Area Director

Role overview

This full-time on-site position in the United States reports to the Vice President, Internships. The organization works to encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for international participants to experience American culture, with a global presence in more than 100 countries and a portfolio of educational and cultural programs.

The company is hiring a sales-oriented Business Development Manager to grow the network of host organizations for its global internship programs. The role centers on identifying, engaging, and securing new employer partners across the United States for J-1 Intern and Trainee placements. The successful candidate will help employers understand both the business value and compliance requirements of the exchange visitor framework while matching their workforce needs with international talent.

This opportunity suits a relationship-led sales professional with strong prospecting instincts, a track record of closing new accounts, and experience in business-to-business sales, staffing, recruitment, or similar consultative services.

Key responsibilities

• Create and carry out business development plans designed to broaden the host organization network and deliver yearly growth goals.
• Build a steady pipeline of prospects through referrals, networking, outbound outreach, social platforms, industry groups, conferences, and market research.
• Target organizations whose hiring needs align with J-1 intern and trainee sponsorship categories, especially in STEM, business, marketing, hospitality, and related fields.
• Qualify prospects through calls, virtual meetings, email outreach, LinkedIn, and in-person relationship building.
• Lead discovery meetings, presentations, and advisory sales discussions with potential host organizations.
• Draft proposals, presentations, partnership agreements, and RFP responses when required.
• Handle the full sales journey from first contact through agreement signing and onboarding.
• Negotiate terms and close new partnership opportunities successfully.
• Use success stories, market insight, and case studies to strengthen visibility in priority industries.
• Design workforce solutions that meet employer talent requirements through the internship program.
• Keep prospecting and sales activity at the level needed to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual targets.
• Record all activity accurately in the CRM, including forecasts, pipeline status, and performance tracking.
• Work closely with account management, operations, compliance, recruitment, and marketing teams to support onboarding, retention, and expansion.
• Ensure all host organization agreements comply with applicable J-1 program rules and sponsor standards.

Additional responsibilities

• Research emerging industries and market segments to uncover expansion opportunities.
• Track trends in workforce development, talent mobility, internships, and international education.
• Represent the organization at conferences, networking events, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and workforce forums.
• Help develop employer-facing marketing materials, presentations, success stories, and case studies.
• Stay current on the company’s services, market position, and industry developments.
• Support strategic planning and growth efforts for the global internships program.

Required background

• A four-year degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• At least 3 to 5 years of successful experience in B2B sales, business development, employer relations, staffing, recruiting, workforce development, account management, or a closely related function.
• Clear evidence of prospecting success, lead generation, pipeline development, and closing new business.
• Hands-on experience managing a sales pipeline while consistently meeting performance goals.
• Experience selling services, workforce solutions, recruitment solutions, staffing services, or other consultative offerings.
• Strong writing, speaking, presenting, and negotiation abilities.
• Comfort leading sales conversations by phone, video, and in person.
• Working knowledge of CRM tools, LinkedIn, Microsoft Office, and other business development platforms.
• Ability to operate independently with limited supervision.

Preferred background

• An existing professional network in STEM, technology, engineering, business, marketing, hospitality, tourism, or related sectors.
• Experience building employer partnerships and long-term business relationships.
• Background in staffing, workforce development, talent acquisition, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs.
• Experience in a sales environment focused on performance.

Skills and attributes

• Strong consultative selling and relationship-management ability.
• Confidence in building trust with senior decision-makers.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial approach to business development.
• Excellent written and spoken communication.
• Ability to explain complex program details clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organization, planning, and time-management skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Self-driven, target-oriented, and results-focused mindset.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-moving and changing environment.

Performance expectations

• Meet or exceed annual host organization acquisition targets.
• Achieve sales, revenue, and business development objectives.
• Maintain a strong and active sales pipeline.
• Keep CRM reporting and forecasting accurate and timely.
• Collaborate effectively across departments.
• Deliver strong customer service and high host organization satisfaction.
• Help drive the continued growth and success of the global internships program.

Travel requirements

The role involves domestic travel for business development meetings, conferences, industry events, and host organization visits. Some international travel may also be necessary.

Compensation and benefits

The pay range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 per year, with additional sales-based incentive opportunities depending on experience. A comprehensive benefits package is also offered.

Application notes

Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter explaining their relevant experience and interest in the cultural exchange industry. Candidates with criminal histories will be reviewed in line with applicable Fair Chance requirements. The employer is committed to equal opportunity and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

Employment terms

This job description is provided for informational purposes only and does not create an employment contract.