Director of Local Government Markets

Posted:
3/20/2025, 9:02:13 AM

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

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy

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 professional to help lead and grow our Local Government Markets both now and deep into the future.

The Director of Local Government Markets (units of government across municipal, county and state levels) will play a pivotal role in leading and collaborating with our Local Government 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 Director of Local Government Markets will have the opportunity to leverage a strong portfolio, broad client base and a growing professional team. The Director 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.

Relationship Development & Pursuit Leadership

  • Develop and expand a network of client and partner relationships within the Illinois Local Government markets (municipal, county and statewide)
  • Actively attend and participate in variety of regional council of government groups, economic development organizations and other county/municipal leadership networks
  • 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 with other leaders within the firm to develop and implement a long-term strategic direction for the Local Government Markets
  • Communicate the strategic direction to internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and employees
  • Work collaboratively as a key member of our Local Government team to develop and implement work plans to sustain success and achieve growth
  • Recruit, develop and grow an in-house team of experts and professional resources in planning, design, engineering, construction and related services
  • Continued professional development within Local Government industry groups to deepen knowledge, enhance understanding of trends and best practices
  • Represent the firm at industry events, local and national conferences, while seeking out speaking engagement and leadership opportunities

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Five to ten years of experience in business development, market leadership, and developing strategic partnerships preferred
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and engage people at all levels
  • Proven record of accomplishment and/or work experience across various levels of local government
  • A creative problem solver with strong analytical skills
  • Exceptional communication skills including writing, graphics, and speaking
  • Understanding of economic development programs and the role local governments can play to incentivize growth 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: $150,000 - $180,000. 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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