Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Drive Capital

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive partnerships that boost user growth and brand impact at Duolingo.
  • Company: Join Duolingo, a leader in global education innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellness support, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education while collaborating with top talent.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in business development or consulting; strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.

Our mission at Duolingo is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. At Duolingo, you’ll join a team that cares about educating our users, experimenting with big ideas, making fact-based decisions, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. You’ll have limitless learning opportunities and daily collaborations with world-class minds while doing work that’s both meaningful and fun.

About The Role

Duolingo’s Business Development team builds partnerships that drive user growth, monetization, and brand impact. We’re hiring a Business Development Manager to source, structure, and execute high-impact partnerships across consumer and product verticals. You will own a measurable pipeline, craft clear business cases tied to company metrics, and collaborate closely with Marketing, Product, Design, Engineering, and Legal to bring deals from idea to launch.

This role is ideal for a strategic deal-maker who is equally strong at outbound prospecting, rigorous analysis, crisp storytelling, and end-to-end execution. You will:

  • Build, prioritize, and manage a partnership pipeline that maps to Duolingo’s growth, monetization, and brand objectives; proactively source opportunities and advance them from first meeting to signed agreement and launch.
  • Develop compelling, data-driven business cases that quantify impact, align stakeholders, and secure resources for execution.
  • Lead negotiations and structure balanced value exchanges; partner with Legal on term sheets and contracts to move efficiently while protecting Duolingo’s interests.
  • Drive cross-functional execution with Product, Design, and Engineering for technical integrations and with Marketing for consumer activations that amplify launches.
  • Establish clear success metrics and reporting; monitor performance post-launch, troubleshoot issues, and iterate to maximize ROI.

You have:

  • 3+ years of business development, consulting, or investment banking experience.
  • Strong business acumen and structured problem-solving; ability to build ROI-focused cases with incomplete data and influence without formal authority.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills; clear, concise storytelling for executives and external partners.
  • Proven ability to manage an end-to-end pipeline, juggle multiple priorities, and execute at pace in a cross-functional environment.

Exceptional candidates will have:

  • Experience developing partnerships in the digital consumer tech (B2C) space.
  • Regional partnership experience (Europe) and ability to tailor strategies to local market dynamics.
  • Experience amplifying partnerships with Marketing to drive cultural relevance and earned reach.
  • Experience collaborating with Product/Engineering on partner integrations and navigating technical trade-offs to get deals over the line.

Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Business Development Manager employer: Drive Capital

At Duolingo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Business Development Manager, you'll have the opportunity to engage with world-class professionals while contributing to our mission of making education universally accessible. With a strong focus on employee growth, meaningful work, and a commitment to holistic well-being, Duolingo offers a unique environment where your contributions can truly make a difference.

Drive Capital

Contact Detail:

Drive Capital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Duolingo’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise your storytelling skills so you can clearly communicate your past successes and how they relate to the role.

Tip Number 3

Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Duolingo, let them know why you’re excited about the role and the company. A genuine passion for education and innovation can really set you apart.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking chats, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their time. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you top of mind and shows your professionalism.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager

Business Development
Partnership Management
Negotiation Skills
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Storytelling
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and innovation shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the world of learning!

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in business development or partnerships. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission, so don’t hold back on those success stories!

Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate crisp storytelling! Keep your application straightforward and to the point, showcasing your achievements without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.

How to prepare for a job interview at Drive Capital

Know Your Numbers

As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build data-driven business cases. Brush up on key metrics related to user growth and monetisation, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions in past roles.

Master the Art of Storytelling

Duolingo values crisp storytelling, so practice articulating your experiences in a clear and engaging way. Prepare a few anecdotes that showcase your negotiation skills and successful partnerships, ensuring they highlight your impact on previous projects.

Research the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with Duolingo's mission and values. Understanding their approach to education and user engagement will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.

Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think about examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and ensured smooth execution of projects.