Client Leader - Outdoor Recreation

Help Shape the Future of Outdoor Recreation in the Heart of NWA

CEI is looking for an Outdoor Recreation Client Sector Leader - a forward-thinking, relationship-driven strategist ready to lead growth in one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

As a national civil engineering firm with deep roots in Northwest Arkansas, CEI has built a reputation for delivering creative, community-focused infrastructure that elevates quality of life. Now, we’re ready to expand that impact through parks, trails, greenways, and outdoor destinations - and we’re looking for the right leader to help us get there.

In this role, you’ll lead the charge to grow CEI’s outdoor recreation sector
. You’ll define the strategy, shape the service offerings needed to serve and grow communities, build relationships with public agencies and partner organizations, and position CEI as the trusted partner for high‑performing outdoor places – the kind that drive health, tourism, economic development, and community pride.

If you thrive on connecting vision to execution, love the big picture of regional trail networks and outdoor placemaking, and understand the details of how a concept becomes a buildable, fundable project, we’d like to talk to you.

Join a firm where your ideas can shape how communities play, explore, and connect.

CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. is a nationally recognized firm offering full‑service Civil Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying consulting services. Established in 1973, we’ve grown into a dynamic team of more than 190 professionals operating across the U.S. Our success is rooted in our commitment to people – hiring, developing, and empowering talented professionals who share our passion for innovation and community impact.

CEI is seeking a seasoned outdoor recreation professional who understands the opportunities and challenges facing communities and agencies investing in outdoor amenities today. As the Client Sector Leader – Outdoor Recreation
, you will leverage your expertise in recreation planning, public engagement, and project delivery to drive business development, elevate client experience, and position CEI as a top partner in creating connected, resilient, and unforgettable outdoor places.

You’ll cultivate relationships with city and county parks departments, regional planning entities, state agencies, federal land partners, trail and active transportation organizations, tourism/economic development groups, and nonprofits
. You’ll identify growth opportunities, guide pursuit strategy, and help CEI deliver outdoor recreation projects that are functional, fundable, maintainable, and loved by the public.

If you’re ready to advance your career by guiding the evolution of outdoor recreation infrastructure in communities nationwide, CEI could be the right fit for you.

• Develop and execute an Outdoor Recreation Business Development Plan
  , setting goals, targets, and strategies aligned with CEI’s overall strategic direction. Continuously refine your plan based on client feedback, funding cycles, partnerships, and evolving recreation priorities.
• Manage the budget for sector‑related business development efforts
  , ensuring alignment with CEI’s financial and growth objectives.
• Pursue new opportunities with municipalities, counties, regional entities, state agencies, and partner organizations, while expanding CEI’s service offerings to existing clients through cross‑discipline collaboration (civil, planning, landscape architecture, surveying).
• Define and grow CEI’s outdoor recreation service portfolio
  :
  • Trails and greenway planning/design (shared‑use paths, natural surface trails, connectivity planning)
  • Park and open space master planning
  • Trail heads, access points, and support amenities (parking, restrooms, kiosks, lighting, utilities)
  • Wayfinding, signage, and placemaking elements
  • Waterfront access, river corridors, and nature‑based recreation improvements
  • ADA accessibility upgrades and inclusive design
  • Permitting/navigation of environmental constraints, right‑of‑way, and utility coordination
• Oversee market research to identify recreation…