Business Development Specialist (Veteran Preferred)

Location: Pasadena, CA (Hybrid)

Compensation: $7,000 per month + performance-based bonus

Benefits: 401(k), Health Insurance

About the Role

GoElite is seeking a mission-driven Business Development Specialist (U.S. Veteran strongly preferred) to help expand and deepen our partnerships across government agencies, military-affiliated organizations, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and veteran communities.

This role plays a critical part in GoElite’s expansion into the veteran education market. You will work closely with universities, veteran-focused partners, and internal Marketing and GTM teams to build a scalable partner referral ecosystem that connects veterans with education and training programs aligned to their career goals.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who understands the veteran landscape, enjoys building relationships from the ground up, and is motivated by clear, measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development & Referral Growth

• Build and manage relationships with government entities, military organizations, VSOs, and community partners to establish sustainable partnership and referral channels
• Drive consistent partner referrals of prospective students to GoElite and support lead follow-up and conversion

Business Development & Program Collaboration

• Own the core partnership development cycle, including outreach, relationship building, collaboration on partnership initiatives, and execution
• Work with university partners and external organizations to support veteran-focused education and career pathway programs

Events, Community & Brand Representation

• Co-host and participate in partner events, info sessions, webinars, and industry or veteran-focused conferences
• Represent GoElite within the veteran ecosystem and build trust through a value-driven, non-salesy approach

Metrics & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Track and report key partnership metrics, including referrals, leads, and event performance
• Collaborate with Marketing and GTM teams on partner materials, event promotion, and execution of partnership initiatives

Qualifications

• U.S. Veteran strongly preferred; military experience or deep involvement in the veteran community is a major plus
• 2+ years of experience in Business Development, Partnerships, Sales, or a related field
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, particularly with government, nonprofit, and military-affiliated stakeholders
• Familiarity with veteran education and transition programs such as the GI Bill, VA benefits, ETS/TAP, or similar programs is highly desirable
• Results-oriented mindset with comfort working toward clear metrics and growth goals
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and work cross-functionally

Nice to Have

• Experience working at a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), veteran employment organization, education provider, or community-based nonprofit
• Experience supporting or managing veteran-focused programs or initiatives
• Background in community engagement, events, or grassroots outreach
• Willingness to travel to key hubs, events, and conferences as needed

Please email your resume and cover letter to hr@goelite.us to apply for this position.