Business Development Manager (Voluntary / Non-Paid)

Role: Business Development Manager

Contract Type: Volunteer, Pro Bono

Interview: October 2026

Duration 12 Months (With Possible Extension)

Who we are & What do we believe?

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are !

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our team and contribute to the growth of our organisation. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, expanding our partnerships, and helping to implement strategic initiatives that align with Arcadia’s mission to advance education, promote art, and strengthen our global presence. You will work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that business development efforts are both innovative and sustainable.

As a Business Development Manager, you will be key in driving new revenue streams, enhancing existing relationships, and exploring new market opportunities. You will actively engage with potential and existing clients, sponsors, academic institutions, and partners, fostering lasting relationships that support Arcadia’s long-term goals. You will be involved in all aspects of business development, from market research and opportunity identification to proposal development and partnership negotiation. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that business development strategies are aligned with organisational objectives, and help integrate those strategies into day-to-day operations. You will also be responsible for monitoring market trends and performance metrics, and providing regular reports to leadership on business development progress. Your ability to think strategically, lead by example, and build strong relationships will be essential to your success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

As the Business Development Manager, you will be integral in supporting Arcadia’s business growth and sustainability. Your responsibilities will include:

Business Development and Opportunity Identification:

• Contribute to the development and execution of business strategies that align with Arcadia’s mission. Identify and pursue new opportunities for growth, including new partnerships, funding sources, and market expansion, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s overall objectives.

Partnership Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders such as donors, sponsors, academic institutions, and corporate entities. Support the identification and cultivation of new partnerships while maintaining and strengthening existing relationships to support Arcadia’s objectives and drive growth.

Market Research and Strategic Support:

• Assist in conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify potential opportunities and challenges. Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership based on data, ensuring that business development efforts are informed by current trends and market dynamics.

Skills and Competencies Required:

Relationship Management and Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Skilled in engaging and building trust with potential and existing partners.

Analytical and Strategic Thinking:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather and interpret data to develop actionable insights. Ability to think strategically, with a focus on identifying growth opportunities and risks.

Effective Communication and Negotiation:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, capable of presenting ideas clearly and persuasively. Ability to engage with various stakeholders, from internal teams to external partners, with professionalism and impact.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field from a university. Professional certifications in business development, fundraising desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in business development, partnership management, or strategic growth roles, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership position. Experience in the non-profit sector, particularly with international or mission-driven organisations, is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in leading and managing business development teams, including supervising senior managers or directors responsible for partnerships, sponsorships, or strategic initiatives.
• Strong advisory experience as a trusted consultant to executive boards and leadership teams on matters of growth strategy, partnerships, and funding. Demonstrated ability to provide actionable guidance on complex business development challenges.
• Comprehensive knowledge of global partnership frameworks, donor engagement strategies, and sponsorship acquisition. Familiarity with non-profit funding mechanisms, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships, is a strong asset.
• Fluency in English (CEFR C1) is required. Proficiency in French or German is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with donors and sponsors. Experience in negotiating high-value sponsorships and partnerships on a global scale is highly desirable.
• A strong understanding of international markets, trends, and opportunities relevant to Arcadia’s mission of advancing education and art is desirable. Experience with market analysis and data-driven decision-making is essential.
• Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours, and the flexibility to visit the Geneva office once a month for administrative tasks (highly appreciated but not mandatory).
• A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.

What We Offer

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.

Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.