Business Development Associate

Description About us: We are inspired Placemakers who enhance the built environment with a focus on brand and culture. Across multiple studios, Elements provides a comprehensive portfolio of products and services for the interior built environment. We combine our interiors expertise with construction capability and the collaborative, cross-functional process of human-centered design. This holistic approach to the built environment creates a seamless experience and exceptional results for our clients. This position is with our studio, 3d-identity: visual storytellers, dedicated to amplifying brands through meaningful design, immersive experiences, and authentic connections that resonate with people and celebrate culture. Elements Core Values: we before me | stay curious | know your impact | bring it | own your craft | enjoy the ride About the role: As a Business Development Associate in our 3d-identity studio, you’ll play a key role in growing our client base across the Denver market. You’ll split your time between partnering with our business development team on deals already in motion and finding new relationships of your own. Your days will be a mix of writing proposals, building fee estimates, joining client meetings and site visits, keeping our pipeline on track, and networking around town. It’s a great fit for a self-starter who wants real ownership, hands-on experience across the full sales cycle, and a place to build their BD career. What you’ll do: Manage a portfolio of active pursuits, from setting timelines and coordinating contributors to preparing agendas, materials, and follow-up for client and internal meetings. Lead proposals and RFP responses from brainstorming in Miro to final submission, bringing in input from designers and project managers on larger bids. Proposal quality and conversion are key measures of success. Develop and recommend project scopes and fee estimates based on client needs, complexity, and risk, and capture lessons from each closed pursuit to sharpen future pricing. Research and qualify new leads through industry events, referrals, LinkedIn, and AI-powered tools, uncovering new work before it comes to us. Represent 3d-identity at industry associations and local events, and serve as the go-to contact for select accounts as those relationships grow. Stay on top of active and upcoming projects in the local market, sharing insights that help shape where the studio focuses next. Keep NetSuite current (stage, next steps, contacts, pricing), flag at-risk pursuits, and contribute to forecasting and pipeline reviews, including recommending which of your own leads deserve more investment. Collaborate with sellers across Elements in weekly BD meetings, spotting clients who could benefit from more than one studio. Coordinate kickoff for new wins and hand them off smoothly to the team delivering the work. Requirements Who you are: 2-4 years of experience in coordination, estimating, proposals, marketing, or business development support. Architecture, design, construction, or related industry experience is preferred, and environmental graphic design (EGD) experience is a huge plus. A hunter at heart who takes initiative to find new business and build relationships, with experience or interest in community involvement and professional groups. Solid business and financial sense. You understand how pipeline, revenue, margin, and conversion rates connect, what makes an opportunity worth pursuing, and how to build and interpret cost estimates and budgets. Exposure to preconstruction or fee development is a plus. A strong communicator who writes clear, persuasive narratives and brings a confident, professional presence to client conversations, with a willingness to observe, learn, and eventually lead them. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the time management skills to juggle multiple deadlines and balance team pursuits with your own leads. Comfortable with ambiguity and change. You work well independently, welcome coaching, and know when to run with something on your own and when to bring in a teammate. Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and AI tools, using them to keep data accurate and work more efficiently. Experience with NetSuite or InDesign is a bonus. A bachelor’s degree isn’t required, and we weigh relevant experience equally. Work Environment: This full-time role is based in our Denver office and is primarily in person to support collaboration, relationship building, and client engagement. This individual will be either in the office or out in the market meeting with prospects. Regular local and regional travel throughout Colorado and surrounding states is expected for client meetings and project support, along with occasional domestic travel for industry events and conferences. Some early morning, evening, or weekend events are part of the role, and a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000per year Our Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Flexible Paid Time Off Retirement Plans Profit Sharing Downtown Parking Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid Parental Leave Paid Family Medical Leave Career Development and Advancement: We offer ongoing training, mentoring, and clear, defined paths for promotion to support your long-term career growth with us. EEO Statement Workplace Elements provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr