Business Development Manager

Founding Business Development & Partnerships Lead (Project-Based | Hybrid)

Employment Type: Project-Based Contract (Hybrid)

Initial engagement is for the inaugural project phase of the Boardroom Women Leadership Programme, with the possibility of continued engagement based on programme growth, performance and organisational needs.

About Legacy Leadership Africa Institute

Legacy Leadership Africa Institute is an executive leadership institution committed to raising ethical, visionary and transformational leaders across Africa. We are launching the Boardroom Women Leadership Programme, Africa’s Premier Executive Board Readiness Programme for Women, and are seeking an exceptional professional to join our Founding Team as Business Development & Partnerships Lead.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a flagship executive education brand from the ground up.

Position Summary

The Business Development & Partnerships Lead will be responsible for driving corporate engagement, participant acquisition, strategic partnerships and sponsorships for the Boardroom Women Leadership Programme.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director to establish relationships with organisations, professional bodies and key stakeholders, contributing directly to the successful launch and long-term growth of the programme.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Business Development & Strategic Partnership

• Develop and execute the programme’s business development strategy.
• Identify prospective corporate clients and institutional partners.
• Build relationships with CEOs, HR Directors, Learning & Development Managers and senior executives.
• Present the programme to organisations.
• Secure participant nominations and registrations.
• Develop partnerships with Corporate organisations, Professional bodies, Women’s leadership networks, Universities, Government agencies, NGOs, Development partners and Industry associations
• Identify sponsorship opportunities.
• Prepare sponsorship proposals.
• Support sponsorship negotiations.
• Build and maintain sponsor relationships.

Sales & Lead Management/ Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and manage a lead pipeline.
• Maintain accurate CRM records.
• Follow up on enquiries promptly.
• Convert qualified prospects into confirmed participants.
• Represent the programme professionally at meetings, networking events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Monitor industry trends.
• Identify growth opportunities.
• Recommend strategies to increase programme reach and registrations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Management or a related discipline
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience

Applicants should have at least three years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Business Development
• Corporate Sales
• Partnerships
• Relationship Management
• Marketing
• Client Acquisition
• Executive Education
• Professional Services
• Corporate Training

Experience working with senior executives or corporate decision-makers will be an advantage.

Required Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong relationship-building abilities.
• Business proposal writing.
• Presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking.
• Results orientation.
• CRM and pipeline management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Self-driven.
• Highly organised.
• Professional.
• Resourceful.
• Proactive.
• Collaborative.
• Adaptable.
• Passionate about leadership development and women’s advancement.

Success Measures

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• Corporate partnerships established.
• Participant registrations generated.
• Sponsorship opportunities secured.
• Corporate presentations conducted.
• Lead conversion rates achieved.
• Growth of the programme’s strategic network.

Compensation

This is a project-based hybrid engagement. The successful candidate will receive a modest monthly retainer together with performance-based incentives linked to agreed business development outcomes.

Full details of the engagement package will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Why Join Us?

By joining our Founding Team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Help launch Africa’s premier executive board readiness programme for women.
• Build meaningful relationships with senior executives and institutions.
• Contribute to a high-impact leadership initiative.
• Gain exposure to executive education and governance.
• Grow with an institution committed to excellence and long-term impact.

Reporting Line

Reports directly to:

Executive Director

Boardroom Women Leadership Programme

Legacy Leadership Africa Institute

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Portfolio or evidence of relevant work (where applicable)

Application Deadline

18 July 2026 | 5:00 PM (GMT)

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