Proposal Development Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE: Business Development Manager, Nature Explore Services

JOB TYPE: Full-Time

SALARY: $50-$55K base + Commission Eligibility

WORK LOCATION: In-Person (Lincoln, NE), Remote, or Hybrid

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Impact and Engagement

BENEFITS AVAILABLE:

• Health insurance (cost-shared)

• Health savings account (with some health plans)

• Voluntary dental and vision insurance

• Voluntary flexible spending account

• Voluntary 401(k)

• Employer-sponsored life insurance with voluntary supplemental coverage

• Generous paid vacation with increases at 5 and 15 years of service

• Minimum 6 paid holidays plus paid winter break December 24-January 1

• Paid sick leave

• Paid parental leave

• Employer-sponsored employee assistance program

• Employee discount on child care - on-site at Dimensions Education Programs

Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth for the Nature Explore program by prospecting new business, managing client relationships, and executing sales strategies for our workshop and design services. This role will support our mission to ensure nature becomes an integral, joyful part of children’s daily learning by booking outdoor classroom design consultations and professional development offerings across the nation.

This role sits on our Impact and Engagement team, in close collaboration with our Landscape Architects and Education Specialists, requiring a strong ability to identify client needs, craft tailored solutions, and guide opportunities from prospecting through close.

With a focus on both retention and growth, the Business Development Manager builds long-term partnerships while expanding a strong and sustainable sales pipeline. Success in this role is defined by consistently meeting or exceeding revenue goals, deepening client engagement, and contributing to the ongoing development of services that reflect market needs and opportunities.

This role may include occasional travel (approximately 5%) for conferences and client meetings.

You bring:

• Passion for our mission. A genuine commitment to inspiring joy and wonder in children, educators, and communities with a heart-centered approach to early education.

• Strong relationship-building skills. Proven ability to engage and build trust with diverse stakeholders across roles, backgrounds, and organizations.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organization. Skilled at managing multiple accounts simultaneously, ensuring work is accurate, timely, and executed with precision.

• A results-driven sales mindset. Demonstrated success in prospecting, developing relationships, and closing opportunities that meet or exceed revenue goals.

• Confidence in sales and negotiation. Ability to identify opportunities, navigate conversations, and secure new business with clarity and professionalism.

• Clear and compelling communication skills. Strong written and verbal abilities, including presenting ideas effectively to a variety of audiences.

You will:

• Drive revenue growth by prospecting new opportunities, fostering and supporting existing relationships, generating high-quality leads, and creating urgency in decision-making.

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of client relationships, ensuring high retention while identifying opportunities to expand partnerships and increase revenue.

• Develop a strong sales pipeline through proactive prospecting, lead generation, and strategic outreach.

• Execute the full sales cycle, from initial outreach and needs discovery to proposal development, negotiation, and closing.

• Create tailored proposals that align client goals with available services and offerings.

• Deliver an exceptional client experience by ensuring smooth onboarding, contract execution, and follow-through.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, design, and professional development teams to refine offerings and respond to client and market needs.

• Leverage data and insights to inform sales strategy and identify new revenue opportunities.

• Represent the organization at occasional conferences and events to build relationships, generate leads, and increase brand visibility.

• Maintain accurate records of sales activities, pipeline status, and revenue forecasts.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in sales, or a related field, with demonstrated success managing the full sales cycle.

• Experience building and managing client relationships, with a focus on retention and account growth.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting and proposal development.

• Highly motivated self-starter with strong judgment, initiative, accountability, and follow-through.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms (HubSpot preferred)

Dimensions Educational Research Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive environment and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.