Manager, Engagement & Business Development

Job Description

Job Description

Manager, Engagement & Business Development
Location: South San Francisco, CA
Department: Engagement & Business Development
Reports to: Director, Engagement & Business Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000
Travel: Up to 10%

About California Life Sciences (CLS)

California Life Sciences (CLS) is the state’s most influential and impactful life sciences membership organization, advocating for the sector and its diverse innovation pipeline. For more than 30 years, CLS has supported companies of all sizes—from early-stage startups to established industry leaders across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.

CLS works closely with universities, research institutions, the investment community, and other critical partners to shape public policy, improve access to breakthrough technologies, educate lawmakers, and advance equity across the ecosystem. With offices in South San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, CLS fulfills its mission to protect and nurture California’s life sciences industry—empowering discoveries that lead to healthier lives around the world.

CLS Purpose: Empowering our life sciences community to deliver innovative solutions for healthier lives.
CLS Core Values: Impact, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Collaboration

About the Role

The Manager, Engagement & Business Development is responsible for strengthening, expanding, and retaining member relationships while driving revenue growth and long-term value across the CLS membership portfolio. This role serves as the primary point of contact for small member companies and plays a central role in shaping the end-to-end member experience.

This position is highly relationship-driven and execution-focused, combining proactive engagement, strategic account management, and data-informed decision-making to increase member ROI, reduce churn, and grow member lifetime value. The Manager partners cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure members are fully leveraging CLS programs, benefits, and resources.

Key Responsibilities

Member Engagement & Account Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned member accounts, delivering a high-touch, value-driven member experience
• Proactively identify member needs and connect members with relevant CLS programs, resources, and internal partners
• Conduct business reviews (virtual and in-person) to demonstrate value, cost savings, ROI, and future engagement opportunities using the Member Benefit Summary
• Execute multi-touch engagement strategies throughout the year, promoting cost savings programs, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) initiatives, and CLS events
• Engage with stakeholders across member organizations, including C-suite, HR, Business Development, Marketing, IT/Facilities, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Lab teams

Retention, Renewals & Revenue Growth

• Own the renewal process for assigned member accounts, particularly small member companies, and achieve annual retention targets
• Manage membership renewals and invoicing in collaboration with Membership, Accounting, and internal partners to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to streamline the renewal experience for both members and internal teams
• Support incubator strategy and engagement with selling partners to increase participation and utilization of CLS cost savings programs

Business Development & Field Engagement

• Represent CLS at industry events, association meetings, and conferences to build relationships, generate leads, and stay current on industry trends
• Act as an ambassador for CLS within assigned market segments, supporting organizational goals and strategic priorities
• Follow up consistently with members and prospects to drive engagement, participation, and satisfaction

Data Management, Systems & Reporting

• Document all member interactions and activities in Salesforce and maintain accurate records of engagement, renewals, and transactions
• Utilize Salesforce dashboards and reports to track progress against defined goals and scopes of work
• Review trends related to membership growth, retention, engagement, and benefit utilization to inform tactical adjustments
• Support BBS commercialization efforts by reviewing monthly enrollment reports, onboarding new members, confirming contract understanding (e.g., Avantor), and relaying feedback to partners
• Monitor and manage the member engagement and renewal pipeline using established sales and engagement processes

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in sales support, account management, or customer service, preferably in a life sciences or B2B environment
• Strong relationship-building and customer service skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• High level of initiative and ability to work independently in a team-focused environment
• Demonstrated alignment with CLS core values: Impact, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Collaboration
• Experience using Salesforce; familiarity with LinkedIn as a business development or engagement tool
• Travel to and support in-person events, including some overnight travel, across California (primarily in South San Francisco, but also the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Sacramento, and Los Angeles) and occasionally in Washington, DC, requiring reliable personal transportation and availability to travel by plane
• This role requires standing for extended periods during events and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for event setup and handling materials

Preferred:

• Background in life sciences, healthcare, or a related industry
• Experience working in a membership organization, association, or mission-driven organization

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational budget.
CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.