What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Manager position at Development One, Inc?
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on business development role for a motivated professional who thrives on building relationships and owning a pipeline. You will serve as the firm’s primary BD practitioner — cultivating strategic partnerships, representing Development One at key industry events, and ensuring a steady flow of qualified opportunities. You will collaborate closely with our in-house marketing lead on proposals and client-facing materials, with natural overlap between the two functions.
This role carries significant ownership and direct visibility to the Principal. It is a position for someone who wants to be known inside the firm for the work they bring in.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Pipeline & CRM Management
- Own and maintain the firm’s CRM platform — tracking leads, opportunities, follow-up cadences, and relationship history
- Prepare regular BD activity reports and pipeline updates for Principal review
Networking & Conference Representation
- Represent Development One at targeted industry events including NBAA, SAME, and sector-specific forums
- Develop and maintain an annual conference and event calendar aligned with the firm’s target markets
- Build and sustain a personal network of contacts across the federal, aviation, data center, and broader AEC communities
Strategic Partnerships
- Identify and cultivate teaming relationships with general contractors, design-build firms, developers, and consultants active in our sectors
- Pursue DBIA membership and actively seek design-build teaming opportunities
- Develop structured referral systems and maintain a network of contacts who generate repeat client introductions
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 5–8 years of business development, client relations, or strategic partnerships experience
- Background in AEC, federal contracting, aviation/aerospace, defense, or a closely adjacent field is plus
- Demonstrated track record of building relationships that result in new project work
- Comfortable and confident representing the firm at conferences, events, and client meetings
- Proficiency with CRM platforms and pipeline management disciplines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; polished and professional in client-facing settings
Preferred
- Existing relationships within the aviation, data center, or federal/institutional project communities
- Experience working in or alongside an architecture, engineering, or construction firm
- Active involvement with SAME, NBAA, DBIA, or related professional organizations
We are a lean, high-performance practice now seeking a Business Development Manager to help accelerate our next phase of growth.
• We promote a healthy work/life balance, and offer a competitive benefit & compensation package which includes:
• Paid time Off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays (Includes the four business days between Christmas and New Year's Day.)
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• 401k
• Innovation Bonus
• Annual bonus tied to pipeline growth, new client wins, and partnership milestones
• Professional development support, including conference attendance and relevant membership dues
• Direct mentorship from and access to the firm’s Principal
• Fun company sponsored team-building events, and opportunities for community involvement.
Salary : $80,000 - $110,000