Education Industry Manager - Client Relations
About The Position
At Findorff, we bring expertise and value in construction that extends far beyond building. From humble beginnings in 1890, Findorff has now grown to become one of the region's most trusted construction firms. As an employee-owned company, our staff take pride in shaping communities through a commitment to quality and relationships. We are seeking an Education Industry Manager - Client Relations who will focus on growing our presence and partnerships within the thriving K-12 and higher education industries. This strategic leader will own client acquisition, internal and external relationship management, and market expansion, helping to shape Findorff’s future by aligning business development efforts with our overall growth goals.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in business development, client relations or related fields, ideally in K-12 or higher education construction or AEC industry.
- A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, develop plans, and execute effectively.
- Skilled in public speaking, business writing, and presentation development, with the ability to guide and inspire both internal and external partners.
- Proven track record of building trusted, long-lasting partnerships.
- A team player who values cross-functional collaboration and contributes to an inclusive workplace.
- Comfortable using CRM tools and other systems to manage leads and maintain client data.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 5+ years in business development, client relations, marketing, communications, or related field with a proven record of success is preferred
- 5+ years of education or construction-related experience is a plus
Responsibilities
- Identify and lead new project opportunities within the education industry, from initial lead generation through project award
- Manage the full pursuit lifecycle, including strategy, proposal development, and interview preparation
- Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop high-quality pursuit materials
- Coach and guide teams to deliver strong, competitive project interviews
- Track and maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, and client interactions
- Lead pursuit debriefs and apply lessons learned to improve future outcomes
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, prospects, and industry partners
- Support client growth through proactive outreach, referrals, and ongoing engagement efforts
- Contribute to client retention strategies by ensuring consistent follow-up and relationship management
- Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and professional associations
- Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging needs in the education industry
- Analyze client and market data to inform business development and growth strategies
- Partner with internal leaders to develop and execute marketing and industry action plans
- Assist in creating marketing materials, case studies, presentations, and other business development content
- Actively participate in community and industry engagement activities to enhance brand visibility
- Maintain involvement in professional organizations to strengthen market presence and connections
Benefits
- Competitive pay and benefits
- A people-first, inclusive culture
- Onsite fitness center
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Generous PTO and floating holidays
- Healthy 401(k) and Profit Sharing
- Paid Parental Leave
- Findorff Shop credit to buy company swag
- Career growth and development
- Mentorship and guidance
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
