Business Development Specialist

 Job Title: Business Development Specialist  

Department: Business Development  

Reports to: VP of Business Strategy               

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Location: Remote (US)

ABOUT CEDIA

CEDIA® is the association for smart home professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of technology integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives. Learn more about CEDIA at www.cedia.org.

WHY JOIN CEDIA

Joining our team presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a dynamic environment working alongside the tech industry that focuses on making a positive difference in people’s lives. Joining CEDIA means becoming an integral part of a passionate and driven global community, where your contributions will not only be recognized but also play a pivotal role in the success of our collective endeavors. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience, this is the team where you can make a meaningful impact and thrive in your career journey.

CEDIA offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package including remote work (US), generous vacation and holidays, mental health days, volunteering time off, professional development, and more. As a global organization, you will get the opportunity to work with colleagues across the globe and build relationships through virtual team building activities and an annual weeklong company gathering.

SUMMARY

We are looking for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Specialist with strong business acumen, technical proficiency, and a strategic mindset to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering growth, building relationships, and collaborating across the organization. This role requires a consultative sales approach, leveraging industry knowledge and best practices to develop and execute a high-impact outbound strategy.
WHAT YOU’LL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for building relationships with trade suppliers, identifying sales opportunities, and generating new business through outbound prospecting. This role involves engaging potential clients, maintaining an accurate prospect database, and collaborating across departments to enhance market share and brand awareness. Additionally, the specialist will drive supplier participation in key events, support membership retention efforts, and utilize market insights to strengthen sales strategies. The role also includes managing CRM data, tracking account activity, and contributing to business development targets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

Business Development

·      Build relationships with trade suppliers and identify opportunities to sell.

·      Identify and contact prospective clients to build a pipeline through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to cold-calling, emailing, and mass email campaigns.

·      Create a professional and engaging first impression with our prospects and customers.

·      Create, maintain, and update our database of prospects, ensuring it includes complete information, contact and email addresses.

·      Thoroughly qualify all outbound opportunities and collaborate effectively for a smooth customer experience.

·      Generate net new business through outbound prospecting.

·      Prioritize leads, research prospects and position relevant product features to solve business needs.

·      Manage follow-up with calls-to-action to consistently build a sales pipeline.

·      Contribute significantly to CEDIA’s growth as we continue to scale our core business.

·      Collaborate with various departments to develop and execute strategies that will enhance market share, boost brand awareness and sales, and ensure customer satisfaction.

·      Drive trade supplier participation in the following, but not limited to:

o  Tech Summits

o  Expo

o  Education

o  LMS

·      Identify potential members and the decision-makers at relevant companies.

 Client Retention

·      Introduce new benefits and services while strengthening existing member relationships.

·      Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and distribution channels that will lead to an increase in sales.

·      Handle membership renewal objections by clarifying, emphasizing benefits and strategy, and working through differences to a positive conclusion.

·      Utilizing market insights and competitor analysis, identify and cultivate the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators.

·      Support membership team during renewal season to encourage member companies to renew.

 Management and Research

·      Submit regular progress reports and ensure data is accurate (visits, calls, and forecasting).

·      Ensure data is accurately entered and managed within the company’s CRM or other sales management system.

·      Work with the executive team to set budgets and targets for business development sales and sponsorship, and partnership programs.

·      Track and record account activity and help close deals to meet these targets.

REQUIRED SKILLS

·      Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to persuade, negotiate, and build strong relationships.

·      Highly creative and detail-oriented with a proactive, results-driven mindset.

·      Strong ability to identify interdepartmental needs and collaborate across teams.

·      Advanced organizational and follow-up skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.

·      Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales and business development goals.

·      Ability to work efficiently within time constraints and manage competing priorities.

·      Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to drive strategic decision-making.

·      Highly collaborative team player with a self-motivated and passionate approach.

·      Adaptable to change, accountable, and open to continuous learning and improvement.

·      Passion for smart home technology and IoT is a plus.

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a keen attention to detail.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·      Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

·      A minimum of three years of experience in business development or a related field.

·      Non-profit experience a plus

·      Experience making outbound calls and running campaigns

·      Experience with sales CRM platforms

TRAVEL

This position will require you to travel to organizational off-site events annually, up to 2 weeks/year. Other travel may be required for this role, 10% to 20%.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

CEDIA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.