Client Advocate

Parkhill; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/flexible work schedules

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Specialized training and continuing education

Multiple health plan options

Performance bonuses

Job summary

A leading architectural and engineering firm is seeking a Client Advocate in Austin, Texas. The role involves driving regional growth by developing business strategies and maintaining relationships with clients and public officials. Applicants should have a degree in business and 15 years of experience in client relations, preferably in engineering or consulting. This full-time position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive benefits, and a focus on community investment.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in client relations or account management, preferably in engineering, architecture or consulting.
• Strong network with public sector agencies and elected officials.
• Proven success in developing government contracts.
• Proven success in developing and winning government contracts or public-sector projects.

Responsibilities

• Execute business development and government relations strategies.
• Build relationships with clients and industry leaders.
• Represent the firm at council meetings and conferences.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the firm and local, state, and/or federal government stakeholders within a region or service line.
• Researches and tracks infrastructure funding opportunities, public policy trends, and regulations affecting planning, design, and construction and provides economic, budget, and public policy analysis to leadership.
• Represents Parkhill at selective council / commission meetings / conferences / seminars.
• Works closely with regional and sector business development teams to help drive an elite client experience for existing clients.
• Utilizes client relationship management system (CRM) to document leads/opportunities, client information, and client contacts.
• Organizes and leads local client hospitality events.

Skills

Client relations expertise

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Understanding of public policy

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in business

Job description

Location: US-TX-Austin

ID: 2026-1799

Overview

The Client Advocate focuses on driving regional growth by developing and executing business development and government relations strategies in collaboration with regional leadership. It involves building strong relationships with clients, public officials, and industry partners while identifying infrastructure funding opportunities and influencing public policy to support Parkhill's long-term goals. This is a full-time position paid bi-weekly on a salary basis.

Life at Parkhill

At Parkhill, Building Community is the reason we exist. We invest in extraordinary people who love investing in their communities. We are more than planners, architects, and engineers - we are neighbors who choose to live and work in the communities we serve.

Increase your impact with our team of passionate collaborators. Whether you are a recent graduate with untapped potential or a professional with proven experience, we invite you to discover a career path designed for you.

Parkhill is one of the largest architectural and engineering firms in the Southwest with 14 offices located throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Responsibilities

• Works with Regional Business Development Leaders to execute business development and government relations strategies that drive growth within the regions we serve
• Builds long-term relationships with clients, teaming partners and industry leaders through high level communication, events and value-added advisory services
• Develops and maintains relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and regulatory bodies
• Serves as the primary liaison between the firm and local, state, and/or federal government stakeholders within a region or service line
• Research and tracks infrastructure funding opportunities, public policy trends, and regulations affecting planning, design, and construction and provides economic, budget, and public policy analysis to leadership
• Represents Parkhill at selective council / commission meetings / conferences / seminars
• Works closely with regional and sector business development teams to help drive an elite client experience for existing clients
• Utilize client relationship management system (CRM) to document leads/opportunities, client information, and client contacts
• Organize and lead local client hospitality events

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree business from an accredited college or university
• 15 years of experience specializing in client relations or account management, preferably in engineering, architecture or consulting environment
• Strong network with public sector agencies, elected officials, and industry associations
• Proven success in developing and winning government contracts or public-sector projects
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to navigate political, regulatory, and procurement environments effectively
• Familiarity with federal, state, and municipal funding streams, procurement processes, and compliance requirements

Benefits and Perks

• Life Balance: hybrid/flexible work schedules, flexible work environment, generous PTO, paid holidays.
• Investing in Your Future Growth: specialized training, continuing education, professional licensing, intern development programs, University of Parkhill.
• Competitive Benefits: Multiple health plan options, FSA for dependent care, HSA contributions, employer 401k contribution, employer-paid basic life, short/long term disability coverage, performance bonuses.
• Well-Being: mental health care, culture committees, wellness program, charitable giving match.