True Environmental is a leading environmental and engineering services firm with annual revenues of $160 million, operating across multiple offices and serving clients in both public and private sectors throughout North America. We deliver specialized expertise in environmental consulting, engineering solutions, and related technical services.
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for driving the firm's growth strategy and market presence. This senior executive will oversee all aspects of marketing, strategic business development, corporate communications, and pursuit management to expand market share, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm's competitive position in the environmental and engineering services industry.
Key Responsiblities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive business development and marketing strategies aligned with the firm's growth objectives and market opportunities
- Lead strategic planning initiatives to identify new markets, service offerings, and geographic expansion opportunities
- Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to establish annual revenue targets and growth metrics
- Provide thought leadership on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging market opportunities
Business Development
- Direct firmwide business development efforts, establishing processes and metrics to track pipeline development and win rates
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, industry partners, and stakeholders
- Lead major pursuit efforts for strategic opportunities, coordinating cross-functional teams
- Develop and implement client relationship management strategies to enhance retention and expand services with existing clients
- Oversee proposal development processes, ensuring quality, responsiveness, and competitive positioning
Marketing & Communications
- Oversee all marketing functions, including brand management, digital marketing, content development, and market research
- Direct corporate communications strategy, including media relations, thought leadership, and crisis communications
- Ensure consistent brand messaging across all channels and touchpoints
- Lead development of marketing collateral, case studies, and technical content that demonstrates the firm's capabilities and expertise
- Manage the firm's digital presence, including website, social media, and online engagement strategies
Team Leadership
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of business development, marketing, and communications professionals
- Foster a culture of collaboration between business development and technical delivery teams
- Establish clear objectives, performance metrics, and professional development plans for team members
- Allocate resources effectively across offices and service lines to maximize impact
Capture & Pursuit Management
- Implement and oversee a structured pursuit management process for major opportunities
- Lead go/no-go decision-making processes for significant pursuits
- Coordinate proposal teams, ensuring technical excellence and compelling value propositions
- Develop win themes and competitive strategies for key opportunities
- Conduct post-submission debriefs and lessons learned sessions to continuously improve win rates
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
- Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in business development, marketing, or related roles
- At least 10 years of experience in professional services, with preference for environmental, engineering, or consulting firms
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and achieving business development targets
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong understanding of the environmental and engineering services marketplace, including client needs, procurement processes, and competitive landscape
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with ability to engage effectively with C-suite executives and technical professionals
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in firms with $250M+ in annual revenue
- Established network of relationships within target client sectors (government agencies, corporations, institutions)
- Experience with corporate mergers, acquisitions, or integration activities
- Professional certifications such as Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)
Key Competencies
- Strategic vision and execution
- Leadership and team building
- Client relationship management
- Market and competitive intelligence
- Financial acumen and business planning
- Collaboration and influence
- Change management
- Results orientation
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive executive compensation package including base salary, performance-based incentives, equity opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and executive perquisites commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
