Business Development Manager & Marketing Lead

Create your new story with us.

Explore Design (ExD) is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. For more than 40 years, we've partnered with communities across the state to create authentic and joyous design that serves education, healthcare, transportation, military, civic, project management and workplace environments.

People are at the center of everything we do. We believe relationships drive great design, and we are looking for someone who shares that philosophy. Essential to our firm’s culture is supercollaboration and mentorship. We love to work together on solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager & Marketing Lead to join the ExD team. This position is responsible for driving the firm's growth through strategic business development, client relationship management, market positioning, and pursuit leadership while partnering closely with our Marketing team to deliver a cohesive and impactful marketing program, working in collaboration together.

If you enjoy connecting people, identifying opportunities, leading pursuits, and helping shape the future of a growing design firm, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role

This position serves as the firm's leader for business development and strategic marketing initiatives. The successful candidate will cultivate client relationships, identify new opportunities, oversee pursuit strategies, and guide marketing efforts that support Explore Design's long-term growth.

You will have agency and authorship on your efforts in connection with you and ExD Leadership, working together on alignments for opportunities. The candidate selected must understand the value of collaboration and leverage it in a Team environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Business Development

Develop and implement firm-wide business development strategies
Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective clients
Identify new market opportunities and strategic partnerships
Develop annual business development plans with firm leadership
Track and manage the firm's opportunity pipeline in CRM
Coordinate client outreach, networking, and targeted conference participation
Represent Explore Design in professional organizations and community events

Pursuit Leadership

Lead Go/No-Go discussions and pursuit planning
Develop pursuit strategies that align with firm goals
Develop proposal strategy and messaging
Coordinate interview preparation and presentation strategy
Participate in proposal production alongside the marketing team
Monitor pursuit success metrics and continuously improve processes

Marketing Strategy

Develop annual marketing strategies and budgets
Evaluate marketing KPIs and return on investment
Identify emerging market trends and positioning opportunities
Collaborate on thought leadership initiatives, presentations, and industry engagement
Guide market positioning across targeted sectors

Working with Leadership

Work collaboratively with Principals to establish business priorities
Partner with the Brand Manager + Marketing Lead to ensure alignment between business strategy and brand execution
Communicate to EXD staff in business development and pursuit activities
Foster a collaborative and positive marketing culture

Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business, Communications, or related fields
7+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or professional services
Experience in the AEC industry strongly preferred
Proven success developing client relationships and winning work
Strong understanding of proposal strategy and interview preparation
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional organizational and project management abilities
Experience with CRM systems and opportunity tracking
Ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
Collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring others
Loves to tell stories

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

Build trusted relationships with clients and industry partners.
Increase the firm's visibility in target markets.
Lead winning pursuit strategies.
Help shape the future direction of Explore Design.
Collaborate with a talented marketing and branding team to tell our story.
Drive sustainable growth while strengthening our culture.

Work Environment

Our office is in the Historic Anchorage Train Depot
Flexible working hours
Collaborative and supportive studio environment
Opportunities to attend conferences, client events, and professional organizations
A culture built on creativity, curiosity, and community

Benefits

Competitive compensation aligned with experience
Flexible schedule and paid time off
401(k) with profit sharing
Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, AD&D, disability, and life insurance
Professional development and conference attendance
Support for industry certifications and continuing education

Apply

If you're passionate about building relationships, growing businesses, and helping communities through design, we'd love to hear from you.

www.exploredesign.com (Take a look at our Story so far)

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

Pay: $84,000.00 - $104,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Sabbatical
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person