Director, Market Development

The Company

The 12,500 educators and healthcare professionals employed by FullBloom are driven by a common purpose: to positively impact the educational, behavioral, and emotional welfare of every child with whom we engage, no matter the child’s individual circumstance. We dedicate our careers to improving outcomes for at-risk and struggling youth, including those with learning and emotional disabilities. In doing so, we play a truly crucial role in the lives of children, their families, and their communities. Our purpose drives our performance, and we are looking for individuals who want to make an impact. We directly serve over 150,000 students and children every year helping them overcome a range of academic and non-academic learning barriers.

FullBloom is the nation’s leading child development services platform providing academic, behavioral, and emotional support and intervention. We create better life outcomes for children and their families, regardless of the learning obstacles and other challenges they face. The company achieves measurable and sustained academic and behavioral gains through evidence-based programs that include specialized education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies, intervention services, and professional development. Founded in 1976, FullBloom supports tens of thousands of children and families, over 1,250 school districts, and more than 25,000 teachers annually. Come explore FullBloom and its three operating divisions – Catapult Learning, Specialized Education Services, Inc (SESI), and Little Leaves Behavioral Services.

Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run In-District Classrooms (IDC) and standalone schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of special education students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and other challenges; and alternative education students in need of trauma-informed education Implementing a research-based education model that incorporates supportive therapies, positive behavior interventions and supports, life skills training, and workforce development programs. SESI guides students toward success in and out of the classroom. SESI proudly serves nearly 12,000 students in more than 90 day-schools and more than 100 IDCs, and partners with over 700 school districts nationwide. For further information, visit www.fullbloom.org and sesischools.com.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary builder to serve as the Director, SESI Market Development. As the Director, you will report to the President, SESI, and be responsible for identifying and nurturing new business opportunities within existing and new markets. The majority of your time will be in the field, cultivating relationships with school district Special Education Leaders in areas where new schools can be built as well as establishing relationships with other industry participants to help accelerate our acquisition activity.   To be effective in this role, the candidate will be effective at establishing new relationships as well as collaborating with our operators on greenfield development through capacity expansion and new market greenfield development . This person will spend 50% of their time on the road in targeted states/markets, visiting schools and programs and engaging with key stakeholders and/or potential targets.    This role requires a deep understanding of the special education sector, as well as exceptional relationship-building and partnership development skills.    This person is results-driven, with strong financial acumen and “strategic sales DNA.” 

Responsibilities:

1. Market Research: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential opportunities, trends, and competitor activities. Analyze market conditions and customer needs.
2. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for market development, including identifying target markets, setting goals, and outlining tactics to achieve them.
3. Business Expansion: Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the company's presence in existing markets and targeted new markets.
4. Partnerships and Alliances: Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders, customers, and industry influencers to enhance market reach.
5. Product Development: Work closely with product development teams to align product offerings with market demands and identify opportunities for new products or improvements.
6. Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for market development initiatives. Monitor expenses and ensure cost-effective strategies.
7. Communication: Effectively communicate market development strategies, goals, and progress to senior management, stakeholders, and the broader organization.
8. Metrics and Analysis: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of market development efforts. Analyze data to make informed decisions and adjustments to strategies.

Qualifications:

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is often preferred.
2. Experience: Several years of experience in business development, market research, sales, or related roles.
3. Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of Special Education, market and regulatory trends, and competitive landscape.
4. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret market data and make strategic decisions.
5. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex ideas and strategies effectively.
6. Leadership: Proven leadership and team management skills.
7. Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans for market development.
8. Networking: Strong networking skills to build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
9. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and adjust strategies accordingly.
10. Results-Oriented: Demonstrated ability to drive results and achieve business objectives.