The Business Development Lead is responsible for driving revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding the firm’s market presence. This role leads the full lifecycle of business development—from market research and prospecting through proposal development, negotiation, and deal closure. This role requires strategic thinking, effective communication, proactive leadership, and a focus on relationship‑building and opportunity identification in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The PreK–12 market requires specialized relationship development, long sales cycles, and deep understanding of school district procurement, funding, and decision‑making structures. As the dedicated Business Development lead for PreK-12 North Carolina and South Carolina, you will be responsible for:
- Building and manage a qualified PreK–12 opportunity pipeline.
- Strengthening relationships with school districts capital improvement decision-makers, administrators, and channel partners
- Increase win rates by aligning solutions to district needs and funding cycles.
- Create consistency and accountability in PreK–12 revenue generation.
ROLE INTENT: Establish and scale Cooper Carry’s market presence in the North Carolina and South Carolina region for PreK-12 architectural design projects.
The expectations below are designed to provide clarity, stability, and structure to expand business development and regional market responsibilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Growth & Strategy
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new business opportunities in alignment with organizational goals.
- Conduct market sector research to understand industry trends, emerging markets, and competitive landscapes.
- Develop and execute go‑to‑market strategies to penetrate new segments or regions.
Pipeline Development
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through outreach, networking, and partnerships.
- Lead discovery meetings to understand client needs and propose effective solutions.
- Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting.
Partnership & Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain relationships with school districts, charter networks, and education agencies.
- Engage with district decision‑makers (superintendents, finance officers, facilities, IT, operations)
- Represent the company at education‑focused conferences and events.
Proposal, Negotiation & Deal Closure
- Lead the development of proposals, presentations, and RFP responses.
- Collaborate with internal teams (product, finance, marketing, operations) to craft tailored solutions.
- Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure profitable deals.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Work closely with marketing to refine messaging, positioning, and lead‑generation campaigns.
- Coordinate with product and delivery teams to ensure client expectations are met or exceeded.
- Provide strategic insights into leadership regarding market shifts, risks, and opportunities.
- Coordinate with business development leaders in Denver, Atlanta, DC, and future practice locations to collaboratively grow PreK-12 Sector.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10+ years of experience in business development, client development, or related role within the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry
- Proven track record of generating and securing new business and building long-term client relationships.
- Strong understanding of the architectural design process and project delivery methods
- Existing relationships with North Carolina and South Carolina school district decision-makers
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and deliver results.
- Experience working across multiple markets or regions preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, (or equivalent experience)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Majority of time is spent in sitting position
- Ability to move throughout the office either by walking or through assisted means
- Ability to participate in site visits either by walking or through assisted means
- Lifting loads up to 20lbs through direct or assisted means
- Travel to job sites or meetings is required
Cooper Carry is an Affirmative Action/EEO Employer who values workplace diversity and consider applications regardless of age, race, gender, religion, color, sex, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, individuals with disabilities or other status protected by law Cooper Carry provides a drug free workplace.