Business Development Assistant

Ghafari Associates; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates is seeking a Business Development Assistant to provide administrative and coordination support across the business development lifecycle, including lead tracking, proposal assistance, and client engagement coordination.

The role requires strong organization, proactive communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with responsibilities spanning scheduling, document management, and CRM updates.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree a plus.
• 3+ years of experience as an administrative assistant, preferably supporting business development or marketing.
• Experience in design and construction industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support BD lifecycle from opportunity intake through proposal submission and follow-up.
• Assist BD/Marketing with proposals, presentations, and interview materials.
• Coordinate resumes, project sheets, and team information with Marketing.
• Maintain CRM data: client contacts, opportunity status, key dates and next steps.
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, capture meeting minutes, and distribute actions.
• Coordinate travel and office logistics as needed.
• Generate basic pipeline reports for BD leadership.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Written & verbal communication

Multitasking

Organization

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Discretion

Adaptability

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Deltek

Salesforce

HubSpot

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

General Summary

The Business Development Assistant provides high-quality administrative and coordination support for the Business Development (BD) team. This role helps ensure BD operations run smoothly from lead tracking through proposal and interview support, client engagement coordination, and post-submittal follow-up. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Job Description

The Business Development Assistant provides high-quality administrative and coordination support for the Business Development (BD) team. This role helps ensure BD operations run smoothly from lead tracking through proposal and interview support, client engagement coordination, and post-submittal follow-up. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Essential Job Functions

Business Development & Proposal Support

• Support BD leadership and teams throughout the business development lifecycle, from opportunity intake and planning through proposal submission and follow-up.
• Assist BD team with research related to potential clients, markets, and industries.
• Assist the BD and Marketing teams with the development of proposals, presentations, and interview materials.
• Support responses to Request for Proposal (RFPs) and other business inquiries, including:
  • Maintaining proposal calendars and deadlines
  • Coordinating resumes, project sheets, and team information with Marketing
  • Coordinating content requests across internal disciplines
  • Compiling drafts and managing version control
• Track and maintain opportunity-related forms and records, including PIFs, teaming details, submission requirements, and deliverable checklists.
• Coordinate production support as needed (printing, packaging, shipping, and/or electronic uploads).

Client & Marketing Coordination

• Assist with scheduling and coordination for client meetings, conferences, and networking events.
• Support the maintenance of the BD pipeline by updating CRM and tracking tools, including:
  • Client contact records
  • Opportunity status and next steps
  • Key dates, notes, and follow-up tasks
• Generate and distribute basic pipeline reports and status summaries to BD leadership, as requested.
• Support the preparation and editing of presentations, meeting materials, and client communications.
• Coordinate small client-facing touches as needed (e.g., meeting arrangements, meals, gifts/recognition items, visitor access).

Administrative & Office Support

• Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and capturing/distributing meeting minutes and action items.
• Maintaining shared calendars (BD deadlines, meetings, travel).
• Coordinating travel arrangements as needed.
• Document formatting, file organization, and general administrative support using Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Coordinate with office staff and/or building management for visitor access, service requests, and office logistics when needed.
• Perform other duties assigned in an orderly and efficient manner.

Employment Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree preferred (Bachelor’s degree a plus)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in an administrative assistant role (experience supporting business development, marketing, proposals, sales, or professional services strongly preferred).
• Design and construction industry experience preferred.

Skills / Competencies

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Outlook.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and follow through with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Professional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive client and pursuit information.
• Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Deltek, Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics) preferred.
• Positive, professional, and enthusiastic demeanor in a fast-paced environment.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Accommodation

Ghafari Associates Is Also Committed To Providing Reasonable Accommodation To Individuals With Disabilities In The Employment Application Process. If You Need An Accommodation Due To a Disability To Use Our Online System To Apply For a Position, You May Also Apply For Positions In The Following Ways

• By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human Resources
• By mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human Resources
• In person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
• By email at: [e-mail]

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.