Director - Client Development

dahlingrouparchitectureplanning; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

401(k)

Job summary

DAHLIN in Northern California seeks a Director of Client Development (Multifamily) to lead market growth and strengthen client relationships from pursuit through project delivery.

The hybrid leadership role requires an established network of developers, owners, and industry partners, with a track record of generating new business in multifamily housing, and a commitment to firm leadership and client excellence.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive architecture experience with a focus on multifamily housing design and development.
• 10+ years of successful business development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing multifamily projects through client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop Northern California multifamily market development strategy.
• Lead pursuit efforts and major client opportunities.
• Build relationships with developers, owners, municipalities, and investors.
• Mentor team members in business development and client engagement.

Skills

Strategic BD

Relationship management

Executive communication

Market analysis

Mentoring/leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect preferred

Job description

Director of Client Development (Multifamily) - Northern California DAHLIN

DAHLIN is a diverse, award-winning architecture, planning, and interiors firm practice with offices located throughout the Western United States. We offer 50 years of experience building communities where we live and work, driven by the vision of creating places that promote human fulfillment and well-being. This same Passion for Place® starts with our own working environment - a positive community where people thrive. Please visit our website www.dahlingroup.com to learn more.

The Director of Client Development, Northern California will serve as DAHLIN's market ambassador for the Northern California multifamily sector, helping strengthen the firm's reputation, expand its client portfolio, and drive sustainable revenue growth through strategic relationships and market leadership.

This hybrid doer-seller leadership role combines high-level business development with deep architectural expertise and credibility to advise clients on planning, design, entitlement, and project delivery. The ideal candidate brings an established network of developers, owners, builders, investors, municipalities, and industry partners throughout Northern California, along with a proven track record of generating new business within the multifamily housing sector.

Working closely with firm leadership, practice leaders, and marketing, this individual develops market strategies, identifies emerging opportunities, leads pursuit efforts, and serves as a trusted advisor throughout the client lifecycle—from initial relationship development through project execution. Success in this role is measured by revenue growth, expansion of strategic client relationships, development of a robust pipeline, market influence, and long‑term partnerships that reinforce DAHLIN's leadership throughout Northern California.

How We Lead

We believe organizational health is our greatest competitive advantage. We expect every member of our leadership team to put the interests of the enterprise ahead of their individual goals and to actively contribute to the health and effectiveness of the firm. Technical excellence matters, but we believe healthy leadership teams outperform brilliant but dysfunctional ones. We value humility over ego, clarity over complexity, and teamwork over individual achievements.

What You'll Do

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and execute DAHLIN's Northern California business development strategy aligned with firmwide growth initiatives.
• Leverage an established network ("book of business") to generate new client relationships and project opportunities.
• Lead business development efforts focused on multifamily housing.
• Build relationships with developers, owners, municipalities, brokers, consultants, contractors, and industry influencers.
• Represent DAHLIN at industry organizations, conferences, speaking engagements, and community events.
• Develop annual market development plans identifying target clients, market sectors, revenue opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with multifamily developers, ownership groups, investors, and strategic partners to expand DAHLIN's market share throughout Northern California.

Client and Sales Leadership

• Build and lead executive-level meetings with owners, investors, and development teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor by understanding client business goals and aligning DAHLIN's services accordingly.
• Ensure exceptional client experience from pursuit through project completion.
• Lead major pursuit strategies and Go/No-Go decision‑making.
• Partner with Marketing and technical teams to position DAHLIN competitively.

Technical, Market, and People Leadership

• Utilize architectural expertise to engage clients in meaningful discussions regarding design solutions, planning, entitlement, construction feasibility, and project delivery.
• Provide technical insight that builds client confidence and differentiates DAHLIN from competitors.
• Partner with practice leaders to position DAHLIN's design expertise as a competitive differentiator during client pursuits.
• Monitor multifamily housing trends, financing, entitlement activity, legislative changes, and competitive market conditions to identify emerging opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team environment that supports engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities that help team members grow and perform at their highest potential.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote open communication to align individual contributions with firm goals.
• Mentor architects and project leaders in business development and client engagement.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture. Licensed Architect strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience within architecture with focus on multifamily housing design and development.
• 10+ years of successful business development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing multifamily housing projects through strategic client relationships and business development efforts.
• Strong understanding of architecture, entitlement, planning, and project delivery.
• Experience working in Northern California.
• Strong understanding of California development trends and regulatory environments.
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions. Please note that visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading complex pursuit strategies and negotiating professional service agreements.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and executive relationship‑building skills

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates genuine humility while possessing strong professional confidence.
• Comfortable engaging in healthy conflict rather than avoiding difficult conversations.
• Values team success above personal recognition.
• Naturally seeks clarity before consensus.
• Believes culture is measurable, manageable, and every bit as important as financial performance.
• Holds peers accountable with respect and courage.
• Enjoys building trust before building process.

We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer the opportunity to participate in a pre‑tax Flexible Spending plans for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and 401k. The salary range for this position is $150,000-$162,500 depending on qualifications. Placement within this pay range will be determined by factors such as education, qualifications, project complexity and/or experience. The maximum is reserved for candidates who currently meet all job requirements. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

One last note… We regret that due to the large volume of inquiries, we are unable to accept phone calls regarding the status of applications. We'll be sure to contact you if we need more information. #LI-Hybrid

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse community of professionals. As such, women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. Our firm participates in E-Verify.

DAHLIN is committed to integrity in hiring. Please click here for an important notice on Recruitment Fraud.

DAHLIN values your privacy. Please click here for additional information.

We do not accept resumes from recruiters, placement agencies, or other staffing vendors who have not signed an agreement with us. Unsolicited resumes will be ineligible for referral fees.