Business Development Manager

Explore Design (ExD) is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. For more than 40 years, we've partnered with communities across the state to create authentic and joyous design that serves education, healthcare, transportation, military, civic, project management and workplace environments.

People are at the center of everything we do. We believe relationships drive great design, and we are looking for someone who shares that philosophy. Essential to our firm’s culture is supercollaboration and mentorship. We love to work together on solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager & Marketing Lead to join the ExD team. This position is responsible for driving the firm's growth through strategic business development, client relationship management, market positioning, and pursuit leadership while partnering closely with our Marketing team to deliver a cohesive and impactful marketing program, working in collaboration together.

If you enjoy connecting people, identifying opportunities, leading pursuits, and helping shape the future of a growing design firm, we'd love to meet you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position serves as the firm's leader for business development and strategic marketing initiatives. The successful candidate will cultivate client relationships, identify new opportunities, oversee pursuit strategies, and guide marketing efforts that support Explore Design's long-term growth.

You will have agency and authorship on your efforts in connection with you and ExD Leadership, working together on alignments for opportunities. The candidate selected must understand the value of collaboration and leverage it in a Team environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Develop and implement firm-wide business development strategies

Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients

Identify new market opportunities and strategic partnerships

Develop annual business development plans with firm leadership

Track and manage the firm's opportunity pipeline in CRM

Coordinate client outreach, networking, and targeted conference participation

Represent Explore Design in professional organizations and community events

PURSUIT LEADERSHIP

Lead Go/No-Go discussions and pursuit planning

Develop pursuit strategies that align with firm goals

Develop proposal strategy and messaging

Coordinate interview preparation and presentation strategy

Participate in proposal production alongside the marketing team

Monitor pursuit success metrics and continuously improve processes

MARKETING STRATEGY

Develop annual marketing strategies and budgets

Evaluate marketing KPIs and return on investment

Identify emerging market trends and positioning opportunities

Collaborate on thought leadership initiatives, presentations, and industry engagement

Guide market positioning across targeted sectors

WORKING WITH LEADERSHIP

Work collaboratively with Principals to establish business priorities

Partner with the Brand Manager & Marketing Lead to ensure alignment between business strategy and brand execution

Communicate to EXD staff in business development and pursuit activities

Foster a collaborative and positive marketing culture

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related fields

7+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or professional services

Experience in the AEC industry strongly preferred

Proven success developing client relationships and winning work

Strong understanding of proposal strategy and interview preparation

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Exceptional organizational and project management abilities

Experience with CRM systems and opportunity tracking

Ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen

Collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring others

Loves to tell stories

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

In this role, you will:

Build trusted relationships with clients and industry partners.

Increase the firm's visibility in target markets.

Help shape the future direction of Explore Design.

Collaborate with a talented marketing and branding team to tell our story.

Drive sustainable growth while strengthening our culture.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our office is in the Historic Anchorage Train Depot

Flexible working hours

Collaborative and supportive studio environment

Opportunities to attend conferences, client events, and professional organizations

A culture built on creativity, curiosity, and community

BENEFITS

Competitive compensation aligned with experience

Flexible schedule and paid time off

401(k) with profit sharing

Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, AD&D, disability, and life insurance

Professional development and conference attendance

Support for industry certifications and continuing education