Business Development Manager, Cisco Networking Academy

The application window is expected to close on: 03/07/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received. Location: Southern California preferred; West Coast Business Development Manager, Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad): Southern California What You’ll Do Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) is a strategic global program within Cisco’s Digital Impact Office. Through the Digital Impact Office, Cisco is the first organization to globally pair skilling with innovation, unlocking the full potential of digitization, from developing essential skills to deploying the technology needed to sustain innovation. By forging strategic partnerships and implementing innovative learning programs, Cisco through oanticipates the needs of tomorrow, ensuring our global community remains competitive and inclusive. As a Business Development Manager based in Southern California, you will drive NetAcad business growth and expand the program’s presence across a designated regional territory. Your primary objective will be to expand the Networking Academy Program, with a strong focus on increasing student participation as a key metric. In this regional role, you will execute business development strategy, cultivate new partnerships, pursue and grow accounts, and align NetAcad initiatives with local workforce, education, and public-sector priorities. This role requires strong partner-facing skills, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to work effectively within Cisco’s matrixed organization. Key Responsibilities Develop, own, and execute the NetAcad business development strategy for the assigned territory, which will include but not limited to California. Expand the Cisco Networking Academy presence by recruiting new academy partners and deepening engagement with existing institutions. Build and manage strategic relationships with community colleges, universities, K–12 school districts, workforce development organizations, nonprofits, and public-sector stakeholders. Identify and pursue regional market opportunities aligned with workforce transformation, digital skills development, and economic growth initiatives. Lead activities related to LA28 (Los Angeles 2028 Olympics) focused on skilling, training, and expansion of the Networking Academy program in coordination with Cisco’s involvement in the Games. Collaborate closely with Cisco’s Sales, Public Sector, Partner, CSR, and Marketing teams to ensure coordinated regional execution. Lead partner engagement from initial discovery through onboarding and ongoing account management. Track and analyze key regional performance metrics (e.g., student participation, academy growth, learner reach, program adoption), providing regular reporting and actionable insights. Develop and implement a comprehensive regional event strategy aligned to growth objectives. Represent Cisco NetAcad at regional conferences, partner meetings, and industry events. Serve as the regional NetAcad subject-matter expert, clearly communicating program value, offerings, and impact to partners. Who You Are You are a results-driven business development professional who excels in partner-focused environments and works effectively within both direct and cross-functional teams. You are comfortable owning a regional territory, building relationships from the ground up, and translating strategy into measurable results. You are motivated by impact and growth and can balance autonomy with collaboration in a global organization. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience 7+ years of experience in business development, partner management, sales, or program leadership Demonstrated experience managing a regional territory or portfolio of partners/accounts Experience working with educational institutions, workforce organizations, public sector, or nonprofit partners Strong executive-level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills Abi ... (truncated, view full listing at source)