AEC Business Development Manager (Downtown Fullerton)

Business Development Manager

Development One Architects
Fullerton, CA | Full-Time | In-Person

Mission-Critical Architecture | Aviation & Aerospace | Federal & Institutional | Warehousing/Distribution | Solid Waste | Data Centers

About Development One Architects

Development One Architects is a specialized architecture firm with over three decades of experience delivering mission-critical facilities across the aviation and aerospace, warehousing/distribution, solid waste, data center, and federal and institutional sectors. Operating from offices in Fullerton, CA and Edmonds, WA, we bring a disciplined, relationship-driven approach to every engagement — building long-term client partnerships grounded in technical rigor and a zero-litigation track record.

We are a lean, high-performance practice now seeking a Business Development Manager to help accelerate our next phase of growth.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on business development role for a motivated professional who thrives on building relationships and owning a pipeline. You will serve as the firm’s primary BD practitioner — cultivating strategic partnerships, representing Development One at key industry events, and ensuring a steady flow of qualified opportunities. You will collaborate closely with our in-house marketing lead on proposals and client-facing materials, with natural overlap between the two functions.

This role carries significant ownership and direct visibility to the Principal. It is a position for someone who wants to be known inside the firm for the work they bring in.

Key Responsibilities

Pipeline & CRM Management

• Own and maintain the firm’s CRM platform — tracking leads, opportunities, follow-up cadences, and relationship history
• Prepare regular BD activity reports and pipeline updates for Principal review

Networking & Conference Representation

• Represent Development One at targeted industry events including NBAA, SAME, and sector-specific forums
• Develop and maintain an annual conference and event calendar aligned with the firm’s target markets
• Build and sustain a personal network of contacts across the federal, aviation, data center, and broader AEC communities

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate teaming relationships with general contractors, design-build firms, developers, and consultants active in our sectors
• Pursue DBIA membership and actively seek design-build teaming opportunities
• Develop structured referral systems and maintain a network of contacts who generate repeat client introductions

Qualifications

Required

• 5–8 years of business development, client relations, or strategic partnerships experience
• Background in AEC, federal contracting, aviation/aerospace, defense, or a closely adjacent field is a plus
• Demonstrated track record of building relationships that result in new project work
• Comfortable and confident representing the firm at conferences, events, and client meetings
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and pipeline management disciplines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; polished and professional in client-facing settings

Preferred

• Existing relationships within the aviation, data center, or federal/institutional project communities
• Experience working in or alongside an architecture, engineering, or construction firm
• Active involvement with SAME, NBAA, DBIA, or related professional organizations

Compensation & Benefits

Development One Architects offers a competitive compensation package structured to reward initiative and results:

• Base salary range: $80,000 – $110,000 depending on experience and demonstrated BD track record
• Annual performance bonus tied to pipeline growth, new client wins, and partnership milestones
• Health benefits and PTO package
• Professional development support, including conference attendance and relevant membership dues
• Direct mentorship from and access to the firm’s Principal

Why Development One

• Technically complex, meaningful work in mission-critical sectors with long project lifecycles
• A 35-year track record, zero litigation, and deep client loyalty — a strong foundation to build BD upon
• Lean team where your contributions are visible and your wins are recognized
• Established presence in high-growth sectors: data centers, federal facilities, and aviation infrastructure
• A Principal who is active in client relationships and personally invested in the success of this role

To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your most relevant BD experience.