Bachelor's degree (B.A.) with 4+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.
Proven track record in securing new business and nurturing client relationships.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Collaborative approach to working with teams and external partners.
Experience in leading strategic planning for business development and mentoring team members.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Willingness to travel for meetings and community events, including evenings.
Responsibilities
Build and strengthen relationships with school districts and industry partners.
Identify and pursue strategic business opportunities in K-12 and manufacturing sectors.
Develop a strong presence in key markets through networking and community involvement.
Cultivate relationships with current and past clients to uncover future opportunities.
Collaborate with operational leaders to align business development with growth goals.
Maintain an active pipeline of leads and prospective opportunities.
Support K-12 clients in planning and pre-referendum efforts, engaging key stakeholders.
Benefits
401K with a 5% company match.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time employees.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Health Savings and Flex Spending Account options.
Generous paid time off programs for well-being and self-care.
Parental benefits available.
Well-being and Employee Assistance Program.
Incentive Compensation Program.
Employee engagement events and professional training opportunities.
Full Job Description
This role is internally classified as Business Development Manager at Estes Construction.
We're looking for a strategic, relationship-driven Business Development Manager (ICAT Services Advocate) who enjoys connecting people, identifying opportunities, and building lasting partnerships. You'll help grow our business across Iowa's K-12 education and manufacturing markets while developing trusted relationships with clients, school leaders, design professionals, and community partners. The ideal candidate combines business acumen and strategic thinking with the ability to turn meaningful relationships into long-term opportunities.
Responsibilities, but are not limited to, the following:
Build and strengthen relationships with school districts, design professionals, industry partners, clients, and community leaders.
Identify and pursue strategic business opportunities within Iowa's K-12 and manufacturing markets.
Develop a strong presence in key markets through industry associations, civic organizations, networking, and community involvement.
Cultivate current and past client relationships to identify future opportunities and build lasting partnerships.
Collaborate with company and operational leaders to align business development efforts with strategic growth goals.
Maintain an active pipeline of leads, relationships, and prospective opportunities.
Support K-12 clients through planning and pre-referendum efforts, developing relationships with key district stakeholders and helping advance project goals.
Partner with project teams throughout planning and design to ensure client goals remain at the forefront.
Identify marketing and community engagement opportunities that strengthen brand awareness and market presence.
Represent the company at school board meetings, industry events, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, open houses, and other community activities.
Lead with strategic thinking, accountability, collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to an exceptional client experience.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, collaboration, and excellence.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated history of securing new business opportunities and fostering client relationships.
Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
Lead strategic planning efforts for business development, including oversight and mentorship of direct reports to ensure alignment with departmental goals and performance standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Willingness and ability to travel for in-person meetings and events. Have availability to attend evening board meetings and occasional community engagement activities.
Benefits to fit your needs:
Top 75th percentile salary plus bonus program
401K with a 5% company match
Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Health Savings and Flex Spending Account
Generous paid time off programs prioritizing well-being and self-care
Parental benefits
Well-being and Employee Assistance Program
Incentive Compensation Program
Work program discounts, employee engagement events, professional training and development
