IPOA Position Opening: Manager of Business Development

IPOA, the Association of the Stability Operations Industry, is seeking a Manager of Business Development in its Washington, D.C. Headquarters.

IPOA is a standards-bearing nonprofit association of service companies active in conflict, post-conflict and disaster relief operations.

IPOA’s Manager of Business Development is responsible for recruiting new member companies, liaising with and assisting current member companies, developing advertising and sponsorship opportunities, representing the Association at foreign and domestic expos and trade fairs, managing various committees, administering the finances of the organization and managing other miscellaneous programs and projects.

What are the duties of the Manager of Business Development?

The title of this position cannot correspond perfectly with the duties to be performed, however the main functions are:

Member Relations – 40 percent
New Member Recruiting – the Business Development Manager will be the primary IPOA contact:
o    To seek and recruit potential member companies
o    To re-engage former IPOA member companies
o    Represents IPOA at conferences and meetings and use them as a recruitment platform
o    Work with current members to expand membership to their own business partners
o    Assist in enhancing the IPOA marketing campaign
o    Manage and maintain recruitment and distribution lists for potential members
o    Further develop recruitment tools targeted at potential members

Secure Sponsorship for IPOA events – 30 percent
o    Engage with IPOA members and non-member companies to promote IPOA roundtables, conferences and networking events
o    Assist with the management, promotion and operation of the IPOA Annual Summit and other major conferences
o    Liaise with other conference companies regarding IPOA partnerships and participation

Advertising and Revenue Generation – 10 percent
Secure Advertising for the Journal of International Peace Operations and other IPOA media
o    Point of contact for new companies interested in advertising
o    Re-engage companies that have advertised in the past
o    Distribute advertising info via both mail and email campaigns
o    Manage and maintain recruitment and distribution lists for potential advertisers


Committee Management – 10 percent
Chief Liaison Officer to Membership Committee
o    Organize and administer Committee meetings
o    Acquaint new member companies with IPOA
    Inform new members about the committees
    Assist new member with IPOA services and responsibilities
    Develop connections with new member financial, government affairs, and HR departments
o    Write up and distribute meeting minutes

Office Management – 10 percent
o    Supervise and manage part-time accountant
o    Primary budgetary responsibility
o    Issue invoices and pay bills
o    Keep records of IPOA expenses
o    Present financial update to IPOA Board
o    Make budget recommendations
o    Handle taxation issues

What are the minimum qualifications required?

Applicants must at a minimum have a Bachelors Degree, good writing, computer and communication skills and a good understanding of international affairs. Applicants should also possess at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Competitive applicants will possess a Masters Degree (or equivalent professional experience), as well as skills and experience in accounting and/or marketing. A solid working knowledge and understanding of the private peace and stability operations industry and/or international peacekeeping would be a definite plus. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of foreign languages is a bonus.

What level of pay and benefits is this position entitled to?

The annual base salary for this position will be $40,000 dependant on skills and experience. However, this position is entitled to benefit from a bonus program. All permanent employees at IPOA are eligible to enroll in an employer funded healthcare program, as well as being eligible to enroll in a 501(k) retirement program. All permanent employees at IPOA are entitled to 10 paid public holidays a year as well as 15 paid vacation/personal days.

What are the location and time requirements?

This position is based at IPOA’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. As a salaried position, the incumbent will be expected to work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. However, occasional after-hours commitments will be required.

Is there any travel involved?

The incumbent will be expected to engage in domestic and international travel connected with their professional duties. On average, the incumbent can expect to travel 5-10 times per year.

How to Apply?

Send your resume, cover letter and list of three references by e-mail to Mr. J. J. Messner, Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please enter “Application for Manager of Business Development” in the subject line.

In your cover letter, be sure to explain your interest in IPOA, as often an applicant's enthusiasm for IPOA will trump the importance of their qualifications. Also, detail any experience that may be relevant to this position.

Be advised that IPOA generally receives a high number of applications. Because we do not have a dedicated personnel department, we ONLY contact those applicants who have been selected for an interview. Sorry.
If you have been selected for an interview, we will contact you within a week or two of your application. We interview and on a rolling basis, so it is wise to apply early.

IPOA is an equal-opportunity employer.

For this position, we are seeking only U.S. Citizens or permanent residents with employment authorization.

What is the timeline for this application process?

November 9 – Position posted
November 13 – Deadline for applications
Note: Position may be filled prior to official deadline; successful candidate will be requested to commence as soon as possible.

No phone calls please.