Job Description

The Business Development & Strategic Growth Lead is a dynamic and scientifically fluent professional who will help grow Florida Tech's Vertex Applied Innovation Hub by driving new revenue and expanding our network of partners. This role blends business acumen with the ability to understand and communicate technical concepts--ideal for someone who can confidently engage with CEOs, engineers, researchers, and government stakeholders alike.



The position focuses on three key areas:

Attracting and closing new Business-in-Residence (BIR) partners and members. Promoting and selling workforce development programs to industry partners. Identifying and coordinating opportunities for funded projects, including SBIR/STTR programs and corporate-sponsored research.


This role will play a critical role in positioning Vertex as a go-to collaborator for applied innovation, helping to generate revenue that supports sustainable long term operations and create meaningful partnerships that drive impact for the university and the broader Space Coast community.
Responsibilities:Grow Vertex's network by cultivating and closing new BIRs, members, and industry partners. Identify and coordinate funding opportunities, including grants and corporate-sponsored research. Sell workforce development programs and other revenue-generating services. Contribute to departmental planning, reporting, and key growth initiatives. Represent Vertex across events and networks to expand visibility and ecosystem connections. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:Bachelor's Degree in a scientific, engineering, or related field. 3-7 years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership development. Highly collaborative and agile professional. Strong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills. Experience working in or alongside technology, research, or innovation-driven sectors. Ability to quickly learn and communicate technical concepts. Familiarity with grants, SBIR/STTR programs, or workforce development sales preferred.

Equal Opportunity
Florida Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Florida Tech does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy may be directed to the Equal Opportunity Director and Investigator at 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, or email equalopp@fit.edu, or +1 321-674-7153; or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Please notify us at least five days in advance if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed by calling the Office of Human Resources at 321-674-8100.
Annual Security & Fire Safety Report
The federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities, both public and private, participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus safety information and impose certain basic requirements for handling incidents of sexual violence and emergency situations.



Florida Tech's 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Florida Tech, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.



The numbers provided include crime statistics reported to local law enforcement agencies, campus security and other Campus Security Authorities.



The report also includes institutional policy statements regarding campus safety and security measures, descriptions of prevention and awareness programs, related university procedures and important guidance, and other essential safety information.
You can obtain a printed copy of this report at the Department of Security Welcome Center located at 3126 Panther Place during normal business hours or by accessing the following website: 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts of all collegiate work must be sent directly from the attended institution to the Office of Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. All international degrees must have a course-by-course official evaluation and translation sent to the Human Resources Office directly from an evaluation company affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). We are an E-verify employer