Business Development Leader – Healthcare & Higher Education

Company Name: O’Connell Robertson
Location: Austin, TX
Project Focus: Healthcare, Higher Education, Civic Architecture
Work Setting: In-Office with Flexibility (1 Remote Day/Week)
Salary: $110,000 – $115,000 + Performance Incentives
Recruited Exclusively By: Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Position Overview

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to drive strategic growth and market influence across the Austin and Central Texas region. As the Business Development Leader, you will take ownership of expanding the firm’s presence within Healthcare and Higher Education—two of the most impactful and complex sectors in the built environment. You will operate as both a strategist and connector, building high-value relationships, identifying opportunities early, and guiding pursuits that shape communities and institutions.

This role offers the chance to partner directly with executive leadership while contributing to a mission-driven organization known for meaningful, community-centered design. The firm’s collaborative culture, strong regional footprint, and commitment to long-term client partnerships create an environment where your influence is visible, your ideas are valued, and your success directly contributes to sustained growth and legacy-building work.

Core Responsibilities

• Architect and execute the Central Texas business development strategy for Healthcare and Higher Education markets
• Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with healthcare systems, academic institutions, and key decision-makers
• Develop, qualify, and advance a high-value pipeline from early-stage intelligence through pursuit and close
• Lead strategic pursuit planning, including go/no-go decisions, win strategies, and positioning efforts
• Partner with leadership and technical teams to identify differentiators and assemble high-performing pursuit teams
• Collaborate with marketing to drive compelling proposals, presentations, and interview strategies
• Align with fellow business developers to coordinate market coverage, share intelligence, and pursue multi-sector opportunities
• Maintain a strong external presence through industry events, associations, and community engagement
• Track, analyze, and report pipeline activity, forecasts, and performance metrics to executive leadership
• Coordinate internal resources to ensure seamless execution across the business development lifecycle

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive business development experience, preferably within the AEC industry
• Demonstrated success developing and converting opportunities within Healthcare and/or Higher Education sectors
• Proven ability to build relationships with senior-level stakeholders and influence decision-making
• Strong understanding of RFQ/RFP processes, pursuit strategy, and shortlist interviews
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic, organized approach
• Willingness to travel across Texas for client engagement and business development activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Established network within Central Texas healthcare systems, universities, and industry partners
• Experience supporting complex pursuits (ID/IQ, CMAR, Design-Build, capital programs)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field
• Experience collaborating across multi-office or multi-market teams
• Strong understanding of regional market dynamics and growth opportunities

About O’Connell Robertson

O’Connell Robertson is a respected Texas-based architecture firm specializing in education, healthcare, and civic projects that positively impact communities. With offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, the firm is known for its collaborative culture, client-focused approach, and commitment to design excellence. Their work reflects a deep understanding of the communities they serve, supported by a team that values innovation, integrity, and long-term relationships.

About Luxus | AEC Talent Partners

Luxus is an exclusive AEC recruiting firm managing this search on behalf of O’Connell Robertson. We partner with the most prestigious structural, civil, and architectural firms in the country to connect top-tier talent with legacy-building opportunities. Not the perfect fit for this role? We still want to hear from you. Our network is constantly expanding with exclusive, unlisted positions across the AEC sector. Connect with us today to discuss your career trajectory.

Keywords

Business Development, AEC Industry, Healthcare Architecture, Higher Education Projects, Client Relations, Strategic Growth, CRM Management, RFQ/RFP Pursuits, Design-Build, CMAR, Market Expansion, Relationship Management, Austin Texas, Pipeline Development, Professional Services