Client Lead

Gordon M. Buitendorp Associates, Inc.•Rockford, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Richard L Johnson Associates (RLJA), a GMB team, is hiring a Client Lead to join our team in Rockford, Illinois. Our ideal candidate is a proactive and relationship-driven sales leader passionate about education and community impact. They excel at identifying opportunities, building client trust, and guiding projects from inception to completion. They embody the characteristics of our ideal teammate: humble, hungry and smart. We believe that the foundation of any relationship is built on trust and commitment which is reflected in our team-based approach to client care. Client Leads get a front row seat to experience how our work with communities equips students for lifelong learning. GMB’s Richard L. Johnson Associates brand is an education-focused architecture partner serving K-12 schools and community colleges across Northern Illinois for the past 45 years. We know the communities we serve, understand the realities of educational facilities, and work alongside our clients as part of their team - not simply as a consultant. We're an employee-owned company. This means that 100% of the ownership at Richard L. Johnson Associates, a GMB team, is held by us as employees. Our creativity, skills, and expertise have a direct impact on our value and growth. Your role as a teammate will have a direct impact on the company's actions and result in a share in its profits. We don’t operate within a hierarchical pyramid structure; instead, we operate like a network of teams that come together around specific goals working toward our overarching purpose. We think this is a better way to work and help everyone reach their potential. Finally, we embrace a flexible workplace that empowers each person to decide where and how they work best. Our inclusive, people-first culture encourages teams to collaborate, communicate and find fulfillment personally and professionally, regardless of location or schedule.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge level who works independently and identifies and proactively tackles challenges in their area.
10+ years of experience in AEC business development, sales, client relations, or related field.
Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Educational Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
Experienced in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the education sector, with a history of winning significant projects.
Understanding of the marketing process, client interviews and relationship building strategies.
Communication/presentation skills to lead meetings with clients and facilitate user engagement.
Outstanding organization, collaboration, communication (both verbal and written) and planning skills.
Ability to keep all stakeholders engaged and informed.
Understanding of project scope in relation to client contracts and any impacts to company liability.
Must have current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) or similar credentials in sales and business development
Familiarity with referendum planning and campaigns
Familiarity with documentation tools (Revit, SketchUp) and graphic programs (InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite) as they relate to client presentations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Teams
Experience with both K-12 and Higher Education markets

Responsibilities

Generate leads, communicate RLJA’s value proposition, and provide thought leadership to establish trusted advisor relationships.
Build and expand relationships within client and prospective client organizations, identifying who we know, who we need to know, and where stronger connections could create future opportunities.
Bring the right disciplines from across all GMB teams, specialists, market knowledge, and leadership into client relationships based on their needs and opportunities, including referendum planning and campaign support.
Maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout project execution.
Promote a culture of trust, creativity, and knowledge sharing through open communication and mentorship.
Oversee the transition from proposal and interview phases to project team formation with the Project Lead.
Collaborate with internal Client Lead and K-12 and Higher Ed teams across GMB’s Ecosystem of Teams to develop client leadership strategies and best practices.