Senior Business Development Associate

About the opportunity:

At the MeitY-NASSCOM Centre of Excellence, we are building one of India's most dynamic deep-tech ecosystems by bringing together startups, enterprises, investors, academia, policymakers, and technology leaders.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the convergence of technology, innovation, industry partnerships, and ecosystem building.

If you enjoy creating meaningful business relationships, closing strategic partnerships, working with senior industry leaders, and contributing to initiatives shaping the future of AI and emerging technologies, this role is for you. You will play a key role in expanding our network of enterprise partners, developing high-value collaborations, and driving sponsorships for flagship programs and industry events.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Partnership Development:

• Identify and engage potential enterprise, government, and ecosystem partners.
• Develop and manage strategic partnership opportunities across technology and innovation programs.
• Build a strong pipeline of prospective partners and sponsors.
• Lead commercial discussions and convert opportunities into long-term collaborations.

2) Sponsorship and Revenue Generation:

• Drive end-to-end sponsorship acquisition for conferences, industry forums, innovation programs, and flagship events.
• Design and present customized sponsorship proposals aligned with partner objectives.
• Negotiate commercials and successfully close partnership and sponsorship agreements.
• Achieve defined revenue and partnership targets.

3) Relationship Management:

• Develop and nurture relationships with CXOs, innovation leaders, technology teams, investors, and startup founders.
• Ensure successful execution of partnership commitments and sponsor deliverables.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts into long-term strategic relationships.

4) Market Intelligence:

• Monitor industry trends across AI, deep-tech, healthcare, manufacturing, cybersecurity, sustainability, and other emerging sectors.
• Identify new partnership models, industry opportunities, and avenues for ecosystem expansion.

Desired Candidate Profile:

• 4+ years of experience in business development, partnership management, sponsorship sales, account management, or strategic alliances.
• Proven experience in closing partnership accounts and securing sponsorships.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience interacting with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Prior exposure to technology, innovation ecosystems, startups, consulting, industry associations, media, or events will be an advantage.