Director of Business Development

SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?

The Washington, DC office of SmithGroup is looking for a Director of Business Development to join our team.

Working with us, you will:

• Lead the creation of business development strategy by working alongside key partners.
• Research industry trends and collect market intelligence on clients and competitors by monitoring websites, collateral presentations, trade journals and discussion lists.
• Facilitate strategic partner collaborations including pre-positioning sessions and strategic alliances with partners like contractors, developers, organizations, or other key consultants.
• Perform market trends analysis and lead coordination of introductory meetings with prospective clients.
• Attend industry events for networking and relationship building.
• Participate in committees or other active roles in external industry-related organizations.
• Actively research project opportunities for associated studios through networking, personal relationships, cold calls, reading of publications, attending community events, and participating in industry organizations.
• Build, implement, and maintain capture plans for key target clients.
• Collaborate with management and technical staff to identify project opportunities, strengthen current business ties and client relationships, and formulate business development strategies to expand SmithGroup market sectors.
• Conduct and analyze debrief surveys throughout the pursuit and project process.
• Update and maintain lead tracking databases with relevant information on targeted clients, contacts, and opportunities.
• Develop project pursuit strategies and position SmithGroup for projects before Requests for Proposals are issued.
• Actively engage in proposal strategy development and write and/or edit key proposal sections for top pursuits.
• Lead and develop local events including client outreach, relationship building at events, and post-event follow up.
• Build and implement a strategy for conference engagement, industry/trade organizations, and memberships/sponsorships.
  
  

An ideal candidate has:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Business Development, 3+ in AEC industry, preferably in the Federal, Higher Education, or Science & Technology markets. Expertise in Healthcare, Cultural, and Urban Design markets is of interest as well.
• The ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills for effective presentations and interactions with internal/external clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams as well as experience using Deltek Vision.
  
  

SmithGroup's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed meet the needs of a diverse staff. The anticipated salary range for this position is $159,000 to $199,000 annually, at the time of posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for this position. Additionally, an employee in this position is eligible for a performance-based bonus on an annual basis. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We provide an opportunity to invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching and a continuing education reimbursement. We offer 3 weeks of paid time off within the first year of employment, with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, and parental leave benefits. SmithGroup also promotes a healthy work/life balance for our staff which includes an alternative work schedule that provides employees with an additional 15 days off per year (usually Fridays), as well as hybrid work options that give our team the flexibility to work within our vibrant office culture or remotely, as needed.

If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don’t leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we’re looking for – and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact careers@smithgroup.com.