Director of Communications and Business Development

Description

The Director of Communications and Business Development will lead firm-wide efforts to position HDLA for continued growth and recognition in both the public and private sectors. This role combines strategic marketing, relationship development, and brand storytelling to generate meaningful connections with clients and collaborators, ultimately driving new project opportunities.

• Strengthening of existing client relationships.
• Coordinate and schedule strategic introductions, presentations, and meetings between firm partners and potential clients.
• Supervise and mentor the Marketing Manager, providing strategic direction and ensuring consistency and quality across all proposals and communications.
• Participate in firm planning and operations meetings to ensure marketing and business development efforts are integrated across the company.
• Work closely with firm leadership — particularly the Principal of Operations — to align business development goals with financial targets and firm-wide strategy.
• Identify and build relationships with key decision makers in parks and recreation departments, planning agencies, and municipalities across the Southeast, Texas, and other emerging markets.
• Shape and steward the HDLA brand voice across all platforms, materials, and communications.
• Develop and maintain a structured business development plan with measurable goals for lead generation, relationship building, and proposal success.
• Oversee the design, messaging, and tone of all marketing and proposal materials, ensuring alignment with the firm’s vision and values.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with private-sector leaders in multifamily, mixed-use, and public space development, promoting the firm’s capabilities and design expertise.
• Establish and implement a communications strategy that elevates the firm’s profile through storytelling, digital presence, publications, and thought leadership.
• Lead development of proposal narratives, graphic design responses, and marketing collateral in collaboration with the Marketing Manager.
• Proactively position HDLA for upcoming opportunities by tracking project pipelines, funding cycles, and anticipated RFP releases.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a dynamic communicator who understands the landscape architecture and design industries, is comfortable navigating both public agency and private development networks, and can craft a clear, compelling message that represents the firm’s expertise and values.

Location: Nashville, TN (preferred)

• Deep understanding of public procurement processes, including RFP/RFQ cycles and consultant selection procedures.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Effectiveness of strategic plans and outreach efforts in positioning the firm for key opportunities.
• Proficiency in graphic design and proposal tools (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership ability with experience managing and mentoring staff.
• Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience in business development, marketing strategy, or communications within the design, planning, or A/E industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with both public and private sector clients.

Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 – $105,000

• Proposal win rate and contribution to firm-wide growth goals.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance