Director of Business Development & Governmental Relations

About School Leaders

School Leaders is an education-facilities consulting firm serving California's K-14 community. We assist school districts, county offices of education, and community colleges with planning, funding, and delivering facilities. Services span bond program management, facility master planning, needs assessments, fiscal stabilization, strategic planning, superintendent searches, and leadership training.

About the Role

School Leaders is hiring a Director of Business Development & Governmental Relations to originate and close new engagements across our full consulting and construction 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. Reports to the President.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• 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, CUPCCAA, 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 & Benefits

From $150,000 base

Base is a floor, not a cap. Uncapped commission on originated revenue across consulting and construction divisions; equity opportunity via restricted membership units with vesting; health stipend; PTO; auto and phone/technology allowance; annual client-development budget; signing bonus with ramp guarantee.

Equal Opportunity

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.