K-12 Education Business Development Leader

DLR Group•Washington, DC

7d•$130,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial K-12 Business Development Leader to drive growth for its K-12 Education practice across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia markets. This role involves shaping and executing the growth strategy, partnering across all levels of the firm to identify market opportunities, strengthen client relationships, position integrated design teams, and expand the firm's presence in the DMV market. The position is based in Washington, D.C. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial business development professional who can translate firmwide priorities into local action, pursue new ideas, uncover untapped opportunities, and develop creative approaches to growth. This role offers collaboration with leaders, designers, architects, engineers, planners, and marketing professionals.

Requirements

Six or more years of business development, client development, or related experience, preferably within education, architecture, engineering, construction, economic development, or another professional-services environment.
Established knowledge of key relationships within the K-12 education market in the DMV area.
Demonstrated ability to develop business strategies, cultivate executive-level relationships, and convert market opportunities into meaningful pursuits.
Experience with public procurement processes and the preparation of proposals, presentations, and pursuit materials featuring tailored messaging and persuasive storytelling.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build alignment among global, regional, and local leaders, integrated project teams, and external partners.
Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Partner with Global, Regional, and Local K-12 leadership to develop and execute business development strategies aligned with the firm’s broader business plan and growth objectives.
Collaborate with local studio and design leadership to establish market priorities, identify target clients, and build actionable client and pursuit strategies.
Lead business development efforts for the K-12 Education practice in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to strengthen the firm’s presence and visibility throughout the market.
Identify emerging opportunities, untapped relationships, and strategic partnerships that position DLR Group for long-term growth.
Build, cultivate, and maintain trusted relationships with school districts, education leaders, public agencies, community organizations, contractors, developers, consultants, and other industry partners.
Collaborate with integrated design, marketing, and technical teams to identify opportunities, develop pursuit strategies, and strengthen client engagement.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and business development guidance to members of the integrated design team.
Lead business development meetings that align strategy, priorities, responsibilities, and next steps across sector, studio, and office leadership.
Review and enhance proposals, presentations, and marketing materials to ensure persuasive storytelling and alignment with client needs.
Maintain a strong understanding of national and regional K-12 portfolios, market trends, funding priorities, public procurement processes, industry publications, and professional associations.
Serve as a visible representative of DLR Group in the market while providing internal thought leadership on business development, relationship management, and growth strategy.