Business Development Manager

Job Description Job Title: Business Development ManagerLocation: Washington DCReports to: Managing Principal / Director of Business DevelopmentType: Full-Time, Exempt Hybrid SchedulePosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to drive strategic growth for our integrated architecture and interior design practice. This individual will serve as a key liaison between the firm and the broader real estate, development, and design communities—proactively identifying opportunities, strengthening relationships, and advancing the firm’s presence in target markets.This role is ideal for a proactive self-starter with deep industry knowledge, strong communication skills, and a passion for the built environment. The Business Development Manager will work closely with firm leadership, marketing, and design teams to translate market intelligence into actionable opportunities that align with the firm’s vision and capabilities.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Market PositioningCollaborate with WDG leadership to define and execute annual and long-term business development strategies aligned with the firm’s goals.Conduct ongoing market research and competitor analysis to inform pursuit strategies and uncover emerging trends in architecture, interiors, and urban design.Identify growth opportunities within core markets (e.g., multifamily residential, hospitality, office-to-residential conversions, higher education, civic, commercial interiors).Position the firm for strategic pursuits, partnerships, and new geographic markets.Client Development & Relationship ManagementCultivate, manage, and deepen relationships with clients, developers, brokers, consultants, institutional partners, and industry influencers.Lead regular outreach efforts including meetings, calls, events, and tours to increase the firm’s visibility and maintain a steady pipeline of opportunities.Serve as the firm’s ambassador at conferences, industry events, and speaking engagements.Leverage relationships to gain early insight into upcoming RFPs/RFQs and project opportunities.Pursuit Leadership & Proposal DevelopmentLead the go/no-go process with WDG Leadershipfor incoming opportunities in collaboration with project leads.Coordinate pursuit strategy and proposal development—ensuring tailored responses that reflect the client’s priorities and the firm’s value proposition.Collaborate with the marketing team on the development of compelling materials including qualifications packages, presentations, interview content, and thought leadership.Manage CRM entries and reports to track leads, pursuit status, hit rates, and pipeline projections.Internal Collaboration & Team IntegrationWork closely with the teams to understand firm capabilities, project experience, and client expectations to position the firm accurately and authentically.Organize internal pursuit debriefs and post-interview reviews to ensure continuous improvement.Coordinate with marketing to promote recently completed work and team accomplishments.Qualifications5–10 years of experience in business development, marketing, or client engagement within the AEC industry or relatedprofessional services.Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with clients and collaborators.Deep understanding of architectural and interior design services, project lifecycle, and project processes.Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.Proven track record of leading successful pursuits and securing new work.Experience with CRM software (Ajera, Cosential, or similar).Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field. A graduate degree or credential in a design discipline is a plus.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)KPITarget/MetricFrequency1.New Leads Identified3-5/monthMonthly2.Client Meetings Scheduled4–6/monthMonthly3.New Pursuits Initiated2–4/monthMonthly4.Proposal Hit Rate25–40%Annually5.Revenue from New ClientsBased on annual growth target ($2M-4M/year)Annually6.Client Retention & Repeat Work% of returning clientsTracked Quarterly7.Event Participation4–6 per yearOngoing8.Thought Leadership Contributions1–2 per quarter (articles, panels, etc.)Quarterly9.CRM Data Accuracy & Engagement100% data input & pipeline maintenanceOngoing10. Competitive Analysis Company DescriptionOver eight and a half decades of great design, great execution, and passionate professionals is what our reputation is built on. Our designers embody exploration, design curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our work boasts strength in diversity. With core expertise in residential, corporate, commercial, higher education, and hospitality design, we are uniquely positioned to leverage experiences across a variety of services and practice areas.Company DescriptionOver eight and a half decades of great design, great execution, and passionate professionals is what our reputation is built on. Our designers embody exploration, design curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our work boasts strength in diversity. With core expertise in residential, corporate, commercial, higher education, and hospitality design, we are uniquely positioned to leverage experiences across a variety of services and practice areas.