Client Development Manager

Schaefer; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Bonus eligibility

Stock ownership

Training and development budget

Educational assistance

Flexible work hours

Remote work opportunities

Mentoring and coaching

Regular office social events

Job summary

Schaefer is seeking a Client Development Manager who blends relationship-building with strategic thinking to expand partnerships and drive market growth. You’ll help identify opportunities and guide business development while supporting Schaefer’s client experience and industry leadership.

In this role you’ll collaborate with leadership, operations, and marketing to advance proposals, nurture long-term client relationships, and mentor teammates on best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Management, Marketing or related field.
• 8–10 years of client development, business development, marketing or related experience preferred.
• Experience in A/E/C industry, commercial real estate or economic development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support strategic growth initiatives, marketing plans and business development goals.
• Build strong relationships with clients, industry partners and community organizations.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with Schaefer’s priorities.
• Lead business development efforts including client meetings, networking and pursuits.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations to support proposals and client strategies.
• Maintain CRM activity and provide lead generation insights.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Client development

Marketing collaboration

Industry engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

This role is for a relationship-builder and strategic thinker who thrives on creating opportunities and expanding client partnerships. As a Schaefer Client Development Manager, you’ll help drive market growth, strengthen industry relationships + support strategic initiatives that expand Schaefer’s impact across the industry.

You’ll partner closely with leadership, operations teams + the client development leader to identify opportunities, develop meaningful client connections + guide business development efforts that support long-term growth. This role combines strategy, relationship management, marketing collaboration + industry engagement to help deliver the exceptional client experience Schaefer is known for.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support strategic growth initiatives, marketing plans + business development goals.
• Build strong relationships with clients, industry partners + community organizations.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with Schaefer’s strategic priorities.
• Lead business development efforts including client meetings, networking + project pursuits.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to support proposals, qualifications + client strategies.
• Maintain CRM activity, track business development efforts + provide lead generation insights.
• Partner with Client Managers to strengthen client relationships and support long-term growth.
• Represent Schaefer through industry involvement, outreach activities + professional organizations.
• Mentor team members on business development best practices + client engagement strategies.
• Support firm leadership through collaboration, innovation + commitment to Schaefer’s core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing or related field.
• 8–10 years of client development, business development, marketing or related experience.
• Experience within the A/E/C industry, commercial real estate or economic development preferred.
• Strong existing relationships within the development, owner + architectural community.
• Active involvement in industry organizations such as ULI, NAIOP, SMPS or similar professional associations.
• Strong communication, presentation + relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Results-driven mindset with strong organizational and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office products.
• CPSM certification preferred.
• Community leadership, nonprofit board involvement or committee experience preferred.
• Participation in young professional or leadership development programs is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Bonus eligibility
• Stock ownership
• Training + development budget
• Educational and professional development assistance
• Flexible work hours + remote work opportunities
• Project and leadership responsibilities at all experience levels
• New employee mentoring
• Regular office social events

Work Environment

At Schaefer, we believe leadership thrives with flexibility + connection. All team members have the option of working a hybrid schedule — in-person for greater collaboration + connection, and remotely for heads down + work/life balance. We value results over rigid schedules and trust our team members to balance priorities with the autonomy to work in the way that drives the most impact.