Client Lead

GMB Architects/Engineers, Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned company

Flexible workplace

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Richard L. Johnson Associates, a GMB team, seeks an experienced Client Lead to join our Rockford, IL office.

This role centers on education-sector client leadership, opportunity discovery, and guiding projects from inception to completion with a trust‑first, team‑based approach. You will build and expand relationships across K‑12 and higher education clients, orchestrate cross‑disciplinary teams, and manage seamless transitions from proposals through project formation, ensuring successful

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AEC business development, sales, client relations, or related field.
• Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Educational Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experienced in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the education sector, with a history of winning significant projects.
• Understanding of the marketing process, client interviews and relationship building strategies.
• Communication/presentation skills to lead meetings with clients and facilitate user engagement.
• Outstanding organization, collaboration, communication (both verbal and written) and planning skills. Ability to keep all stakeholders engaged and informed.
• Understanding of project scope in relation to client contracts and any impacts to company liability.

Responsibilities

• Generate leads, communicate RLJA’s value proposition, and provide thought leadership to establish trusted advisor relationships.
• Build and expand relationships within client and prospective client organizations, identifying who we know, who we need to know, and where stronger connections could create future opportunities.
• Bring the right disciplines from across all GMB teams, specialists, market knowledge, and leadership into client relationships based on their needs and opportunities, including referendum planning and campaign support.
• Maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout project execution.
• Promote a culture of trust, creativity, and knowledge sharing through open communication and mentorship.
• Oversee the transition from proposal and interview phases to project team formation with the Project Lead.
• Collaborate with internal Client Lead and K-12 and Higher Ed teams across GMB’s Ecosystem of Teams to develop client leadership strategies and best practices.

Skills

AEC business development

Client relations

Sales leadership

Education market knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Professional degree (Architecture/Engineering/Construction/Business)

Tools

Revit

SketchUp

InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Outlook/Teams

Job description

Description

Richard L Johnson Associates (RLJA), a GMB team, is hiring a Client Lead to join our team in Rockford, Illinois. Our ideal candidate is a proactive and relationship-driven sales leader passionate about education and community impact. They excel at identifying opportunities, building client trust, and guiding projects from inception to completion. They embody the characteristics of our ideal teammate: humble, hungry and smart.

We believe that the foundation of any relationship is built on trust and commitment which is reflected in our team-based approach to client care. Client Leads get a front row seat to experience how our work with communities equips students for lifelong learning. Does this resonate with you? Read on!

Why Work with Us?

This is the part where most job descriptions jump into the responsibilities and requirements for the role being posted - and we'll get there shortly! But we like to start with the why instead of the what.

Our purpose is helping build strong communities through educational opportunity. We focus on projects within the educational ecosystem, from Pre-K through Higher Education and projects in our community that support lifelong learning. GMB’s Ecosystem of Teamsprovides planning, architecture, engineering, branding, and enrollment marketing services to educational institutions across the country, holistically impacting how they maximize their learner success.

About the team:

GMB’s Richard L. Johnson Associates brand is an education-focused architecture partner serving K-12 schools and community colleges across Northern Illinois for the past 45 years. We know the communities we serve, understand the realities of educational facilities, and work alongside our clients as part of their team - not simply as a consultant.

As a Client Lead withRichard L. Johnson Associatesyou will:

• Generate leads, communicate RLJA’s value proposition, and provide thought leadership to establish trusted advisor relationships.
• Build and expand relationships within client and prospective client organizations, identifying who we know, who we need to know, and where stronger connections could create future opportunities.
• Bring the right disciplines from across all GMB teams, specialists, market knowledge, and leadership into client relationships based on their needs and opportunities, including referendum planning and campaign support.
• Maintain and strengthen client relationships throughout project execution.
• Promote a culture of trust, creativity, and knowledge sharing through open communication and mentorship.
• Oversee the transition from proposal and interview phases to project team formation with the Project Lead.
• Collaborate with internal Client Lead and K-12 and Higher Ed teams across GMB’s Ecosystem of Teams to develop client leadership strategies and best practices.

What type of knowledge do I need to succeed in this role?

More than a specific degree and exact number of years of experience, we're most excited about what kind of knowledge you bring. For this role, we are seeking someone with an advanced knowledge level who works independently and identifies and proactively tackles challenges in their area.

• 10+ years of experience in AEC business development, sales, client relations, or related field.
• Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Educational Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experienced in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the education sector, with a history of winning significant projects.
• Understanding of the marketing process, client interviews and relationship building strategies.
• Communication/presentation skills to lead meetings with clients and facilitate user engagement.
• Outstanding organization, collaboration, communication (both verbal and written) and planning skills. Ability to keep all stakeholders engaged and informed.
• Understanding of project scope in relation to client contracts and any impacts to company liability.

What might set you apart from other candidates?

• Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) or similar credentials in sales and business development
• Familiarity with referendum planning and campaigns
• Familiarity with documentation tools (Revit, SketchUp) and graphic programs (InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite) as they relate to client presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Teams
• Experience with both K-12 and Higher Education markets

We might be a great match for each other if you are:

• A self-starter with great time management skills who thrives in an environment with team-based decision making.
• An individual who strives to learn and grow, is motivated by their team's success and works hard to ensure it.
• Someone who enjoys trying new ideas and constantly improving.

What you might also like to know is that:

We're an employee-owned company. This means that 100% of the ownership at Richard L. Johnson Associates, a GMB team, is held by us as employees. Our creativity, skills, and expertise have a direct impact on our value and growth. Your role as a teammate will have a direct impact on the company's actions and result in a share in its profits.

We don’t operate within a hierarchical pyramid structure; instead, we operate like a network of teams that come together around specific goals working toward our overarching purpose. We think this is a better way to work and help everyone reach their potential.

Finally, we embrace a flexible workplace that empowers each person to decide where and how they work best. Our inclusive, people-first culture encourages teams to collaborate, communicate and find fulfillment personally and professionally, regardless of location or schedule.

This is a direct hire, full time, permanent position. Salary will be commensurate with experience, including an excellent benefit package. Must have current and continuing right to work in the United States without sponsorship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.