Director of Business Development

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity 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 create a more resilient future.


The San Francisco office of SmithGroup is looking for a Director of Business Development to join our team.


Working with us, you will:

• Partner with Studio Leaders on business development strategy and implementation including the proactive identification, qualification and positioning of SmithGroup in assigned sectors (Healthcare with one or more of the following markets: Science & Technology, Corporate, Commercial,and Higher Education)
• Create and implement pre-positioning efforts including capture plans for target clients (e.g., corporate end-user clients, civic agencies, real estate developers, academic and research institutions, PM/CM firms, and related)
• Attend industry events for networking and relationship building
• Facilitate strategic partner collaborations including pre-positioning sessions and strategic alliances with partners like general contractors, developers, professional organizations or key consultants
• Collaborate with studio leaders and client partners to identify project opportunities, strengthen current business ties and client relationships, and formulate business development strategies to expand SmithGroup market sectors
• Monitor industry trends and collect market intelligence on clients and competitors
• Develop project pursuit strategies & position SmithGroup for projects before Requests for Proposals are issued
• Actively engage in proposal and interview strategy development including the development of key proposal sections and interview coaching
• Performs ongoing research of industry/trade organizations and make recommendations on the value of memberships/sponsorships
• Conduct and analyze debrief surveys throughout the pursuit and project process and provide recommendations for improvement
• Update and maintain lead tracking databases with relevant information on targeted clients, contacts and opportunities
• Monitor lead tracking sites and share qualified leads
• 10 - 15% travel for networking and business development across the West Region (CA, OR, WA)

An ideal candidate has:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Business Development, 5+ years in the AEC profession
• Established network of relationships with clients and contractors relevant to the aforementioned market segments: Healthcare, Science & Technology, Corporate, Commercial, and/or Higher Education
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field (preferred)
• Knowledge of AEC/Real Estate market, specific to Northern California region
• Effectively promotes SmithGroup's brand and services during external events, conferences and industry functions.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and coordinate within a team environment, readily sharing information with colleagues
• Working knowledge of lead tracking databases like Microsoft Dynamics
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Copilot and Outlook

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $143,000 to $189,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!


Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io.