Client Development Manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at GBBN Architects Inc

Architecture connects people to people.

The spaces we design bring people together around discovery, innovation, friendship, laughter, care, comfort, healing, collaboration, knowledge, hands-on learning, innovation, memories, breakthroughs, and joy.

We are seeking a dynamic client development manager in our Pittsburgh office to expand our presence, visibility, and relationships across the region. Beyond business development and supporting the pursuit of new work, this role will serve as a connector across civic, community, and industry networks, helping position our firm as a trusted voice in the region’s growth and transformation.

In this role, you'll partner with our Chief Marketing Officer and Market Directors to identify project growth opportunities, develop client capture plans, and prioritize opportunities to establish relationships with clients, stakeholders, and community partners in support of overall Market and Firm business development goals. You'll work closely with Pittsburgh office leadership to investigate opportunities, connect dots, and provide support in developing existing client relationships.

We're looking for an outgoing, empathetic people-person with strong community ties and a collaborative approach, experience working in Architecture or a related field with active relationships across civic, economic development and community leadership, someone who is achievement driven and goal oriented and brings persistence and strong negotiation skills to the pursuit of new relationships and opportunities.

Sound like you? Let's connect!

Key things you’ll be doing:

Business Development

• Identify, research, and evaluate new clients and partnership opportunities through direct prospecting, networking, and participation with various industry, community, and professional groups.
• Approach networking with purpose and strategy, focusing on high-value relationship building while maintaining effectiveness in daily responsibilities. Identify potential projects and opportunities ahead of competitors and prior to formal RFP release or award processes.
• Build strategic relationships with complementary partners (contractors, developers, consultants) to strengthen pursuit positioning and expand reach.

Market Presence & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with civic leaders, economic development organizations, neighborhood groups, and industry associations across the Pittsburgh region.
• Actively increase firm visibility through engagement with key organizations and networks.
• Identify opportunities for the firm to contribute thought leadership to discussions and forums.
• Proactively collaborate with local and regional media in collaboration with the CMO to position the firm in articles, interviews, and commentary.
• Represent the firm as an active participant in shaping conversations around growth, development, and design in the region.

Leadership

• Collaborate and cooperate with leadership in the development of strategic business development initiatives.
• Advise various leadership groups within the firm on overall strategy for business development for the Pittsburgh region and specific market(s).
• Strategic contributor to the annual review and strategy of the marketing plans for the market.
• Actively build business development capability within the office by coaching and mentoring staff on how to effectively represent the firm in external settings.
• Advise market leadership on emerging trends that may inform firm and market strategy.

Financial

• Understand GBBN fee structure and competitive positioning.
• Establish expectations with clients that lead to positive fee and contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with CMO and Market Directors to create annual business development plans that inform the annual firm budgeting process.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary starting at $120,000, non-commission, based on experience
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• 17 paid company holidays including a summer and winter break
• PTO commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability
• 401(k)
• Fully paid parental leave
• Hybrid work environment