Education Industry Manager - Client Relations

At Findorff, we bring expertise and value in construction that extends far beyond building. From humble beginnings in 1890, Findorff has now grown to become one of the region's most trusted construction firms. As an employee-owned company, our staff take pride in shaping communities through a commitment to quality and relationships.

We are seeking an Education Industry Manager - Client Relations who will focus on growing our presence and partnerships within the thriving K-12 and higher education industries. This strategic leader will own client acquisition, internal and external relationship management, and market expansion, helping to shape Findorff's future by aligning business development efforts with our overall growth goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and lead new project opportunities within the education industry, from initial lead generation through project award
• Manage the full pursuit lifecycle, including strategy, proposal development, and interview preparation
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop high-quality pursuit materials
• Coach and guide teams to deliver strong, competitive project interviews
• Track and maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, and client interactions
• Lead pursuit debriefs and apply lessons learned to improve future outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, prospects, and industry partners
• Support client growth through proactive outreach, referrals, and ongoing engagement efforts
• Contribute to client retention strategies by ensuring consistent follow-up and relationship management
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and professional associations
• Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging needs in the education industry
• Analyze client and market data to inform business development and growth strategies
• Partner with internal leaders to develop and execute marketing and industry action plans
• Assist in creating marketing materials, case studies, presentations, and other business development content
• Actively participate in community and industry engagement activities to enhance brand visibility
• Maintain involvement in professional organizations to strengthen market presence and connections

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, client relations or related fields, ideally in K-12 or higher education construction or AEC industry.
• A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, develop plans, and execute effectively.
• Skilled in public speaking, business writing, and presentation development, with the ability to guide and inspire both internal and external partners.
• Proven track record of building trusted, long-lasting partnerships.
• A team player who values cross-functional collaboration and contributes to an inclusive workplace.
• Comfortable using CRM tools and other systems to manage leads and maintain client data.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years in business development, client relations, marketing, communications, or related field with a proven record of success is preferred
• 5+ years of education or construction-related experience is a plus

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• A people-first, inclusive culture
• Onsite fitness center
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Generous PTO and floating holidays
• Healthy 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Paid Parental Leave
• Findorff Shop credit to buy company swag
• Career growth and development
• Mentorship and guidance

Diversity matters. Findorff recognizes the talents of all, appreciating the different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make us a stronger company and partner for the communities we live and work in.

Findorff provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.