Higher Education Business Development Leader

DLR Group•Orlando, FL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Higher Education Business Development Leader based in Orlando to grow its Higher Education practice. This individual will shape and execute a growth strategy, partnering with Southeast leaders, local studios, and integrated design teams. The role involves building relationships with colleges and universities, identifying opportunities, and positioning DLR Group to help institutions advance their academic missions. DLR Group’s Higher Education practice focuses on designing spaces that emphasize academic learning and social development, transforming the educational landscape by working with clients to set new horizons for learning and living that enrich campus communities. The team utilizes evidence-based design to strengthen student and faculty engagement and helps navigate challenges posed by rapid technological, social, and cultural change. Their work includes campus planning, academic and research environments, student life, libraries, workforce training, arts, and athletics, supported by research on the Evolution of Campus to plan for changing student needs.

Requirements

Six or more years of business development, client development, or related experience, preferably in higher education, architecture, engineering, construction, or professional services.
Knowledge of the Southeast higher education market and the ability to build relationships with institutional decision-makers.
Demonstrated ability to develop growth strategies, cultivate senior-level relationships, and turn opportunities into competitive pursuits.
Experience supporting proposals, presentations, interviews, or other pursuit activities with messaging tailored to client needs.
Strong collaboration, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while working across offices and disciplines.

Responsibilities

Partner with regional and local Higher Education leaders to develop and execute a business development strategy for the Southeast.
Work with studio and design leaders to identify target institutions, establish market priorities, and develop relationship and pursuit plans.
Build DLR Group’s presence with public and private colleges, universities, and community colleges throughout the region.
Cultivate relationships with institutional leaders, facilities and planning teams, academic stakeholders, foundations, and industry partners.
Identify opportunities across campus planning, academic and research facilities, student life, and other areas of DLR Group’s Higher Education practice.
Collaborate with designers, architects, engineers, planners, and marketing professionals on pursuit strategies, proposals, interviews, and presentations.
Lead business development meetings that establish priorities, responsibilities, and next steps.
Mentor team members in relationship development, client engagement, and pursuit strategy.
Stay informed about regional higher education trends, institutional capital plans, funding priorities, procurement processes, and professional associations.
Represent DLR Group at industry events and in conversations with prospective clients and partners.