Director of Design & Build Outreach

Job Description

Job Title:        Director of Design & Build Outreach

Department:  Business Development

Reports to:     Vice President of Business Strategy 

Note: for initial onboarding of position and launch of expanded programs, the Director will report to the Global President/CEO for at least six months.                                                        

FLSA Status:   Exempt

Location:        US (Remote)

ABOUT CEDIA

CEDIA® is the association for smart home professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of technology integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives. Learn more about CEDIA at www.cedia.org.

WHY JOIN CEDIA

Joining our team presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a dynamic environment working alongside the tech industry that focuses on making a positive difference in people’s lives. Joining CEDIA means becoming an integral part of a passionate and driven global community, where your contributions will not only be recognized but also play a pivotal role in the success of our collective endeavors. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience, this is the team where you can make a meaningful impact and thrive in your career journey.

CEDIA recognizes the critical importance of cultivating strong partnerships across the design and build community, as well as with key industry associations. With a renewed strategic focus on this sector, you will be responsible for developing and leading initiatives that position CEDIA and our members as indispensable partners and trusted collaborators.

CEDIA is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our commitment to cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered.

SUMMARY

As Director of Design & Build Outreach, you will lead CEDIA’s strategy to position smart home technology as an essential component of the modern home construction process. You will engage designers, architects, homebuilders, and their trade organizations to elevate awareness of CEDIA and foster meaningful partnerships between the design-build community and CEDIA members. Your work will directly support the increased adoption of integrated technology in both new-build and retrofit residential projects.

This role strengthens CEDIA’s influence within the construction sector through targeted events, strategic partnerships, and program development. It requires significant travel across North America to connect with designers and attend national and chapter events, along with occasional international travel to support global membership and CEDIA’s worldwide initiatives.

WHAT YOU’LL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

As Director of Design & Build Outreach, you will drive the day-to-day execution of our design & build professional engagement. This includes facilitating meaningful connections between CEDIA members and designers, architects, and builders; promoting the adoption of smart home technology within the construction sector; and advancing awareness of CEDIA as the leading trade association. Through a proactive outreach and collaboration opportunities, you will strengthen our members’ visibility within this sector and support their business growth, & whereby the inclusion of integrated technology installed by a CEDIA member becomes regularly specified in new build & renovation projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Relationship Management

• Identify, build and maintain strong relationships with allied associations including (but not limited to) those representing architects, interior designers, & custom builders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Association and the Design & Build community globally and oversee the Design & Build Program Specialist’s management of EMEA relationships.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities that advance the Association’s strategy.

Advocacy & Industry Representation

• Represent the Association at industry events at both national and chapter level.
• Gather member feedback on emerging issues and opportunities between Smart Home

Professionals and the Design & Build community.

Member Engagement & Support

• Facilitate CEDIA members’ ability to partner with Design/Build professionals as a member benefit.
• Understand member needs across the architecture, engineering, construction, and design sectors.
• Develop initiatives to increase member engagement and retention.
• Conduct regular outreach to stay connected to market trends and challenges.

Program Development

• Identify and develop educational content, workshops, and resources aligned with evolving industry needs, partnering with the Education team to ensure accuracy, relevance, effective delivery, and organizational standards.
• Support or lead the Industry Relations Advisory Council and working groups focused on sector-specific issues.
• Create industry forums that facilitate collaboration between Design & Build and Smart Home professionals.

Market Intelligence & Trend Analysis

• Monitor trends in construction technology, project delivery, trends, regulations, and economic outlook.
• Provide insights and reports to members and association leadership.
• Translate industry trends into actionable strategies for the Association.

Partnerships & Sponsorship Development

• Build mutually beneficial partnerships with manufacturers, technology providers, and service firms.
• Oversee sponsorship programs, ensuring alignment with member interests and association ethics.
• Negotiate partnership agreements and ensure value delivery.

Communications & Outreach

• Collaborate with marketing on messaging that highlights association initiatives relating to the Design & Build sectors.
• Represent the Association as a spokesperson at conferences, panels, and major industry gatherings.

Event Leadership

• Identify event opportunities and work cross-departmentally to shape content, secure speakers, and ensure strong program delivery for conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Support the creation of cross-disciplinary events to foster collaboration between Design & Build professionals.
• Partner with the Events team and other departments to ensure events run smoothly and consistently reflect current industry priorities while delivering measurable value to members.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with leadership on strategic planning and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with membership, education, and marketing teams to align outreach with organizational goals.
• Provide industry insight, informing budgeting and program development.

Industry Standards & Best Practices

• Participate in the development and dissemination of best-practice guidelines or CPD/CEU accredited materials and white papers.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proven ability to develop and maintain high-level relationships with external partners, trade associations, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the architecture, design, engineering, construction, or related built environment sectors.
• Demonstrated experience creating educational programs, workshops, or industry resources in collaboration with internal teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to monitor industry trends and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Ability to understand stakeholder needs and develop initiatives that increase engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Skilled at working across departments, including Membership, Education, Marketing, and Events, to align initiatives with organizational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex industry concepts into accessible messaging.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop team members while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Proven capacity to address challenges, resolve conflicts, and make informed decisions aligned with organizational strategy.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and project management tools to effectively track relationships, manage initiatives, and coordinate cross-functional projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises the Design & Build Program Specialist, who is based in the UK, encouraging cross-functional collaboration to achieve optimal team performance. You will carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 10 years of progressive experience in industry relations or related role.
• Proven track record building and maintaining strategic partnerships with professional associations, trade organizations, or corporate partners.
• Experience working with the design and build, architecture, construction, or smart home/technology sectors.
• Program and event management experience, including developing educational content, workshops, and cross-disciplinary forums.
• Strong public speaking and advocacy experience.

TRAVEL

This role will require extensive travel throughout North America and occasional international travel. You will primarily be based outside the office. Overnight stays and occasional weekends will be required. 

CEDIA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.