The role
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead the growth of our Academic Speakers Bureau (ASB) initiative.
About the Academic Speakers Bureau (ASB) and LSE Enterprise
The Academic Speakers Bureau
connects world-class academic experts with organisations seeking thought leadership for events, conferences and strategic engagements. ASB
is an initiative developed by LSE Consulting. All activities delivered by LSE Consulting are contracted via LSE Enterprise, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The London School of Economics and Political Science.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-profile service at one of the world's leading social science institutions.
Key responsibilities
Client Engagement
* Proactively identify new speaking opportunities and secure bookings for speakers across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and government sectors.
* Highlight industry sectors and topical areas that could have a frequent request for speaking engagements.
* Build and maintain strong client relationships, including with event planners, talent buyers, and corporate decision-makers to ensure repeat business and client satisfaction.
* Develop and execute sales strategies to meet monthly and annual revenue targets.
* Maintain an organised CRM pipeline to track client interactions, forecast sales performance, and report on progress.
* Prepare compelling proposals and presentations tailored to client needs to promote ASB speakers and secure speaking engagements.
* Serve as the primary liaison for client communications, managing all aspects of bookings and engagement requests.
* Work towards achieving set KPIs, including client satisfaction, securing new client contracts, and financial targets.
Academic Engagement
* Identify and secure top-tier speakers to feature on ASB, ensuring alignment with market interest.
* Prepare speaker summaries for new speakers joining ASB, highlighting their expertise, achievements, and relevance to ASB's platform.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for ASB speakers, managing all aspects of speaking engagements, including any requests, negotiations on price, scope of event, and travel arrangements.
* Build and maintain strong speaker relationships by staying informed of their latest work, media appearances, and thought leadership, leveraging this for timely and strategic promotion.
* Proactively identify and pursue speaking opportunities for individual speakers or thematic areas.
* Work towards achieving set KPIs, including number of speaking engagements, number of new speakers joining ASB, and speaker diversity.
Media and Communications
* Lead the development and implementation of ASB's marketing plan to enhance its visibility and reputation both internally and externally.
* Oversee the production of high quality (digital) promotional materials, such as flyers, posters, invitations and other visual aids as needed for the promotion of speakers and ASB.
* Manage ASB's social media channels and ensure a frequent upload of strategic content promoting both ASB and individual speakers.
* Produce clear, compelling copy for the website, press releases and other communications streams (e.g. social media) to translate complex information into accessible content for relevant stakeholders and the wider public.
* Present information to Departments and Centres regarding clients, current and past project activities, and ASB's services.
* Apply creative and innovative approaches to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, including LSE Academics, external academics, and clients.
* Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and client needs to identify new opportunities and refine sales strategies.
* Work towards achieving set KPIs, including promotional activity (e.g. social media activity) and an increase in (social media) engagement.
Management and Teamwork
* Proactively approach the role and use own initiative and creativity to evaluate and update working practices and procedures.
* Organise meetings and liaise with a range of stakeholders.
* Work independently on the creation of new, or the improvement of existing, marketing and communication strategies for the purpose of business development.
* Work towards achieving set KPIs, including client satisfaction, securing new client contracts, and financial targets.
Data Management
* Maintain data collection, linked to set KPIs, to record (prospective) client and academic engagement and a variety of records in order to build reporting documentation.
About you
We're looking for someone with:
* Proven experience in business development and marketing and communications.
* Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
* Confidence working independently and managing multiple relationships.
* A proactive and professional approach to stakeholder engagement.
The Business Development Manager will play a crucial role in driving the success of ASB, contributing to the overall growth and reputation of LSE.
Why join us?
This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the growth and development of an initiative at LSE, a world-renowned institution. By joining our team, you'll play a key part in advancing a new business initiative, building relationships, and generating new income.
Application process
To apply, please submit to Marit de Bruijne - m.de-
* A CV
* A brief email outlining how you meet the requirements of the role
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to virtual or in-person interviews to be held in October.
Start date:
As soon as possible (negotiable)
To learn more about ASB, please visit:
Closing date:
24 October :59 UK time)
LSE Enterprise Ltd
Salary:
£42,000 per annum
Contract type: F
ull-time, fixed-term for 6-months (with potential for extension).
Location:
London, UK (hybrid working); two days in the office required at LSE.