Business Development Director

The National Energy Foundation (NEF) is a national non-profit empowering millions of students and families to cultivate and promote an energy literate society. For 50 years, we have achieved our mission through the implementation of student and teacher education programs focused on energy, natural resources and through the development of premier instructional materials.

NEF provides a supportive culture, flexible schedules, generous benefits and the opportunity to put employee skills to make a difference.

NEF is looking for a Business Development Director to help lead the sales and marketing team while continuing to grow NEF’s impact with funding, partnerships and business development. This position is based in Salt Lake City, UT.

• →Help secure funding to sustain and grow NEF.
• →Achieve annual business development revenue goals.
• →Supervise business development staff.
• →Identify, evaluate, and pursue growth opportunities within and adjacent to the energy industry.
• →Direct NEF business development activities, including in the energy efficiency, energy safety, electric transportation, energy workforce, water efficiency, and other mission-aligned areas.
• →Lead efforts to identify and pursue foundation funding opportunities aligned with NEF’s mission and programming.
• →Develop relations with foundations, corporate funders, industry partners, and other organizations that may support NEF’s education work.
• →Travel approximately 6-12 times per year to attend trade association conferences, sales/fundraising meetings, etc.
• →Effectively and confidently utilize email, telephone, and social media outreach to build contacts within target industries.
• →Utilize Salesforce CRM system to drive lead generation, follow-up, and successful attainment of new NEF partnerships.
• →Serve as lead NEF business development representative for NEF’s current energy efficiency education programs, including annual SOW review.
• →Consult with clients and prospective clients to help inform development of new energy education solutions for the utility industry.
• →Collaborate with NEF public relations staff to conduct marketing and communications efforts.
• →Contribute to the development of new marketing pieces.
• →Oversee creation of departmental budgets
• →Advise regarding NEF usage of additional utility DSM analysis resources
• →Advise regarding any staff additions necessary
• →Other responsibilities as needed

• Bachelor’s degree, MBA a plus.
• Ten plus years of business development experience (energy and utilities industry preferred)
• At least three years of sales leadership experience in the energy and utilities industry
• High-level deal-closing skills, specifically in navigating complex sales cycles
• Strong ability to recruit, mentor, and lead sales teams
• Track record of setting measurable KPIs, conducting performance reviews, and driving team motivation
• Proven capability navigating complex state and federal energy regulations, environmental mandates, and compliance frameworks
• Familiarity with school outreach programs and the needs of classroom educators to meet national and state academic requirements.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite of software programs
• Strong organizational, communication and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail – meticulous, accurate and thorough
• Possesses the ability to accept constructive criticism professionally and incorporate it into future work.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and report on multiple projects
• Thrives in a deadline-driven environment
• Positive and resilient demeanor
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship