Regional Business Development Director

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients’ greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

We are seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Regional Business Development Director to lead growth across a dynamic, multi-market East region. This role will partner closely with regional and market leadership to shape strategy, deepen client relationships, and position the firm for sustained, profitable growth.

This is an opportunity for a senior business development leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and execution-and who is motivated to build high-performing teams and elevate business development impact across the organization.

Working with us, you will:

• Drive Strategy & Market Growth
  • Lead and execute regional business development strategies, aligning office, market, and studio efforts with firmwide priorities and growth targets.
  • Analyze market trends, client needs, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and guide decision-making.
  • Partner with leadership to pursue expansion into new markets, sectors, and client segments.
  • Set BD goals and track performance to ensure accountability and measurable progress.
• Build Client Relationships & Position the Firm
  • Develop and expand relationships with key clients, partners, and industry leaders to strengthen market presence.
  • Lead proactive pre-positioning efforts to identify and advance high-value opportunities early.
  • Drive capture planning for priority clients and pursuits, aligning teams around a clear path to win.
  • Use CRM (Microsoft Dynamics) to manage pipeline, track opportunities, validate accuracy and inform strategy.
• Lead Pursuits & Win Work
  • Shape early pursuit strategy, including positioning, win themes, and teaming approach.
  • Partner with marketing and technical teams to develop compelling proposals and messaging.
  • Coach teams for interviews, elevating clarity, confidence, and overall performance.
• Elevate Visibility & Build Teams
  • Guide conference, event, and thought leadership strategies to enhance market visibility.
  • Lead and develop a regional BD team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Identify capability gaps and implement tools, training, and best practices to strengthen performance.

An ideal candidate has:

• 15+ years of business development experience, preferably within the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) or professional services industry.
• Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies that translate into measurable results.
• Strong client relationship skills, with a track record of building trust and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
• Experience leading complex pursuits and guiding teams through competitive procurement processes.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $152,000 to $179,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this Application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.