University Relations Manager

Solomon Cordwell Buenz

SCB is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm that practices nationally from offices in Chicago and San Francisco. Since 1931, SCB has made a lasting impact on the nation’s skyline, campuses, and neighborhoods, helping our clients across the country achieve their goals, serve their constituencies, and make their mark.

http://www.scb.com


Position Details

University Relations Manager
Job
Full-time
12/18/2017
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

The University Relations Manager is responsible for developing and executing the firm’s overall strategy for identifying, assessing, and securing new business opportunities in the higher education market. Reporting to the Higher Education Sector Leader, the Manager focuses on building new and maintaining existing client relationships and marketing the firm as an expert leader in the market.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead firm’s business development strategy, initiatives, and outreach for the higher education market 
  • Create annual higher education business development, marketing and PR plan – in collaboration with the Sector Leader and Director of Marketing 
  • Identify, research and cultivate relationships with prospective clients in the higher education market 
  • Steward existing client and consultant relationships 
  • Maintain master Higher Education Client and Prospect File - including names, roles and contact information, interests and campus needs, and tracking of all communications and outreach 
  • Plan and oversee all logistics in campus visits including securing meetings, scheduling, materials and presentations 
  • Coordinate business development efforts, under the direction of the Sector Leader, of Principals firm-wide with regard to higher education contacts and outreach 
  • Review procurement postings and requests for qualifications/proposals 
  • Coordinate go/no-go decision process with Sector Leader and Director of Marketing for higher education pursuits taking into account firm’s experience and relationships
  • Develop proposal, interview and presentation strategies in collaboration with the marketing department and project team 
  • Lead team formation for pursuits including internal design team, consultants and out of town associate architects, as needed 
  • Write (as needed), review and edit all higher education proposals 
  • Attend national and regional conferences, networking events and symposia related to higher education market and in support of annual business development goals 
  • Keep up-to-date with trends, challenges, and news in the higher education sector 
  • Working with the Director of Marketing, identify and pursue marketing opportunities including speaking engagements, panel presentations, etc. to promote firm’s higher education practice and thought leadership 
  • Work with marketing department on creating higher education related content including but not limited to project descriptions, trend reports, press materials, and e-communications and web-focused communications 
  • Conduct client debriefs and relate information back to project team 
  • Verify and maintain viability of firm references with assistance from Sector Leader
  • Other duties as assigned by the Sector Leader

Essential Skills/Attributes:

  • Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years’ experience in the AEC industry or university environment. 
  • Interest in architecture and design. 
  • Knowledge of higher education market a plus. 
  • Personable, proactive, self-starter that excels at creative and strategic thinking. 
  • Excellent written and communication skills. 
  • Organized with the ability to manage a large network of contacts. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.


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