Business Engagement Specialist

Job Description:

• Conduct direct outreach to prospective customers, primarily for CET's waste reduction programs, through calls, email, networking, and in-person visits
• Conduct site walks and photo documentation to gather information supporting Waste Resource Consultant work
• Educate prospects about program offerings and the cost and environmental benefits of participation
• Assess customer needs and qualify opportunities against established criteria before handoff to value stream teams
• Develop and maintain targeted outreach lists aligned with program priorities and capacity
• Coordinate with Value Stream Managers and teams on outreach and engagement activities
• Keep value stream teams informed of prospect activity and gather information for smooth handoffs and customer service
• Follow up with customers after handoff, help address obstacles, and flag stalled opportunities to the Head of Sales and appropriate value stream team
• Support value stream teams in improving lead-to-project conversion outcomes
• Identify and cultivate relationships with trade associations, municipal partners, chambers of commerce, haulers, and industry groups
• Participate consistently in stakeholder networks, attend events, represent CET professionally, and deliver presentations as needed
• Develop and maintain referral relationships generating qualified leads
• Identify cross-program opportunities and route leads to energy efficiency and other appropriate teams
• Work across multiple programs and states, adapting outreach to market dynamics, stakeholders, program requirements, and customer needs
• Gather and share market information, customer feedback, and observed trends with the Head of Sales and value stream teams
• Maintain accurate records of leads, partner activity, and customer communications in Salesforce
• Track outreach activity, pipeline progress, outcomes, qualified leads, referrals, conversions, tons diverted, and emissions avoided
• Share observations and suggestions for improving outreach and handoff processes
• Travel regularly throughout Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and bordering states
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of waste reduction, energy efficiency, and related industry trends
• Support outreach campaigns, events, and business development initiatives
• Attend assigned trainings

Requirements:

• Committed to CET's non-profit mission and carbon reduction goals
• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience preferred
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in outreach, business development, partnership development, or customer engagement
• Experience preferably in waste reduction, sustainability, or energy efficiency
• Comfortable initiating conversations with new prospects, including cold outreach, and building relationships that lead to measurable results
• Proven ability to represent an organization professionally at events, meetings, and presentations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and clear verbal and written communication
• Ability to collaborate effectively with value stream teams
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities preferred, particularly in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, or [truncated language]
• Ability to quickly learn technical concepts and explain program offerings clearly to a range of audiences
• Well organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through consistently, and work independently
• Ability to track, analyze, and report on activity and outcomes
• Experience with MS Office and CRM software required; Salesforce experience preferred
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area and transport necessary work materials
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle for work-related travel
• Valid driver's license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record
• Ability to work in a remote setting with reliable high-speed internet and confidential conversations
• Successful completion of a background check and motor vehicle record check required as a condition of employment

Benefits:

• Health, wellness, and paid time off benefits beginning on the first day
• Generous paid time off with vacation and personal/sick time
• 8 paid holidays and 5 floating holidays
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance with generous employer contributions
• Flexible spending health and dependent care accounts
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance, including an employer-paid group plan
• Disability insurance
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Pet insurance
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly mindfulness and stress reduction offerings
• Retirement plan with a 3% company match
• Laptop and other office technology provided
• $85 monthly stipend for home internet and/or phone expenses
• Approved business mileage reimbursed at the current IRS standard mileage rate
• Reasonable, necessary travel expenses reimbursed according to the organization's travel reimbursement policy
• Potential for variable compensation based on performance