About the ISTD
ISTD exists to make teaching and learning dance accessible to all.
Our membership is recognised as the mark of quality dance teaching around the world. We support teachers to develop their careers and businesses through progressive training, performance qualifications and events. Together, we aim to build a diverse and sustainable dance profession by championing inclusion and increasing access to dance teaching
The Society is a registered educational charity (250397), regulated examinations board, and membership association. With 6000 members in 59 countries worldwide, we conduct over 120,000 examinations and 20,000 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.
Summary of Role
ISTD Enterprises is committed to driving innovation and sustainable commercial growth for the ISTD. With a strong foundation in strategic partnerships and operational excellence, we are expanding our footprint and seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to join our Membership and Marketing directorate.
As a Business Development Manager at ISTD Enterprises, you will play a pivotal role in identifying new commercial business opportunities, building strategic relationships with commercial partners, and driving revenue growth. The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying, securing, and managing sponsorship and advertising partnerships across all ISTD platforms, including events, digital media, and branded content.
You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and execute growth tactics aligned with the company’s vision and business strategy. This role requires a strong commercial mindset and excellent relationship-building skills.
Key Responsibilities:
In addition to working closely with Director of Membership and Communications you’ll:
Advertising and sponsorship:
- Execute a comprehensive sales strategy to drive revenue from sponsorships and advertising.
- Identify and target potential sponsors and advertisers aligned with ISTD’s brand and audience.
- Create tailored proposals and pitch decks that communicate value and ROI to prospective partners.
- Negotiate and close deals, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
- Collaborate with event production team and marketing team to integrate sponsor branding and activations.
- Work with digital and editorial teams to develop advertising opportunities across websites, newsletters, social media and publications.
- Ensure all sponsorship and advertising deliverables are high quality, and on schedule.
Shop and merchandise:
- Support the team to manage the ISTD shop – overseeing stock levels, reprints/restock, new product development (learning materials and merchandise)
- With support of the Head of Marketing oversee shop marketing promotions to meet sales targets
- Identify merchandise development opportunities in line with ISTD brand and values
Development and reporting
- Identify, realise and pursue new commercial business opportunities in target markets including the development of the ISTD jobs board.
- With the support of the Director of Membership and Communications, develop and maintain strong relationship with clients, partners and stakeholders
- Meet and exceed quarterly and annual targets
- Track and report on key performance metrics and pipeline progress
Method of application
Please send a letter of application and CV to recruitment@istd.org. The letter of application should summarise what you are able to bring to the role and how you meet the person specification. The successful candidates will also be required to provide details for two recent references that can evidence skills and suitability to carry out this role, (whether in an employed or voluntary capacity).
The closing date for applications is Monday 20th October 2025
Please download the full job specification and our recruitment pack below
