A business development coordinator often acts as a liaison between two different departments.
The role of a business development coordinator can vary depending on the size and structure of the business. Duties can include administrative, marketing, and sales roles, and the education required can range from on-the-job training to a formal degree. In general, the position provides some level of support to those responsible for field sales and marketing tasks.
A business development coordinator may be asked to perform many administrative tasks that are typically performed by an administrative assistant.
The term “business development” traditionally denotes new business. Most of the work associated with a business development coordinator position typically revolves around new clients. However, the position may also handle functions associated with growing existing clients’ businesses.
In companies that have separate sales and marketing departments, this coordinator often acts as a liaison between the two departments. This may involve ensuring that the standard proposal, brand and legal language maintained by the marketing department appears on all offers and sales proposals. This may also involve working with both departments to ensure that marketing materials such as presentation folders, computer-based presentations, trade show materials, and brochures meet the marketing department’s brand objectives and the functional needs of salespeople. They regularly interact with customers.
In a company that employs a substantial sales force, a business development coordinator often acts as an administrative assistant to some or all of the salespeople. In this case, the coordinator will likely make or supervise travel arrangements, set up meetings, review expense reports, and manage proposals and budgets. He can also receive reports from multiple field offices and compile them into a single report for sales managers to review.
A business development coordinator may also act as a project or offer coordinator. In this case, she would be responsible for ensuring that all members of the design and production team understand the client’s project specifications, accurately cost and price their individual activities, respond to communications in a timely manner, and comply with the deadlines. This happens more often in smaller companies that may not have employees dedicated to these roles.
While the training and experience required for a business development coordinator position will vary based on the specific requirements of the job, some skills are nearly universal to the position. This includes the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and exceptional organizational skills. Business development is often a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and potential coordinators need to be comfortable with this. The position typically reports to a sales manager or other sales executive, but can fall into the marketing area. In smaller companies, the role may report directly to an owner, vice president, or other interdepartmental manager.