Education Market Area Leader P5

GRAEF; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

ESOP

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability protection

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement savings plan

Free parking

Job summary

GRAEF in Chicago seeks a results-driven Business Development Leader for the Education market to expand our presence and manage key client relationships nationwide. You will lead strategic education initiatives, oversee complex projects, and act as a technical advisor to multi-disciplinary teams while maintaining billable work.

Ideal candidates have a PE registration, 8+ years in engineering market development, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with at least 8 years developing and managing a technical market or business development, selling engineering services to education facilities.
• Experience in business development planning including marketing activities, client development, presentation experience and proposal development.
• Technical project management experience is desired.
• Professional registration as a PE.
• Proven leadership experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead the business development initiatives for GRAEF’s Education market sector.
• Develop pipeline of business opportunities throughout the U.S.
• Project oversight including setting priorities and developing objectives, project financial management, and hands-on design involvement.
• Client management, including fluent presentations, contract negotiations and client development activities.
• Must be able to travel a minimum of 15% to meet with teams and clients.
• Be adaptable in a fast-paced, multi-discipline environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Serve as a technical resource for a multi-disciplined team.

Skills

Leadership

Presentation experience

Negotiation

Client management

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE registration

Job description

Elevate Your Career with GRAEF – A Top Workplace!

Are you ready to make an impact in the AEC industry while working for a company that values innovation, relationships, and professional growth? At GRAEF, we’ve been shaping communities and careers since 1961. We don’t just design buildings and infrastructure—we build lasting connections, invest in our people, and drive excellence every step of the way.

We’re looking for a dynamic, results-driven business development leader for the education sector. This is an incredible opportunity for a highly networked, forward-thinking professional to expand our presence, and maintain strong client relationships in the education sector. If you thrive on strategy, relationship building, and technical excellence, we want you on our team!

• Succeed in a Dynamic, Evolving Industry

Drive strategic education initiatives across company offices to advance consistent practices, innovation, and delivery.

• Network & Build Relationships

Cultivate meaningful connections that build professional relationships and advance organizational goals.

• Provide Leadership for Complex, Highly Visible Projects

Lead projects by setting priorities, developing objectives, and overseeing the financial performance to deliver high-impact education solutions that shape communities.

• Serve as a Key Technical Advisor

Serve as a key technical education market resource for multi-disciplined teams, providing insights and leadership.

• Engage in Problem-Solving & Improvement

Stay engaged in the design process while maintaining relatable billable hour responsibilities, ensuring your technical expertise directly contributes to project success.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead the business development initiatives for GRAEF’s Education market sector.
• Develop pipeline of business opportunities throughout the U.S.
• Project oversight including setting priorities and developing objectives, project financial management, as well as hands‑on involvement in the design process. The ability to serve as a technical resource for a multi-disciplined team.
• Job duties include project engineering and management. Client management, including abilities to make fluent presentations, contract negotiations and client development activities. Good communication skills and a proven track record in successfully interacting with clients and collaborating with internal team members is necessary.
• Must be able to travel a minimum of 15%, to work with teams in each of GRAEF’s offices and meet with clients.
• Project delivery dependent on experience, licensing and expertise.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced multi‑discipline environment.
• Be adaptable in an ever‑changing industry.

Our selection process will include candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with a minimum of 8 years of experience developing and managing a technical market or business development, along with selling technical engineering services to education facilities, including new construction, additions, renovations and repairs.
• Success in business development planning including developing strategic business plans, marketing activities, client development, presentation experience and proposal development.
• Technical project management experience is desired.
• Professional registration as a PE.
• Proven leadership experience is highly preferred.

Why GRAEF? We are proud to offer a complete benefit package to include:

• The salary range for this position is $135,000-$155,000. (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience and skill set, as well as internal and external equity.)
• Our new Chicago office is located in the President's Plaza which features many amenities and free parking.
• Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Programs
• A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
• Flexible Hours/Hybrid Schedule
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
• Exciting downtown office location, with free amenities, including onsite fitness center and more
• Free covered parking
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Casual Dress

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at:
Phone: [phone] / Email: [e-mail]

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets

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