Business Development Manager & Marketing Lead

Create your new story with us.

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.
• Lead winning pursuit strategies.
• 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

Apply

If you're passionate about building relationships, growing businesses, and helping communities through design, we'd love to hear from you.

www.exploredesign.com (Take a look at our Story so far)

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

info@exploredesign.com