Overview
Founded in 1965 by Mack Pogue as Lincoln Property Company, Willow Bridge Property Company is one of the United States’ most respected full-service residential property companies, operating a successful portfolio in 75 markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Willow Bridge proudly employs over 5,500 team members, has built over 200,000 apartments and manages 220,000 units for its clients. To learn more, visit willowbridgepc.com.
We create places people want to call home — starting with you.
With decades of proven success, Willow Bridge is a national leader in residential property management and development, active in 29 states and managing more than 230,000 apartment homes across the U.S.
At Willow Bridge, our purpose drives everything we do. Whether you’re launching your career or looking to take the next step, we’re here to support your growth with intention, flexibility, and real opportunities to make an impact.
We’re currently hiring for a Business Development Director — someone who brings fresh thinking, follows through, and knows how to bring people together to get results. We value people who lead by listening, communicate with clarity, and take initiative to find better ways forward. If you're someone who believes in showing up with integrity, working collaboratively, and driving positive change, you’ll feel right at home here.
Let’s grow together at Willow Bridge.
Responsibilities
The Business Development Director is responsible for driving third‑party multifamily management growth primarily across the Northeast markets within the Eastern U.S. region. This role owns the identification, pursuit, and conversion of new management opportunities and serves as a senior client‑facing representative of the firm throughout the sales lifecycle.
The Director reports to the VP Business Development and partners closely with executive leadership, regional operations, marketing, and asset strategy teams to ensure pursuits are strategically aligned, well‑qualified, and positioned to convert into long‑term, high‑value client relationships. The role is consultative in nature and requires strong market fluency, executive presence, and the ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycles.
This position is accountable for building a disciplined, forecastable pipeline while delivering a polished, high‑touch experience that positions the firm as a trusted operating partner to institutional and private ownership groups.
New Business Development & Pipeline Ownership
- Own and execute the business development strategy for assigned markets aligned with national growth priorities and regional capacity
- Proactively identify, qualify, and secure third‑party management opportunities that meet strategic, financial, and operational criteria
- Build, manage, and forecast a robust pipeline of prospective clients, providing regular visibility into timing, probability, and anticipated fee revenue
- Partner with regional and national leadership to inform annual growth targets, market prioritization, and resource planning
Client Engagement & Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain senior‑level relationships with owners, asset managers, investors, and key industry partners
- Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the pursuit lifecycle, ensuring consistent, high‑touch, and professional client experience
- Position the firm’s operating platform, infrastructure, and market expertise in a manner tailored to each client’s investment objectives
- Represent the company externally through meetings, presentations, and industry events, reinforcing brand credibility and market presence
RFP, Proposal & Negotiation Leadership
- Lead the development, coordination, and execution of formal proposals and RFP responses
- Synthesize cross‑functional input into clear, compelling narratives that articulate the firm’s value proposition and differentiation
- Present proposals to ownership groups and investment teams, addressing financial, operational, and strategic considerations
- Lead finalist negotiations through contract execution, ensuring alignment with company standards and long‑term client objectives
Internal Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Partner closely with Operations and Client Services to align growth efforts with execution capacity and market strategy
- Coordinate seamless handoffs from Business Development to Operations and Client Services upon award
- Provide leadership with ongoing insight into market trends, competitive dynamics, and evolving client expectations
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of business development processes, tools, and pursuit discipline
Core Competencies & Attributes
- Consultative, relationship‑driven sales approach with strong negotiation capability
- Executive presence with the ability to influence senior decision‑makers
- Strategic thinker who can independently execute and manage complexity
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong financial, analytical, and business acumen
- Highly organized with disciplined follow‑through and attention to detail
- Client‑first mindset balanced with internal accountability
Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
Technical & Functional Expertise
- Deep understanding of multifamily property management operations, workflows, and industry best practices
- Proven experience supporting and expanding owner and investor relationships through strategic engagement
- Strong proficiency in RFP development, pitch strategy, and client‑facing proposal refinement
- Experience leveraging CRM platforms and analytics to manage pipelines, forecasting, and client activity
- Ability to translate client needs into actionable pursuit strategies aligned with business objectives
- Strong project and process management skills across multiple concurrent pursuits
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience guiding teams and influencing cross‑functional partners
- Ability to lead through change and align internal stakeholders around growth initiatives
- Strong communication and presentation skills across executive, operational, and client audiences
- Coaching and mentorship mindset, supporting internal teams in pursuit execution and client engagement
- Adaptable, solutions‑oriented approach in dynamic and evolving environments
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in Business Development, Client Services, Account Management, or related roles
- Minimum of 3 years in a leadership‑level position
- Multifamily, property management, or real estate services industry experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated success developing and mentoring high‑performing teams
- This role will require travel 50‑75% of the time.
Benefits
Willow Bridge Property Company offers competitive pay, a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and 401(k) and opportunities for career development and advancement.
Typical base compensation range depending on experience: $115,000.00 to $125,000.00 annual USD
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