Business Development Director | Portland​/Hybrid

Business Development Director | Portland, OR/Hybrid

Job Posting
Sep. 14, 2026

At Holst Architecture , we believe people do their best work when they are engaged in meaningful projects with clients who share our values. The Business Development Director leads Holst’s business development strategy, guiding the firm toward new work that aligns with our design strengths, supports long-term profitability, and fosters sustainable growth. As Holst’s current Business Development Director prepares for retirement, we are hiring their successor.

We anticipate a transition period of several months during which both directors will work together to ensure a smooth handoff, support knowledge transfer, effective onboarding, and continued organizational success.

Through a deep understanding of our markets, clients, and industry trends, the Business Development Director develops and supports strategic relationships, finds new pursuits, and collaborates closely with Directors and Principals to position the firm for success. The Business Development Director reports to and is accountable to the Holst Owners.

• Business Development Strategy:
  
  Lead the planning, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation of business development initiatives that support firmwide goals.
• Market Intelligence:
  Monitor market trends, emerging opportunities, client needs, and competitive conditions to inform strategic decision-making.
• Relationship Management:
  Build and strengthen relationships with clients, partners, community leaders, and industry influencers to advance Holst’s business goals and reputation.
• Pursuit Leadership:
  Advise and support strategic pursuits, including positioning, messaging, interview preparation, and quality assurance.
• Team Development:
  Mentor staff and foster a culture of business development throughout the firm, building awareness, skills, and accountability.
• Community Engagement:
  Manage Holst’s philanthropic giving and volunteer initiatives to strengthen community partnerships and employee engagement.

• Strategic Thinking & Market Insight:
  
  Ability to assess market conditions, identify prospects, and align business development efforts with firm goals.
• Relationship Building:
  
  Demonstrated success developing trusted relationships that lead to long-term partnerships and new business potential.
• Communication & Influence:
  Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent Holst effectively.
• Planning & Execution:
  Strong organizational skills with the ability to move initiatives from strategy to implementation while maintaining accountability and momentum.
• Problem-Solving & Judgment:
  Ability to analyze complex situations, name solutions, and provide informed recommendations to firm leadership.
• Initiative & Curiosity:
  Self-directed, proactive, and motivated to identify opportunities, strengthen relationships, and advance the firm's strategic aims.
• Full time, salaried position.
• Must be located in the Portland Metro Region.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility to work from home up to 50% of the time.
• Familiarity with the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regional development trends.
• Willingness to regularly attend events and meetings outside of standard business hours.
• Ability to travel overnight out of town as needed.

• 10+ years of business development, marketing, client development, or related experience, preferably within the AEC industry
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing business development strategies that result in new client relationships and projects
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and business development…