Strategic Business Development Jobs in California
Strategic Business Development jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, enterprise software, life sciences, and clean energy, with openings from entry-level analyst roles through vice president and chief business officer positions. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Salesforce, Google, and Illumina maintain significant commercial and corporate development teams. The most consistent demand in California centers on SaaS partnerships, healthcare technology growth, and cross-functional go-to-market strategy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Open roles29
Top employerAmazon
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring15
Work type44% Remote
Top industryTechnology
Showing 5 of 29+ Strategic Business Development jobs
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Meta
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
Menlo Park, California
Added 3d ago
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Meta
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
San Francisco, California
Added 3d ago
Strategic Partner Manager, Music Business Development
We won't show you this job again
Added 1w ago
suno
Strategic Partner Manager, Music Business Development
Los Angeles, California
Added 1w ago
Senior Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
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Added 1w ago
Applied Materials
Senior Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
Santa Clara, California
Added 1w ago
Associate Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
We won't show you this job again
Added 1w ago
WeaveGrid
Associate Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
San Francisco, California
Added 1w ago
Added 3d ago
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
Meta·Menlo Park, California
Job functions:
$193k - $269k/yr
Bachelor's degree
10,000+ employees
Job Description
Meta is seeking a Strategic Activations Lead to support the Partnerships team. In this role, you will bring Meta's strategy on wearables, AI, and the family of apps to life in the real world, designing and executing the moments where partners, cultural figures, and decision-makers experience our products firsthand. You will own activations end-to-end and at every scale – from tentpole cultural, sports, and policy moments to high-stakes 1:1 demos – and deliver our narrative to C-level business leaders, A-list talent, and other major influential voices. This is a hands-on, travel-heavy role (up to 50%) for an operator who is energized by new technology, operates effectively in live event conditions, and can turn company strategy into experiences people remember.
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development Responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end execution of glasses seeding and wearables activations in the field, across tentpole events, priority verticals, and individual partner moments
- Design and deliver creative executions at every scale — from large tentpole footprints to intimate 1:1 meetings — that reflect Meta's broader strategy on wearables, AI, and the family of apps
- Deliver compelling executive narratives and live product demos to C-level business leaders, A-list celebrities and talent, and other high-level influential voices
- Partner with the Strategic Initiatives team to pressure-test playbooks in live conditions, bring back what works, and jointly own the outcomes the playbooks are built to produce
- Train colleagues across cross-functional teams on glasses onboarding tactics to ensure a successful seeding experience for partners
- Partner closely with Partnerships, Office of the President, Marketing, Policy, Communications, and Security to secure the resources, approvals, and logistics that activations require
- Own onsite operational readiness: staffing, inventory management, device provisioning, run-of-show, contingency planning, and post-event follow-through
- Travel domestically and internationally (50%) with a flexible schedule that follows the moment
Minimum Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in partnerships, experiential marketing, event production, field marketing, or related fields
- Demonstrated experience leading live activations end-to-end, including on-site ownership within tight timelines and shifting priorities
- Proven ability to influence and execute with cross-functional stakeholders in ambiguous, highly matrixed environments
- Experience presenting and demoing to senior executives, high-profile talent, or major officials
- Deep comfort with, and enthusiasm for, learning and explaining new consumer technology
- Experience with written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate complex product topics into clear, executive-ready narratives, including the ability to translate complex product topics into clear, executive-ready narratives
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50%, including evenings, weekends, and international trips
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leveraging AI tools to streamline workflows and improve execution quality
- Track record executing hardware or product-seeding programs with external partners
- Multi-market or international activation experience
- Experience working with policymakers, government affairs teams, or institutional partners
- Experience training or enabling cross-functional teams on product onboarding
- Experience in media, sports, entertainment, music, fashion, or creator ecosystems
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
- Experience with white-glove or VIP talent handling, including working alongside talent representatives and security teams
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$193,000/year to $269,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$193,000/year to $269,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
Meta
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development
Menlo Park, California
Added 3d ago10,000+ employees
Job functions:
$193k - $269k/yr
Bachelor's degree
Job Description
Meta is seeking a Strategic Activations Lead to support the Partnerships team. In this role, you will bring Meta's strategy on wearables, AI, and the family of apps to life in the real world, designing and executing the moments where partners, cultural figures, and decision-makers experience our products firsthand. You will own activations end-to-end and at every scale – from tentpole cultural, sports, and policy moments to high-stakes 1:1 demos – and deliver our narrative to C-level business leaders, A-list talent, and other major influential voices. This is a hands-on, travel-heavy role (up to 50%) for an operator who is energized by new technology, operates effectively in live event conditions, and can turn company strategy into experiences people remember.
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Strategic Activations Lead, Business Development Responsibilities:
- Own end-to-end execution of glasses seeding and wearables activations in the field, across tentpole events, priority verticals, and individual partner moments
- Design and deliver creative executions at every scale — from large tentpole footprints to intimate 1:1 meetings — that reflect Meta's broader strategy on wearables, AI, and the family of apps
- Deliver compelling executive narratives and live product demos to C-level business leaders, A-list celebrities and talent, and other high-level influential voices
- Partner with the Strategic Initiatives team to pressure-test playbooks in live conditions, bring back what works, and jointly own the outcomes the playbooks are built to produce
- Train colleagues across cross-functional teams on glasses onboarding tactics to ensure a successful seeding experience for partners
- Partner closely with Partnerships, Office of the President, Marketing, Policy, Communications, and Security to secure the resources, approvals, and logistics that activations require
- Own onsite operational readiness: staffing, inventory management, device provisioning, run-of-show, contingency planning, and post-event follow-through
- Travel domestically and internationally (50%) with a flexible schedule that follows the moment
Minimum Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in partnerships, experiential marketing, event production, field marketing, or related fields
- Demonstrated experience leading live activations end-to-end, including on-site ownership within tight timelines and shifting priorities
- Proven ability to influence and execute with cross-functional stakeholders in ambiguous, highly matrixed environments
- Experience presenting and demoing to senior executives, high-profile talent, or major officials
- Deep comfort with, and enthusiasm for, learning and explaining new consumer technology
- Experience with written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate complex product topics into clear, executive-ready narratives, including the ability to translate complex product topics into clear, executive-ready narratives
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50%, including evenings, weekends, and international trips
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leveraging AI tools to streamline workflows and improve execution quality
- Track record executing hardware or product-seeding programs with external partners
- Multi-market or international activation experience
- Experience working with policymakers, government affairs teams, or institutional partners
- Experience training or enabling cross-functional teams on product onboarding
- Experience in media, sports, entertainment, music, fashion, or creator ecosystems
- Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
- Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
- Experience with white-glove or VIP talent handling, including working alongside talent representatives and security teams
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$193,000/year to $269,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$193,000/year to $269,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
See All 29 Strategic Business Development Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsStrategic Business Development Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
San Francisco
6 jobsSanta Clara
4 jobsOakland
3 jobsLos Angeles
3 jobsMilpitas
2 jobsSan Jose
2 jobsHayward
1 jobCarlsbad
1 jobInglewood
1 jobPalo Alto
1 jobSan Diego
1 jobMenlo Park
1 jobSeal Beach
1 jobCulver City
1 jobSanta Clarita
1 jobStrategic Business Development Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Education
- Sports & Recreation
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in strategic business development jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field required by most California employers
- Five or more years of experience in business development, partnerships, or corporate strategy
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate and close complex deals with enterprise or channel partners
- Experience working cross-functionally with product, legal, and finance teams in a California market
- Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, widely used across California technology companies
- Strong analytical skills including market sizing, competitive analysis, and revenue modeling
Strategic Business Development Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a strategic business development in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in business, economics, marketing, or a related field, though many senior roles prefer an MBA. Strategic business development does not require a state-issued license in California. The typical path starts in sales, consulting, or product management, then moves into a business development associate or manager role at a California technology, biotech, or enterprise software company before advancing to director or VP level.
Which companies hire strategic business developments in California?
Employers hiring strategic business developments in California right now include Amazon, Meta, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, life sciences firms, and enterprise software companies means demand is distributed across both Bay Area giants and Southern California growth-stage companies.
Which California cities have the most strategic business development jobs?
San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Oakland have the most strategic business development openings in California. The Bay Area leads because it is home to a dense cluster of technology and SaaS headquarters that rely heavily on partnership and corporate development functions, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw demand from media technology, defense technology, and life sciences employers anchored in those metros.
Are there remote strategic business development jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. Strategic business development work is largely relationship-driven and desk-based, making it well suited to remote and hybrid arrangements. About 56% of strategic business development openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the strong preference among California technology employers for flexible work structures. Roles focused on internal strategy and market analysis tend to be the most fully remote, while positions requiring frequent partner or client meetings are typically hybrid.
How can I get hired as a strategic business development in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a sales development, account management, or strategy analyst role at a California technology or life sciences company, then transitioning internally into business development. Large California employers like Salesforce and Kaiser Permanente run associate and rotational programs that accept candidates with a strong academic background and no direct business development experience. A demonstrated portfolio showing market analysis, competitive research, or a documented side project involving partnership outreach also gives early-career candidates a meaningful edge in California hiring.
Where can I find and apply to strategic business development jobs in California?
You can find and apply to strategic business development jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across technology, life sciences, enterprise software, and other sectors. Search the available roles, find ones that match your background and target market, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 29 Strategic Business Development Jobs in California
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