Principal of Higher Education | Senior Designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan at TowerPinkster

TowerPinkster is driven by the belief that thoughtful, inspired design can create a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Our work is built on trusting relationships with clients, partners, and each other. Here, you will collaborate with passionate architects, engineers, designers, and innovators who care deeply about their work and the people around them. Together, we create meaningful spaces while supporting each other’s growth and success.

YOUR PURPOSE

The Principal role is an impactful leadership position responsible for shaping the firm’s long-term business development efforts and advancing market sector strategy. You will help position the firm for growth by cultivating new opportunities, pursuing strategic clients, elevating our market presence, In collaboration with a Partner, you will be leading the development of a clear, actionable market sector plans to consistently achieve and exceed the firm’s strategic goals. You will have the opportunity to expand your professional networks, deepening market expertise, and strengthening the firm’s reputation as a trusted advisor. You will work collaboratively with team members across disciplines to apply your expertise to build strong relationships with current and future clients. You will blend business development with hands-on involvement in project programming, design leadership, project management, or other key responsibilities aligned with your knowledge expertise. This balance ensures you remain connected to your work, project teams, and the clients you serve, while driving the firm forward in support of long-term growth.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS + IMPACT

Key Leadership Actions

• Participate in leadership discussions to advance firm initiatives and strategic business goals.
• Promote positive communication and foster a collaborative work culture.
• Engage in professional and community organizations to strengthen visibility and build long-term relationships.
• Ensure project teams have a clear understanding of the project scope, roles, expectations, and deadlines.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to guide the best solutions for assigned projects and market sectors.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support project teams, business development efforts, and firmwide success.

Business Development:

• Lead business development efforts based by leveraging existing relationships and expanding your professional network.
• Dedicate consistent weekly time to active business development activities, including client outreach, prospective client meetings, project pursuits, and community or after-hours events.
• Partner with Marketing to develop letter proposals and RFQ/P proposal responses for various project pursuits, as well as lead and provide direction for interview presentations.
• Identify annual sales goals for the market sector and establish corresponding sales targets and pursuits.
• Lead or contribute to the development of the market sector plan, including project pursuits, advancing expertise, strengthening reputation, and defining advertisements, sponsorships, and public relations opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and past clients, various institutions, and other companies and community organizations in our geographic markets.
• Identify potential community engagement opportunities, such as board member, committee member, volunteer role and more, to elevate your professional presence and support firm visibility.
• Maintain and update business development contacts weekly and attend business development meetings and other coordination sessions.
• Participate in speaking engagements and author written articles that promote and position the firm as an industry expert in the market sector.
• Mentor and develop team members involved in business development responsibilities.
• Attend industry and market sector conferences for professional growth, networking, and promotion of firm’s services.

Project Oversight

• Lead project teams, overseeing client management, team structure, programming, concept design, contract review, and overall project performance to ensure successful outcomes and satisfied clients.
• Collaborate with the Project Managers to review and refine project contracts and participate in negotiations of contract language with clients, attorneys, insurance providers, and other external partners.
• Manage client relationships for project-specific work, maintain ongoing client satisfaction, and oversee client feedback processes.
• Partner with Project Managers and clients to resolve project challenges, including errors and omissions, and complex issues.
• Support Project Managers in client-requested meetings as needed.
• Participate in addressing legal issues or claims related to assigned projects.
• Monitor the profitability of projects you are leading, meet regularly with the Project Managers on project performance, and support additional service requests.
• Provide project management, design expertise, and contract administration for select projects.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

These factors highlight the knowledge and skills that contribute to success at TowerPinkster. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions.

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions while maintaining confidentiality.
• Deliver high-quality, thoughtful service by anticipating client needs and building trust through responsiveness.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, adapting style to engage diverse audiences and build strong relationships.
• Collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines to advance shared goals and strengthen firmwide success.
• Embrace change with resilience and a growth mindset, learning quickly and staying open to new approaches.
• Manage time, priorities, and resources effectively to produce high-quality work under competing demands.
• Take ownership of commitments, following through reliably and holding yourself accountable for results.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, support innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Apply strong critical thinking and sound judgment to analyze information, solve problems, and make effective decisions.

Professional Foundations

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Landscape Architecture, etc., from an accredited institution.
• Professional licensure and industry-relevant certifications and accreditations required.
• 15 + years of industry-related experience with broad project exposure across all phases and delivery methods.
• Strong business development acumen, including client pursuit strategies, proposal development, and relationship building.
• Skilled in establishing project fees, schedules, and work plans.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills, with confidence in presenting to clients, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to work across multiple office locations as needed and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, institutions, and community partners.
• Active involvement in community boards, professional organizations, and events that enhance the firm’s visibility.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project, Teams) to support business operations, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making.
• Knowledge of Google Workspace (Slides, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, Gmail) to enhance collaboration and communication across teams and clients.
• Operational understanding of Deltek Vantagepoint for project management and financial tracking.