Business Development Head | Science + Technology, Education and Arts Markets
A nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and design practice is seeking an experienced Business Development Head to help drive growth across Northern California. This role will support leadership teams focused on complex projects within S&T, higher education, research, innovation, and cultural environments.
The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of California's higher education landscape, strong relationship-building capabilities, and a strategic approach to business development within the AEC industry.
What You'll Do
Strategic Growth & Pipeline Development
- Partner with senior project and practice leaders to identify, prioritize, and advance new business opportunities.
- Develop and maintain a qualified pipeline aligned with regional and national growth objectives.
- Support client targeting, account planning, and opportunity tracking.
- Help position the firm early in the decision-making process by identifying emerging opportunities and market trends.
- Assess pipeline health and recommend actions to improve conversion and pursuit success rates.
Relationship Management
- Cultivate relationships with decision-makers, influencers, consultants, and industry partners throughout Northern California.
- Support executive-level engagement within public and private higher education institutions, research organizations, and cultural institutions.
- Coordinate strategic introductions and relationship-building initiatives across offices and practice groups.
- Maintain visibility within key industry networks and professional associations.
Market Intelligence
- Track market activity, capital improvement programs, funding initiatives, and industry trends.
- Analyze competitive positioning and provide actionable insights to support growth strategies.
- Share market intelligence with leadership to inform opportunity selection and client engagement plans.
- Help identify emerging sectors, partnerships, and long-term market opportunities.
Pursuit & Capture Support
- Assist with opportunity planning from pre-positioning through interview preparation.
- Collaborate with technical, design, marketing, and leadership teams to develop compelling pursuit strategies.
- Support messaging, presentations, interview coaching, and pursuit coordination.
- Contribute to go/no-go discussions and pursuit decision-making processes.
Industry Visibility & Thought Leadership
- Coordinate participation in conferences, client events, and industry forums.
- Support speaking engagements, panel discussions, articles, and other thought leadership initiatives.
- Help strengthen the firm's visibility and reputation across target markets.
CRM & Business Development Operations
- Maintain accurate business development activity, client information, and opportunity data within CRM systems.
- Monitor key performance metrics, reporting, and forecasting activities.
- Support internal strategy meetings and help drive accountability around business development initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in business development, client engagement, strategic marketing, or related roles within the AEC industry.
- Proven experience supporting pursuits and relationship-driven business development efforts.
- Strong familiarity with California higher education, research, life sciences, civic, cultural, or institutional markets.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders and technical professionals.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
- Experience utilizing CRM systems and pipeline management tools.
- Strategic mindset combined with strong execution and follow-through.
- Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Join a highly respected multidisciplinary design practice with a strong reputation in institutional, research, and innovation-focused work.
- Work alongside nationally recognized leaders in architecture, engineering, and planning.
- Play a key role in shaping long-term market strategy and growth throughout Northern California.
- Competitive compensation, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Flexible hybrid work environment with regional travel.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.