This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, in office. Annual salary of $56,000-$84,000.
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing new revenue-generating opportunities that align with the organizationโs manufacturing, kitting, and service capabilities. This role focuses on developing strategic partnerships and contract opportunities - including federal, commercial, and pass-through sales - that expand the organizationโs operational footprint while advancing its mission of employment and vocational training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
This is a revenue-focused role distinct from philanthropic fundraising and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in manufacturing, kitting, assembly, packaging, and related service lines
- Develop and manage a robust pipeline of prospective customers across government (including AbilityOne and State of Maryland -related opportunities), commercial, and nonprofit sectors
- Lead the full business development lifecycle, including prospecting, assessment, proposal development, pricing collaboration, and contract negotiation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, contracting officers, and strategic partners
- Establish partnerships that lead to long-term, sustainable opportunities
- Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, and networking forums
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align opportunities with operational capacity and mission impact
- Partner with internal teams (operations, finance, compliance) to develop competitive and compliant proposals
- Support development of statements of work (SOWs), pricing models, and implementation plans
- Ensure all proposals align with regulatory requirements, including AbilityOne program guidelines where applicable
- Collaborate with operations and production teams to explore light product or service development opportunities tied to client needs
- Help shape solutions that leverage existing capabilities or introduce feasible new lines of business
- Work closely with operations, manufacturing leadership, and supply chain teams to ensure feasibility and successful execution of awarded contracts
- Partner with finance on pricing strategies, cost analysis, and margin considerations
- Coordinate with leadership on strategic growth priorities and market positioning
- Track and report on pipeline activity, conversion rates, and revenue targets
- Maintain accurate records of business development activities in CRM or tracking systems
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Bachelorโs degree in business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience)
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, or contract acquisition in manufacturing, government contracting, or related industries
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Demonstrated success in securing and managing complex contracts or partnerships
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Strong understanding of B2B sales cycles and contract negotiation
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
Additional Preferred Skills and Experience:
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Experience with federal contracting and/or the AbilityOne Program
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Familiarity with manufacturing, kitting, assembly, or supply chain operations
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Experience working in or with mission-driven or nonprofit organizations
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Knowledge of pricing strategies, cost structures, and operational feasibility considerations
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Company Description
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is a 501ยฉ(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing career and training resources to blind and visually impaired people across multiple locations in the United States. BISM is recognized for our adult, youth, and senior training programs. Our belief in the capabilities of blind people is the foundation for residential skills training, innovative work readiness, home management and college-prep classes. As one of the largest employers of blind people, BISMโs manufacturing operations offer competitive employment opportunities for blind people while exceeding the expectations of our customers. Blind Associates play a crucial role by breaking down employment barriers in all divisions of our organization, including Human Resources, IT, and accounting. The Federal Government is BISMโs largest customer, and we support all branches of the US Military by manufacturing a variety of uniforms. BISM manufactures a large variety of products for the state of Maryland and the commercial market. Our largest contributions are a full line of janitorial products, a variety of office supply paper products, lock sets, and custom labeled bottled water. We further support the US Military by operating 9 Base Supply Centers (BSCs). Throughout all our BISM locations, we work to positively change peopleโs attitudes about blindness.