MASS Design Group's Africa Studio is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director of Business Development to lead the studio's business development, partnerships, and communications efforts in Kigali, Rwanda.

This role involves crafting and executing strategies to expand the studio’s portfolio, fostering and maintaining relationships with clients, government agencies, multilaterals, NGOs, and other partners, and enhancing MASS’s reputation and impact across Africa. The ideal candidate will possess at least seven years of relevant experience, strong communication and leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the design and development sectors in Africa. They will also demonstrate a passion for mission-driven work and the ability to navigate a fast-paced, collaborative environment. In addition, the Business Development Director will be required to coordinate with studio leadership to ensure that new opportunities are aligned with strategy, staffing availability, global team resources, and trends within the regional market. This position offers the opportunity to work with a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to leveraging design to promote justice and human dignity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Developing and implementing the MASS Africa Studio business development strategy that supports the office’s goals and targets.
Identifying and leading outreach efforts to new partners.
Managing and retaining relationships with existing partners.
Networking with clients, government agencies, multilaterals, and NGOs to identify potential investments in our sector.
Working closely with the design and accompaniment teams to develop pre-design materials for partners to be used in fundraising and advocacy.
Initiating first contact with prospective partners through emails, phone calls, and in person meetings and representing MASS to potential new partners.
Researching to understand potential red flags of partners or specific areas of alignment.
Reviewing all prospect and suspect opportunities in income projections and adjusting based on feedback from the Principal in Charge.
Managing of professional AEC network to identify firms who may serve as consultants or joint venture partners such as architecture firms, engineering firms, ESIA experts, financial planning consultants, and others.
Coordinating long term agreements and opportunities for formal relationships.
Overseeing of Customer Relationship Management tool (Salesforce) and management of business development manager in the updating and reporting from the platform.
Developing project budgets and staffing based on requirements of the project.
Coordinating with studio principals and directors to plan for staff on upcoming projects based on accepted proposals and anticipated contract start date.
Coordinating between MASS disciplines in the staffing of budgets and writing of proposal language, including architecture, structural engineering, MEFP engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, FFE (MASS.Made), project management, quantity surveying, landscape architecture (land.MASS), performance and provenance, and accompaniment and impact.
Reporting on results of business development and opportunistic pursuits at the end of the fiscal year to inform weighting for suspect and prospect opportunities and inform future business development pursuits.
Participating in Strategic Planning Councils and studio leadership meetings
Mentoring and developing the capacity of junior team members;
Developing, expanding, and growing MASS’s reputation and brand in the region.
Working with the MASS Advocacy team to develop and update outreach materials.
Managing external media, communications, and publications.
Representing the organization at networking events and other related events.
Participating in the operation and management of the CRM system.
Preparing proposals in response to RFPs, grant applications, and other business opportunities.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or other Design degree. Preference for additional studies in Business Administration, Business Management, Communications, International Development, or other relevant degree.
Relevant Master’s degree is desirable
Minimum of 7-8 years of relevant experience.
Strong examples of developing and reporting on prospective project budgets connected to a specific work scope and deliverables, and proficiency in the use of the Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.).
Strong graphic design and representation skills, and proficiency in the use of the Adobe Creative Suite.
Solid experience developing and implementing business development and communications strategies demonstrated by past experience.
Strong written and verbal skills with experience in developing marketing materials and presentations.
Having an in-depth knowledge of the design and development sectors in Africa and the ability to assess markets to make informed decisions.
Existing network of AEC firms and development agencies across Africa.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills: experience in effectively communicating with external partners is highly required.
Experience and interest in working with mission-driven organizations.
Experience crafting compelling messaging and developing pitches and proposals for a variety of audiences.
Experience managing external media and publications.
Professional, positive demeanor that encourages active participation in the studio.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages will be a benefit.

At MASS Design Group, we want people to be afforded the ability to do public interest work as a career and offer competitive salary and benefits and the opportunity to partner with lighthouse organizations on seminal projects that promote justice and human dignity.

With over 130 employees representing 20 countries, MASS lives our belief that only a diverse staff from widely varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is properly equipped to tackle complex challenges in our communities. We aspire to create a more inclusive working environment and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Applications should be submitted through our website via Slideroom.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the employee to sit/stand at a desk for long periods of time.

Travel Requirements:

This position will require occasional regional/domestic or international travel to meet partner and project needs.

Work Environment:

This position is required to be based in a MASS office three days a week, with two days of remote work per week permitted with prior manager approval. While performing the duties of this job the employee will work in an open office environment with moderate flow of others through the space.

Location and Permit

This position requires the candidate to live in Kigali, Rwanda. Relocation support may be considered. MASS will support the selected candidate with obtaining a work permit in Rwanda, if required.

MASS Design Group

Latest Jobs

Director, Business Development