Development Director, Partnership Development – Higher Ed

Description

Key responsibilities include leading opportunity formation and strategy development, managing pre‑sale project design and feasibility, building strong relationships with higher‑education clients to identify project champions, leveraging Gilbane’s business development network, establishing early financial benchmarking models, and driving thought leadership to identify and enter new market opportunities using the Gilbane brand.

• Lead early‑stage opportunity formation and develop pre‑sale strategies for higher‑education P3 projects.
• Manage pre‑sale project design, feasibility, team formation, procurement strategy, and define Gilbane value propositions.
• Build and nurture relationships with higher‑education clients to identify project champions and leverage strategic partnerships.
• Create early financial models using Gilbane templates to benchmark project feasibility and value.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop entry strategies leveraging the Gilbane brand.
• Provide leadership, team management, and multi‑project coordination in a fast‑paced environment.

Requirements

Gilbane Development Company is seeking an experienced Development Director for Higher Education Partnerships to lead and expand its growing HE‑P3 sub‑vertical focused on public‑private partnership opportunities in the higher education sector. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in early‑stage partnership development, lead and pre‑sale generation, and the ability to educate potential higher‑education partners while managing a decentralized team of Gilbane business development professionals.

This role can be based out of any U.S. Gilbane office and may be performed remotely. The position requires flexibility to travel nationwide as needed.

The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of P3 procurement and commercial structures, demonstrate leadership and team‑management capabilities, have excellent financial acumen for structuring complex transactions, and exhibit outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment and willingness to travel 30‑50% across the United States are also required.

Qualifications include an MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of 5‑10 years of experience in P3, infrastructure development, finance, or a related area with a record of successful project delivery. Preferred qualifications encompass construction or design experience, on‑campus work experience, a network of university relationships, experience with public‑agency procurement, and familiarity with U.S. regulatory environments.

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of P3 procurement, commercial structures, and competitive landscape.
• Exhibit excellent financial acumen, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Travel 30‑50% nationwide as required.
• Hold an MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
• Possess 5‑10 years of P3, infrastructure development, or finance experience with a record of successful delivery.
• Preferred: construction/design experience, on‑campus work, university network, public‑agency procurement knowledge, U.S. regulatory familiarity.
• Must pass pre‑employment substance‑abuse test; Gilbane is an equal‑opportunity employer.

Benefits

Compensation ranges from $175,000 to $225,000 plus benefits, a competitive health and welfare package, a generous profit‑sharing/401k plan, and access to Gilbane University for employee education. Candidates must pass a pre‑employment substance‑abuse test.

• Salary $175k‑$225k plus benefits, profit‑sharing/401k, health and welfare coverage, and education programs.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance