Director of Business Development

Location: Downtown San Jose and Downtown Sacramento and Southern California

Aedis Architects is an award-winning design firm that seeks to positively impact our community through innovative learning and living environments. We are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Business Development to help lead and coordinate the firm’s growth efforts across California. This role partners closely with firm leadership to strengthen client relationships, support strategic pursuits, improve pipeline visibility, and expand opportunities across our education, civic, and mission-driven markets. The ideal candidate brings experience in architecture, engineering, construction, or professional services business development, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a seller-doer environment. This position includes regular client engagement, regional travel, and coordination across our San Jose, Sacramento offices, and in strategic Southern California areas. Competitive compensation, performance-based incentive opportunity, and comprehensive benefits offered.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Lead and coordinate firmwide business development initiatives aligned with Aedis Architects’ strategic growth goals across California.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with school districts, public agencies, community partners, consultants, and industry organizations.
• Collaborate closely with principals, project managers, and technical staff within a seller-doer environment to identify and pursue new opportunities.
• Track, manage, and report on business development pipeline activity, client engagement efforts, and market trends.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint preferred
• Support pursuit strategy development, including positioning, teaming, interview preparation, and proposal coordination.
• Identify and evaluate strategic opportunities within K–12 education, civic, higher education, and other mission-driven sectors.
• Coordinate regional outreach and client engagement efforts across Northern and Southern California.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, networking events, community meetings, and professional organizations.
• Help strengthen brand visibility and market presence through relationship-building and strategic communications.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness, professionalism, and follow-through with clients and partners.
• Assist leadership with market research, competitive analysis, and long-range growth planning.
• Foster collaboration and communication between offices, disciplines, and pursuit teams to support firmwide success.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of business development, client relations, marketing, or strategic pursuit experience within architecture, engineering, construction, or professional services industries.
• Strong understanding of California public sector procurement processes, particularly within K–12 or civic markets, preferred.
• Proven ability to build and maintain long-term client and consultant relationships.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and pursuits simultaneously.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities and support long-term market growth initiatives.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working effectively in a seller-doer culture.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently while supporting team objectives.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (Deltek Vantagepoint preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and business development tracking tools.
• Comfortable with regional travel throughout California for client meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Knowledge of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry landscape and trends in California.

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary ranging from $140,000 to $185,000 depending on experience
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• 401K retirement plans with matching program
• Profit sharing
• Flextime schedule options
• Enrollment in Aedis Active, our wellness and professional development program