Business Development Specialist

Job Summary:

The Business Development Specialist drives targeted growth within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, with an emphasis on public-sector and civic markets. This role leads opportunity research, deepens client relationships, and supports high-quality proposal development to expand the firm's presence with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies.

Primary Essential Functions:

• Lead market research efforts by identifying strategic public-sector opportunities, including CIPs, RFPs/RFQs, grant-funded programs, and emerging civic infrastructure initiatives.
• Monitor government procurement portals, legislative funding updates, and industry platforms for high-value upcoming projects.
• Manage and refine the opportunity pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting and proactive pursuit planning.
• Strengthen relationships with public agencies through outreach, networking, and engagement at client meetings, conferences, and trade association events.
• Develop client-facing materials such as presentations, capability statements, pursuit strategies, and follow-up communication.
• Coordinate and support the development of proposals, qualifications packages, and interview preparation for major civic-sector pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with technical staff, project managers, and senior leadership to develop win strategies and pursuit narratives.
• Write, edit, and structure proposal content including project descriptions, staff bios, technical approaches, and supporting materials.
• Maintain CRM systems, ensuring accurate tracking of interactions, opportunities, metrics, and pursuit outcomes.
• Support marketing efforts by developing case studies, project spotlights, and content tailored to public-sector audiences.
  Assist in planning internal/external events including client outreach functions, industry networking forums, and community engagement activities.

Secondary Essential Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
  Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges. .

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of public-sector procurement, funding cycles, and government contracting processes.
• Knowledge of AEC industry services including planning, design, engineering, and construction management.
• Familiarity with civic infrastructure sectors such as transportation, water/wastewater, public buildings, environmental services, and community development.
  Understanding of industry tools used for tracking solicitations and market intelligence.

Skills

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including crafting compelling proposal narratives and client presentations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project-management skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and (ideally) Adobe Creative Suite.
  Strong research and market analysis skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.

Abilities

• Build and sustain productive relationships with public-sector clients, partner firms, and internal teams.
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines to support cohesive, competitive pursuit strategies.
• Translate technical content into persuasive, client-focused messaging.
• Manage tasks independently, proactively solve problems, and support strategic decision-making.
  Maintain high standards of accuracy and detail in documentation and submissions.

Qualifications:

Required

• 3-5 years of experience in business development, marketing, or client development roles in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction industry.
• Demonstrated experience working with public-sector clients or supporting civic-sector pursuits.
• Strong writing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Prior experience in the AEC industry and familiarity with technical service offerings.
• Hands-on experience preparing proposals for municipal, state, or federal agencies.
• Established relationships with civic-sector agencies or industry associations.
  Experience using industry procurement platforms (e.g., Bonfire, BidSync, eBid) and Adobe Suite

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers.
• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials
  Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team's management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.