Director of Client Development (Multifamily) – Northern California

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute DAHLIN's Northern California business development strategy aligned with firmwide growth initiatives.
• Leverage an established network ("book of business") to generate new client relationships and project opportunities.
• Lead business development efforts focused on multifamily housing.
• Build relationships with developers, owners, municipalities, brokers, consultants, contractors, and industry influencers.
• Represent DAHLIN at industry organizations, conferences, speaking engagements, and community events.
• Develop annual market development plans identifying target clients, market sectors, revenue opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with multifamily developers, ownership groups, investors, and strategic partners to expand DAHLIN's market share throughout Northern California.
• Build and lead executive-level meetings with owners, investors, and development teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor by understanding client business goals and aligning DAHLIN's services accordingly.
• Ensure exceptional client experience from pursuit through project completion.
• Lead major pursuit strategies and Go/No-Go decision-making.
• Partner with Marketing and technical teams to position DAHLIN competitively.
• Utilize architectural expertise to engage clients in meaningful discussions regarding design solutions, planning, entitlement, construction feasibility, and project delivery.
• Provide technical insight that builds client confidence and differentiates DAHLIN from competitors.
• Partner with practice leaders to position DAHLIN's design expertise as a competitive differentiator during client pursuits.
• Monitor multifamily housing trends, financing, entitlement activity, legislative changes, and competitive market conditions to identify emerging opportunities.
• Mentor architects and project leaders in business development and client engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Licensed Architect strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience within architecture with focus on multifamily housing design and development.
• 10+ years of successful business development experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing multifamily housing projects through strategic client relationships and business development efforts.
• Strong understanding of architecture, entitlement, planning, and project delivery.
• Experience working in Norther California.
• Strong understanding of California development trends and regulatory environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading complex pursuit strategies and negotiating professional service agreements.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and executive relationship-building skills.