Director of Business Development

Ingenuity empowered by curiosity.

Albert Kahn Associates is driven to question the status quo in search of creative and long-lasting design and engineering solutions that solve our client’s challenges. We help them do what they do even better. We engage our communities in the design of the built and natural environments to foster genuine belonging and leave a positive impact on our world. We improve life through design.  

Position Summary  
The Director of Business Development provides strategic leadership for Albert Kahn Associates’ growth initiatives. This role focuses on high-level market positioning, cultivating executive and civic relationships, and guiding the firm’s Principals in business development activities. The Director serves as a visible representative of Kahn in the marketplace, ensuring that the firm is aligned with opportunities that support its legacy, values, and long-term strategic goals.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a relentless drive to win new work, motivated by measurable results and energized by competition. They thrive on shaping strategy, anticipating opportunities before competitors, and creating meaningful connections that open doors for the firm’s leaders. They are equally skilled at translating activity into clear reporting and metrics, giving executive leadership a clear picture of progress and positioning.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Define and implement business development strategies that align with firmwide goals.

• Build and strengthen relationships with executives, civic leaders, institutional clients, design-build partners, and industry partners.

• Proactively connect Kahn’s Principals and senior leaders with prospective clients and partners, creating introductions and guiding them into new opportunities.

• Anticipate and identify large-scale initiatives, capital programs, and market shifts before competitors, positioning Kahn to lead.

• Actively participate in industry boards, community leadership groups, and civic organizations to elevate Kahn’s profile.

• Collaborate with executive leadership and marketing to identify and pursue strategic activities, organizations, partnerships, and thought leadership opportunities that strengthen Kahn’s brand and community integration.

• Report regularly to executive leadership on business development activity, pipeline metrics, strategy progress, and competitive insights.

• Collaborate with operations and marketing leadership to ensure strategies, pursuits, and messaging are fully aligned.

• Provide mentorship to business development staff and Principals, modeling a strategic, client-first approach.

• Maintain strong awareness of competitor activity, industry trends, and client needs, sharing insights with firm leadership.

• Evaluate opportunities for strategic fit, profitability, and long-term client value.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

• 15+ years in BD, marketing, or client leadership roles within the AEC industry or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability to secure and influence executive-level relationships.

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with a track record of anticipating opportunities and shaping outcomes.

• Highly self-motivated, results-driven, and entrepreneurial in approach.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with both internal leadership and external partners.

• Experience in reporting, metrics tracking, and presenting strategy to senior executives.

Why join us?   
Diverse projects. Drive to Innovate. Collaborative team. Kahn Legacy. Employee Owned. Work-Life Balance.

Full-time positions also offer competitive salary and benefits including: 401K with employer match, discretionary bonuses, vacation and sick time, floating day of choice, wellness stipend and a hybrid work arrangement.

Albert Kahn Associates is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We realize that not everyone will meet 100% of our desired qualifications, but they could still be a great fit!