Associate (Planning and Development Advisory)

If you’re someone who thrives at the intersection of development, strategy, and execution—and you’re ready to lead meaningful higher education projects beyond just analysis—this role offers the opportunity to shape transformative institutional developments from concept through implementation.

Named the #17 fastest-growing AEC firm in the U.S. and Canada by Zweig Group's Hot Firm Awards, B&D is entering an exciting period of growth—creating new opportunities for ambitious professionals to take on meaningful work and accelerate their careers.

The Opportunity

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecycle—from early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond.

This position will play a key role in managing development advisory assignments, including public-private partnerships (P3's), feasibility studies, implementation planning, and real estate strategy, while also supporting institutions during the earliest stages of planning and decision-making.

We are seeking an Associate to join our Austin, Texas office on a hybrid basis.

• Lead planning and development advisory engagements for higher education clients
• Manage feasibility studies, implementation strategies, and public-private partnership initiatives
• Serve as a trusted advisor to institutional leadership throughout project planning and execution
• Oversee market research, financial modeling, development analysis, and stakeholder engagement
• Translate complex data into clear recommendations that clients can act on
• Guide project teams and coordinate internal and external contributors
• Manage project scope, budgets, invoicing, and overall financial performance
• Maintain quality control and ensure client deliverables are thoughtful, accurate, and timely
• Support business development through relationship building and new opportunity identification
• Strengthen internal tools, processes, and development methodologies across the practice

• Bring ownership and accountability to each engagement
• Help clients navigate ambiguity with confidence and structure
• Balance strategic thinking with practical execution
• Mentor junior team members and elevate the quality of project work
• Build trust through clear communication and sound judgment

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Real Estate
  • Urban Planning
  • Architecture
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Construction Management
  • or related field
    (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in development, feasibility, real estate advisory, owner’s representation, or institutional planning
• Strong understanding of development economics, financial modeling, capital planning, and public-private partnerships
• Experience leading multiple projects simultaneously
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Strong presentation and client communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capability
• Commitment to professionalism and client service excellence
• Willingness to travel as needed

You may be someone who has worked for:

• A real estate developer
• A development advisory firm
• An owner’s representative firm
• A competitor in institutional development advisor

This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in development, feasibility, and planning who can lead projects from early strategy through implementation.

You understand how to move projects forward—not just analyze them. And you want to apply that experience to work that has a meaningful, long-term impact on institutions and communities.

Impactful Mission
Help institutions make decisions that shape their campuses and communities for decades.

Learning & Development
We invest in mentorship, leadership growth, and professional development.

Strong Culture
Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, diversity and intellectual rigor drive how we work.

Robust Benefits
Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and flexibility in a hybrid environment.

Our application process includes a resume, an optional (highly encouraged) cover letter, and a few important questions. We’re excited to learn more about you!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $100,000-125,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.