Business Development Specialist

At StraighterLine we are on a mission to help students succeed!

About Us

StraighterLine is the leading provider of high-quality, affordable, online courses that help learners earn college credit and meet their professional goals. Each year, 150,000 learners take one of StraighterLine’s 215 courses to upskill into new careers or earn credit from over 2,000 colleges and universities worldwide. StraighterLine works with institutions and corporate partners to provide their students and employees with flexible education options that allow them to work and learn at their own pace. Visit www.straighterline.com for more information.

StraighterLine, Inc. is seeking a dynamic and strategic Business Development Specialist to expand our presence in the early childhood education professional development sector. This role focuses on networking within state government agencies to identify and secure funding opportunities that support child care workforce development and professional training initiatives. The ideal candidate has experience in government relations, grant funding, and partnership development within the education or nonprofit sector.

• Government & Stakeholder Engagement
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with state government agencies, legislators, and key decision-makers in early childhood education.
• Monitor state and federal funding programs, including grants, subsidies, and workforce development initiatives.
• Represent the company at government meetings, conferences, and industry events to advocate for early childhood education training programs.

• Business Development & Funding Acquisition
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including state contracts, grants, and sponsorships, that align with the company’s mission.
• Develop proposals and applications for funding, working closely with internal teams to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with government agencies and partner organizations.

• Strategic Growth & Market Expansion
• Conduct market research to identify trends, policy changes, and emerging opportunities in early childhood education funding.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a strategic plan to expand the company’s government partnerships and revenue streams.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, marketing, and program development, to align business growth with funding opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Education, or a related field preferred (Master’s degree plus).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in business development, government relations, or grant acquisition, preferably in the education or nonprofit sector.
• Strong understanding of state and federal funding mechanisms, procurement processes, and grant applications.
• Excellent networking, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyze policy trends and advocate for funding initiatives that support early childhood education training.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience writing grant proposals and funding applications.
• Willingness to travel as needed to attend meetings, conferences, and networking events.

Working at StraighterLine

StraighterLine team members work every day knowing that they are helping learners on their path to employability and career success. We're an inclusive team that fosters collaboration, that trusts and communicates openly. Like our students, we are lifelong learners and strive for excellence in our work. We are committed to bringing innovative solutions to the field - your ideas will never go unheard. And, best of all, we love to celebrate each other's contributions and wins.

We also know how important a life outside of work is, and the support that employers can contribute.

Our Benefits:

Generous time off policies, 13 public holidays.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage (*one option full funded by StraighterLine) 

401K Safe Harbor: StraighterLine contributes 3% of your total salary whether you contribute or not

Six weeks paid parental leave

Free StraighterLine courses for you and your family members

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.