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Love.com at AOL is hiring

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Business Development Director, Love.com

This individual will be responsible for developing, negotiating and managing strategic relationships for the AOL Web Personals group, love.com. This individual will play a key role in coordinating with the AOL Web Properties business units to develop AOL's personals business to business strategy and then implement such strategy through the structuring and negotiating of deals and building relationships with the appropriate strategic business partners. This individual will be judged primarily on ability to conclude 3rd party distribution relationships that produce high-margin revenue for love.com. Tasks include: Researching and identifying new business opportunities as well as new industries, companies and business partners through ongoing research for the business units of AOL Web Properties, and then leading and driving the company's negotiations with such third parties. Assisting in the preparation of go-to-market and strategic plans to generate revenue. Developing business and financial models to evaluate and forecast business opportunities. Implementing programs to manage and track business development activities. Facilitate open communication within the department as well as across departments and business units. Candidate will work extensively with other groups within the company in all facets of the job, including senior executives, legal, finance, product marketing, operations, technology development and engineering teams. Qualifications and Desired Skills: Strong analytic background (Investment Banking, M&A, Management Consulting or Legal background preferred) with 5-8 years directly related experience. Candidates must possess good people and persuasive skills. Experience in business development, strategic planning, deal negotiation and management, Internet search, ISP, and distribution channel development and management is required. Candidate should be proficient in structuring complex deals and partnerships with multiple variables. Candidate must possess strong analytical skills (including business research and financial analysis skills), organizational, interpersonal and writing skills. The ability to communicate clearly and thoroughly (both verbally and in writing) with people of various disciplines is essential. Candidate should also have a strong attention to detail and ability to work through contracts with internal legal department. Candidate must have a thorough understanding of the Internet industry in general; a high-level understanding of back-end technology, applications and tools is required. The ideal candidate would have a demonstrated interest in the technology field and a strong background in general business. Since this position can require extra hours and commitments depending on the project, an ideal candidate would be highly motivated and focused on meetings set objectives. MBA or JD is desired. Job will involve occasional travel.

Confused about what they are looking for? Me too the first time I read it. I thought, "maybe I am qualified for this job, after all I run this online dating website." But then, reading again carefully, what the ad really says is:

Looking for rainmaker. Must have rainmaking experience.

I guess not.

posted May 09, 2004