Business Development Associate

Cerami & Associates • New York, NY

5h

About The Position

The Business Development Associate supports the firm's growth by identifying, qualifying, and pursuing new project opportunities while helping expand relationships with existing clients. Working closely with the Principal of Marketing & Business Development, the Principal of Client Management, and regional leaders, this role plays a key part in research, relationship development, client experience, and pursuit planning across targeted markets and geographies. This position is ideal for a motivated business development professional with experience in the AEC or professional services industry who enjoys networking, collaboration, and supporting seller-doer teams.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in business development and/or marketing, preferably within an AEC or professional services environment.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills with a client-focused mindset.
• Strong research, organizational, and follow-up skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Superior interpersonal skills and persuasive presentation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and project management tools (Deltek Vantagepoint and Asana preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to attend networking and industry events, including occasional evening events.
• Ability to periodically visit branch offices.

Nice To Haves

• Established networks and contacts in the A/E/C sector
• Familiarity with seller-doer business development models.
• Active involvement in local industry organizations e.g. CoreNet, ULI, SMPS, etc.
• Experience working closely with technical professionals on scopes, fees, and pursuit strategy.

Responsibilities

• Support firmwide and regional business development initiatives by identifying, researching, and qualifying new project and client opportunities.
• Assist with both new client acquisition and expansion of existing client accounts in coordination with regional leadership and client management teams.
• Research prospective clients, projects, and markets (e.g., Architects, Developers, Enterprise Clients), including ongoing analysis of market trends, competition, and industry developments.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, teaming partners, and industry influencers.
• Attend networking events, trade shows, and industry functions to generate leads, strengthen brand awareness, and gather market intelligence; report insights and follow up on opportunities.
• Schedule and participate in meetings with new and existing clients to support opportunity discovery, relationship development, and pursuit planning.
• Support pursuit planning efforts by partnering with marketing to develop clear, compelling messaging and content for qualifications, proposals, and presentations; participate in red team reviews and mock interviews as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of business development activities using CRM and project management tools (e.g., Vantagepoint, Asana), including leads, contacts, tasks, and next steps.
• Track and report progress toward account development and business development goals; prepare regular written reports on BD activities, pipeline status, and results for management.
• Actively participate in professional and client organizations, including SMPS, AIA, ACEC, AGC, ULI, PWC, and others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed