Project Development Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a vision, strategies, and processes to drive new business and revenue generation for the university
• Identifies and builds upon business opportunities to grow the university's brand and reputation as premier event venue
• Creates, develops, and maintains client relationships and industry partnerships in support of new and existing revenue streams
• Assesses low usage periods and formulates strategies to increase venue usage and revenue production during these periods
• Builds and expands customer base with targeted markets, including community and civic organizations, corporate entities, and sports and entertainment industries
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with sales teams and event services staff to maximize leads and opportunities. Participates in familiarization tours
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of RIT programs, institutional goals/objectives, student services, and university policies to effectively navigate and identify opportunities
• Knowledge of business development and targeted sales strategies, tactics, and techniques that effectively communicate value and engage potential clients
• Skill in strategic management of venue operations
• Skill in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance RIT's visibility
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development
• Ability to identify and resolve complex business challenges through strategic decision-making and data-informed analysis

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience & education may be considered

Job Level Overview
Specialized Contributor Level 4 - An advanced/lead role requiring a high degree of knowledge and recognized expertise in the profession or field. Manages large projects, programs, or specialized assignments that are strategic in nature and are without precedent and/or structure. Typically serves as a mentor to less experienced staff and reviews or delegates work.
Additional Details:
RIT Certified is a strategic university initiative supported by RIT leadership designed to expand Rochester Institute of Technology's engagement with industry through professional education and partnership-based learning programs.
RIT Certified delivers flexible, industry-informed professional learning experiences that connect subject matter experts, including RIT faculty, with the evolving needs of employers and professionals. Through innovative programs and partnerships, RIT Certified bridges the gap between traditional academic education and modern professional learning, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
The Director of Strategic Business Development reports to the Executive Director of RIT Certified. They lead the unit's external engagement strategy with a clear mandate: generate revenue through strategic relationship development, market expansion, and partnership cultivation.
This role serves as the primary driver of business development for RIT Certified, with accountability for building and managing a pipeline of employer, government, and community relationships that drive enrollment growth, secure paid contracts, and deliver strong financial performance. The Director serves as the primary voice of the customer within RIT Certified, ensuring that employer needs and feedback are clearly understood, documented, and communicated in program development and delivery.
The role ensures that all opportunities are clearly defined, approved, and ready for execution prior to transition to Product Development and Operations.
This position offers a unique opportunity to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to advancing a growing university initiative. The Director will bring a strong business acumen and the ability to identify strategic markets, grow revenue, and scale in-person and online programming to expand RIT Certified reach and impact.
Growth will be driven through strategic industry partnerships, development of custom training initiatives, and expansion of professional education offerings aligned with employer needs.
At the university, the Director works closely with faculty and college teams to translate industry needs into training programs and partnerships that strengthen RIT's engagement with employers and professional learners.
The Director will initially focus on building strategic relationships with regional and national employers in priority sectors and launching pilot partnerships that establish a foundation for scalable growth. Over time, efforts shift to building both defined areas of institutional focus and expanding capacity aligned with RIT's long-term strategic direction.
The role offers the opportunity to shape how industry and higher education collaborate to support innovation, professional growth, and lifelong learning, while helping scale a growing university initiative and expand RIT's partnerships with industry.
FLSA Category
Exempt
Work Location
On Campus
Compensation
$81,600 - $130,600 there is a 20% target bonus opportunity that is not reflected in this range
Application Materials
When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Additional Details
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.