Director of Business Development

Cristo Rey Orange County High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.

Our Corporate Work Study Model

Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program is a unique workforce development model that creates meaningful partnerships between students and local employers. Through this proven national model, student associates provide valuable support to leading Orange County companies, earning a portion of the cost of their education while gaining job experience, growing in self-confidence, and realizing the relevance of education. Our corporate partners play a vital role in shaping the future of Orange County’s youth by creating opportunities that foster skill development, confidence, and career readiness. In return, partner organizations benefit from early access to emerging talent and the opportunity to build innovative talent pipelines. Student associates bring fresh perspective, energy, and reliability to entry-level roles, strengthening workplace culture, advancing diversity, and contributing positively to organizational success. Cristo Rey makes this as easy as possible. Student associates are employees of our work study program and contracted to companies in a fee-for-service arrangement. We take care of all the training, payroll, compliance, and transportation and even have a unique agreement with the Department of Labor. Over 3,300 companies’ nationwide partner with 41 Cristo Rey schools across the country. Together, this model supports students’ professional growth while delivering meaningful business value creating a powerful exchange that benefits individuals, organizations, and the broader community.

We Are:

• Values-Driven: We nurture the whole student-academically, spiritually, and socioemotionally.
• Committed to Grow Opportunities: We empower our faculty and staff to learn, lead, and thrive.
• Invested in Students and Engaged Families: We partner with families to support every student’s journey and success.
• A Proven National Model; New to Orange County: Our community is proud to be part of a movement shaping the future of education

About the Role

Cristo Rey Orange County High School seeks a mission-driven, dynamic Director of Business Development with strong roots in the Orange County business community. This individual will secure opportunities for students by expanding our network of Corporate Work Study partners, opening doors for students to gain transformative workplace experiences that align with our mission of preparing leaders for lives of faith, purpose, and service. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing new corporate partnerships while supporting high-level strategy, pipeline management, and executive-level engagement. The Director will play a critical role in expanding revenue, strengthening employer partnerships, and ensuring Cristo Rey Orange County meets ambitious student placement and growth goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement targeted outreach strategies for specific industries and companies and to generate leads and secure partnerships in collaboration with the VP of CWS, President, Advancement, Board, and Jobs Committee.
• Utilize various methods such as one-on-one meetings, group information sessions, and school tours to cultivate potential job partners.
• Leverage existing business networks and community relationships to identify and engage potential Corporate Work Study partners.
• Initiate high-level meetings with executives, business owners, and community leaders to present the Corporate Work Study model.
• Attend networking events, chamber of commerce meetings, and business forums to promote Cristo Rey Orange County High School and cultivate new leads.
• Track outreach efforts, partner feedback, and progress toward new job placement goals.
• Support the onboarding process by remaining engaged with prospects through early partnership development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in business development, fundraising, strategic partnerships or high-level sales with a proven record of success.
• Established network of corporate, executive or community relationships with Orange County business leaders and community influencers.
• Strong business acumen, discretion and familiarity with the corporate landscape across multiple industries in Southern California.
• A foundational commitment and alignment to the mission of Cristo Rey and Catholic values.
• Demonstrated success generating and closing new business or partnership revenue and experience supporting prospect-facing events or convenings as part of a broader sales or business development strategy.
• Strong oral presentation and executive communication skills.
• Highly organized with experience managing pipelines, CRM systems, and sales reporting.

Required Skills

• Impact Growth Strategist: Your success isn’t measured in revenue alone, but in the number of students gaining real-world skills and confidence because of the partnerships you create.
• Connector of Talent and Industry: You’ll introduce organizations to an untapped workforce of high-potential students, shaping the future of their companies while shaping the lives of young people.
• Purpose-Driven Business Developer: You’ll craft win-win partnerships where companies get capable, eager talent—and students get the launchpad for their dreams.

Pay range and compensation package

Compensation Range: $80,000 to $120,000 annually commensurate with education and experience.

• Generous paid time-off (PTO)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cristo Rey Orange County High School is committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

#J-18808-Ljbffr