Client Development Leader - PK-12 Education

Posted:
3/20/2025, 9:05:37 AM

Location(s):
Illinois, United States ⋅ Darien, Illinois, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy ⋅ Sales & Account Management

Are you looking for an opportunity to do challenging, creative work that makes a real impact? Would you like to be part of a company that respects individual contributions, thrives on collaboration and encourages innovation? Do you love to develop deep client relationships and help win work? Then consider joining Wight & Company. We are a nationally recognized, award-winning architecture, engineering, and construction firm known for a dynamic company culture that fosters innovation and challenges the status quo. We are looking for a talented, passionate leader to help grow our PK-12 Education Market, both now and deep into the future.

The PK-12 Client Development Leader will play a pivotal role in collaborating with our PK-12 Education Leadership Team to shape the firm's growth and direction, as well as provide market-focused expertise. Experience, knowledge, leadership, and industry insights will be instrumental in success. This is an opportunity to help shape, inspire, lead and grow in a dynamic, creative, and fun professional environment.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The PK-12 Client Development Leader will need to dig deep, roll up their sleeves and do what is necessary to help the firm consistently win work – from developing new relationships, filling the pipeline with new opportunities all the way through to contract signing – while sustaining strong working partnerships with clients and business partners. Serving as a thoughtful voice in the initial stages of planning, design and construction will be encouraged.

Relationship Development & Pursuit Leadership

  • Develop and expand a network of relationships within the Illinois PK-12 Education market
  • Lead strategic pursuits including developing win strategy, leading proposal/interview development, and seeing through contract negotiation and execution
  • Conduct new opportunity/business development research, regular reporting, and forecasting
  • Develop deep client partnerships and business relationships to help sustain success and optimize repeat work

Strategic Thinking & Professional Growth

  • Work collaboratively as a key member of our PK-12 Education Leadership Team to develop strategies and work plans to sustain success and achieve growth
  • Develop and communicate the strategic direction to internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and employees
  • Continuing professional development within PK-12 industry groups to deepen knowledge, enhance understanding of trends and best practices, and to grow situational fluency
  • Represent the firm at industry events, local and national conferences, while seeking out speaking engagement and leadership opportunities

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and engage people at all levels
  • Proven record of accomplishment of work in the PK-12 education market
  • A creative problem solver with strong analytical skills
  • Exceptional communication skills including writing, graphics, and speaking
  • Three plus experience in business development, market leadership, and developing strategic partnerships preferred but not required
  • Knowledge of design practices and construction delivery methods is a plus
  • Degree in architecture, construction, or a building industry related field is beneficial
  • Ability to work and think independently, thrive through challenges and instill a can-do attitude, while having fun at work

 

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.

Wight & Company offers excellent benefits and a wonderful work environment. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k). Our flexible work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance. For more information about our company, visit our website at www.wightco.com.

Wight & Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Please view the following links for more information - EEO, EEO Supplement, and Pay Transparency.

Wight & Company values diversity in our workforce. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please call us at 630.969.7000 and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.

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