, partnership development, sales, marketing and communication, and team collaboration. The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for libraries, deeply committed to helping institutions amplify their work. This position requires significant experience in business development and a deep understanding of library operations. ITHAKA offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sales, ideally in the library, cultural heritage, or technology sectors
• Bachelor’s degree in library science, business, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and building lasting partnerships
• Deep understanding of library operations, special collections, and archives workflows
• Excellent skills in negotiation, relationship-building, and effective communication
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and data-driven decision-making
• Exceptional presentation skills with a talent for storytelling
• Passion for supporting libraries and cultural heritage institutions
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and seizing opportunities
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work across diverse teams and geographies
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally required (30-50%)

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy to increase the adoption and awareness of ITHAKA’s special collection and archives services globally
• Collaborate with the executive team to define growth objectives and align initiatives with organizational goals
• Identify and analyze market trends, opportunities, and challenges within the library and archives sector
• Establish and nurture relationships with libraries, academic institutions, archives, and other cultural heritage organizations
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their unique needs and position the organization as a trusted partner
• Build strategic alliances with technology providers, funding agencies, and related not-for-profits to enhance service offerings
• Lead efforts to secure new participants, focusing on libraries and archives seeking solutions for collection processing, cataloging, content management, and preservation
• Design and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and pitches tailored to diverse audiences
• Represent the organization at global conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote services and thought leadership
• Partner with marketing teams to develop impactful campaigns and materials that articulate the value of the ITHAKA’s services
• Advocate for the importance of special collections and archives, positioning ITHAKA as a leader in supporting these critical resources
• Create case studies, white papers, and other thought leadership content to showcase success stories and best practices
• As the organization grows, build and manage a highly focused business development team (1-2 direct reports)
• Work closely with product, project, and service delivery teams to ensure participant needs are met effectively
• Provide feedback from the field to guide the development and refinement of services and solutions
• Collaborate with other department stakeholders including outreach account owners and customer success team members to support a seamless participant experience
• Provide leadership and expertise on business development best practices and organizational values

Preferred Qualifications

Work Authorization and Sponsorship ITHAKA is not currently considering candidates who require any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• An employer-paid 10% retirement contribution
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• 22 days of paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• Up to 12 sick days
• Wellness benefits