Director of Business Development & Governmental Relations

Help California's schools plan, fund, and build — and share in what you grow.

School Leaders is an education-facilities consulting firm serving California's K-14 community: school districts, county offices of education, and community colleges. We help agencies plan, fund, and deliver their facilities — across bond program management, facility master planning, needs assessments, fiscal stabilization, strategic planning, superintendent searches, and leadership training — and, through our affiliated B-licensed general contractor, construction management, lease-leaseback, and CUPCCA project delivery. Two revenue engines, one mission: better facilities for students.

We're hiring a Director of Business Development & Governmental Relations to originate and close new engagements across that full offering and to be the firm's voice in California's education and public-affairs community. This is a rainmaker-and-relationships role for someone who already knows this world — and wants ownership in what they build.

What you'll do

• Own the full business-development cycle — identify, pursue, advance, and close new consulting and construction engagements with K-14 districts, county offices, and community colleges
• Build and steward senior relationships: superintendents, assistant superintendents of business and facilities, chief business officials, and governing boards
• Lead governmental and public affairs — track school facilities funding and legislation (School Facility Program/state matching, local GO bonds, and related programs), and represent the firm with policymakers, county offices, and industry associations (CASH, CASBO, ACSA, CCLC)
• Support bond program pursuits and strategic communications that help districts fund their capital priorities
• Partner with our delivery leaders to scope and price winning proposals; represent School Leaders at conferences, board meetings, and public forums
• Build and manage a healthy BD pipeline and forecast

What you bring

• 7+ years in business development, government/public affairs, or district/agency leadership within California K-14 education, facilities, AEC, or public-sector consulting
• An active network among California district and community college leaders
• A track record of originating and closing six- and seven-figure engagements or public contracts
• Working knowledge of school facilities funding, bond programs, and public contracting (Education Code, CUPCCA, and lease-leaseback a strong plus)
• Outstanding relationship, communication, and closing skills — equally at home in a boardroom and a public meeting
• Willingness to travel across California
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or public administration background a plus

Compensation & ownership

• $150,000 base salary — a floor, not a cap
• Uncapped, performance-based commission on the new revenue you originate, paid across both our consulting and construction engines — the more you build, the higher your marginal rate
• Equity ownership opportunity — a genuine ownership stake in the firm with a path to partnership (restricted membership units with vesting), offered to the right candidate and subject to definitive agreements
• Health stipend, paid time off and holidays
• Auto and phone/tech allowance for client development
• Annual client-development budget, plus a signing bonus and a ramp guarantee to bridge your first quarters

When the firm wins, you win — this role is built so your incentive and your ownership pull in the same direction.

School Leaders / Dixon SmartSchoolHouse LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.