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TowerPinkster · 19 hours ago

Director of Higher Education | Senior Designer

United States

Full-time

Remote

Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

15+ years exp

TowerPinkster is an innovative architecture, engineering, and interior design firm based in the Midwest. They are seeking a talented leader and senior designer for the Higher Education market sector to lead business development, cultivate client relationships, and oversee design projects. This role requires strong mentorship skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Consulting

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Lead business development efforts in the Higher Education market sector and participate in other sectors based on past and current relationships and business network

Dedicate time each week to active business development tasks (calls, prospective client meetings, potential project pursuits, community events, etc), which shall include after-hours events

Develop letter proposals and work with the Business Development and Marketing teams to lead development of RFQ/P proposal responses for various project pursuits, which include content development. Lead and provide strategy and direction for interview presentations, as required

Identify annual sales capture within the market sector and set annual sales goals for the market

Author the market plan for the Higher Education market sector, including project pursuits, advancing expertise, strengthening our reputation in sector, and defining advertisements / sponsorships / PR opportunities. Develop and manage the market sector budget including related labor and expenses

Establish and maintain positive relationships with current/past clients, various higher education institutions (public Universities, Community Colleges, Private Colleges) and other related organizations, and other higher education organizations in our geographic markets

Identify potential community engagement opportunities to enhance your profile in the community

Update marketing contacts weekly and attend Business Development meetings and others as needed

Strive to be a higher education expert and create content for publication on blog, website, newsletter, and/or other media platforms. Participate in speaking engagements and writing articles that promote the Firm as an industry expert in the market sector

Mentor/develop other team members in business development roles and activities

Attend industry/market sector conferences for professional growth, networking, and promotion of our services

Develop white papers, speaking engagements and web content to support Higher Education expertise

Report to the Director of Business Development on the Higher Education market sector activities and interface with the Manager of Marketing + Communications on various initiatives to advance the reputation of the market sector

Work in other roles within a project team, which may consist of client management, planning, programming, concept design, quality control, project management, and/or key skills that result in successful projects and satisfied clients

Client management of relationships for project specific work and/or to maintain client satisfaction with various client contacts. Oversee client satisfaction feedback

Mentor design team members and promote learning opportunities

Coordinate with Design Department leadership to delegate work assignments for growth, matching responsibility to individuals and providing mentorship and coaching

Work independently and report to a Design Supervisor in Grand Rapids for reviews and resources

Set overall project expectations and monitor activities and progress of the project

Lead medium to large size project design and project teams (25,000sf to 200,000+sf)

Lead the project programming phase to understand client needs and desires

Develop design concepts (architecture, interior design, master planning, or landscape architecture) through an iterative process and lead discussions during concept design to refine ideas and gain client approval

Interpret, organize, and coordinate design assignments for the team while executing client vision

Plan and develop design projects with high complexities

Research and implement sustainable design approaches into project solutions

Lead exploration of subject areas, definition of scope, selection and development of concepts and building systems appropriate to client desires

Create design elements, design coordination, renderings and graphics utilizing strength of design department

Lead material definition, system design of envelope, and interior character while coordinating with the Interior Designer

Lead code, zoning, and municipality research to ensure compliance with requirements

Author the Design Statement, Schematic Design Narrative, and support the development of outline specifications

Support role in project coordination and document development (all phases)

Qualification

Business DevelopmentClient Relationship ManagementDesign ExpertiseProject ManagementLicensed ArchitectProposal GenerationSustainable DesignTeam CollaborationGraphic DesignTechnical SkillsNetworkingCommunication SkillsMentoringTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsLeadership

Required

Licensed Architect, Certified Interior Designer, Certified Master Planner, or Licensed Landscape Architect with a minimum of 15 years' experience

Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited program

Experience with Business Development and Proposal generation

Experience with managing and maintaining positive client relationships

Experience with all phases of project development; including studies, programming, concept development through construction administration

Experience with various project delivery methods (CM, GC, Design-Build, Design-Assist, IPD, etc.)

Ability to sketch and draw by hand and create computer generated 3D graphics

Strong design sensibilities and leadership in early phases of project development

Dynamic graphic presentations and design and communication skills

Command of constructability and material selections that relate to design expression

Comprehensive understanding of the business development role of an architecture and engineering firm, and strategies for proactive pursuits of clients and projects

Proficient with establishing project fees, project schedules, and work plans

Excellent verbal and written communication, team collaboration, organization, and time management skills

Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, stakeholders, and the general public and represent the Firm positively in the community

Strong background and success with project and people management

Ability to interact positively and professionally with clients, team members, and partners

Will likely spend time in our various office locations - Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, New Albany/Louisville, and possible future location(s)

Periodic travel for client meetings, business development, and conferences

Participation in professional organization memberships, meetings and conferences

Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project

Knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, etc

Knowledge of Google Workspace, including Slides, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, etc

Solid foundational knowledge of health and safety codes

Preferred

LEED, WELL or LFA accreditation preferred

Benefits

Industry-leading compensation package - paid overtime, performance bonuses, and profit sharing.

National award-winning culture and a supportive work environment that empowers employees to stay healthy, fulfill their interests and passions, and balance work and life goals.

A collaborative work environment along with many culture connection events.

Flexible work hours with a Work-Life Balance program providing six additional days off per year, and a healthy Paid Time Off program.

Paid community service hours.

A comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, short term and long-term disability benefits.

Annual team training and professional development opportunities.

The opportunity to reach your career goals with an award-winning Firm.

We highly encourage licensure, certification and professional organization memberships which are Firm paid.

Continuing educational opportunities and tuition reimbursement program.

Firm paid life and wellness coach for individuals and families in partnership with Ulliance.

Culture and wellness programs include fitness challenges, book clubs, in-office massages, medication and more.

Our Taking Shape Wellness program offers incentives up to $400 annually.