The Role
Here at DIALOG, we are passionate about design and believe it can and should meaningfully improve the wellbeing of our communities and the environment we all share.
We are a multi-disciplinary collaborative of architects, interior designers, urban designers and planners, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, landscape architects and sustainability experts who design for community wellbeing and urban vibrancy. We are a fun-loving bunch of big thinkers and city-shapers, who are collaborative in our approach, diverse in our perspectives, aspirational in our pursuits, and optimistic about what’s next. We’re always looking for passionate people who share our values and care as much about our communities as we do. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation, Canada's Greenest Employers and 2024 Best of Practice Award Winner, committed to using our design practice as a force for good in the world.
Explore our studios and join us!
We’ve come together because we see important challenges facing communities becoming increasingly complex and therefore best shared through diverse perspectives and expertise. We’re looking for motivated, proactive, highly collaborative and experienced individuals in architecture, engineering, design and government business development who embody our spirit and can place DIALOG at the forefront of design thinking.
The Marketing and Business Development (M+BD) Leader for Ottawa region will work closely with relevant Chair/s, practice/region group members, marketing and communications team members, and other stakeholders. M+BD Leads play a lead role in the research, development, planning and execution of a cohesive and integrated strategy for growth reporting on a weekly basis to the region’s leaders delivering sound recommendations. Pre-positioning, pursuits and responding to proposals are major components of this role.
You will be responsible for understanding the local market needs and supporting the changing conversation about architecture, engineering and design, helping us lead the local discussion that’s aligned to our strategic plan.
You will be the access point for marketing needs in your studio. You'll need to be in the Ottawa studio at least 3 days a week to help build our studio culture and local presence.
In addition to the Ottawa regional responsibilities, your portfolio will include the Government sector group to support DIALOG-wide. M+BD Leads are passionate about their portfolio and actively involved with clients, their industry, and other DIALOG stakeholders. The responsibilities of the role will flex and adapt to the growth of the business.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and expertise in pursuits and proposals. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and strategic individual who can own projects, comfortably work within all levels of the firm, and has experience persuading others to deliver their best.
Are you up for the challenge to help us tell our story and win work? Apply now!
How you'll make a difference:
Pursuits and Proposals (80%)
- Be the regional expert, researching and understanding Ottawa’s regional and Government sector portfolios and opportunities and sharing them.
- Pre-position, develop and manage the pipeline by identifying and evaluating key leads and opportunities, leveraging CRM data, and bringing forward the right opportunities for collaboration.
- Lead pursuits and proposals, ensuring the team’s efforts align with DIALOG’s strategic objectives and market positioning.
- Generate RFQ/RFP responses and presentations including content writing, graphic design, and presentation materials in collaboration with the Proposal Team.
- Lead go – no-go decision-making with the relevant sector and reginal lead/ers and Chairs
- Assist with client funding, grant application and award submission requests.
Relationship Building and Networking (15%)
- Assist partners in developing and implementing a marketing and business development strategy and plan aligned with DIALOG's growth goals and portfolio objectives including annual budget development and sales revenue targets.
- Act as DIALOG’s ambassador within the Ottawa and Government A/E/C communities, attending industry events and building relationships with potential clients and collaborators.
- Expand and maintain a network of partners, industry peers, and community leaders to enhance DIALOG’s regional presence.
- Collaborate with partners to ensure clear, consistent messaging, and prioritize key market sectors and geographic areas of focus.
Team Collaboration (5%)
- Serve as a liaison between local and DIALOG-wide teams to align efforts and maintain brand alignment and consistent messaging.
- Work with teams to prioritize and action award applications, project photography, conference participation, sponsorships, donations and other stakeholder and client engagement initiatives.
- Participate, co-lead, coordinate and/or project manage key firm-hosted events.
- Other duties as assigned.
Who you are:
- You bring a strong business acumen with a track record of success in marketing and BD roles within the A/E/C industry and/or Government sector.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and adept at leading a pursuit to achieve results.
- You are creative, strategic, and comfortable working with senior leadership to influence and guide business decisions.
- Ability to quickly learn DIALOG’s portfolio of work, practice areas, and capabilities.
Skills and Qualifications
- University degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent.
- 6+ years’ experience progressive business experience.
- 6+ years of A/E/C industry or government sector experience in similar role.
- 3+ years proposal experience that preferably includes Federal submissions.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems.
- Advanced proficiency at producing brand-aligned, eye-catching visuals for print and digital media (advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is an asset).
- Excellent storytelling skills and ability to prepare compelling and complex proposals.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply! We’re looking for future DIALOGers who are eager to learn, bring unique perspectives, and want to make a real difference in the world—even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification.
Perks & Benefits
Parental leave top-up programs for all parents upon the birth or adoption of a child, RRSP matching, competitive medical and dental benefits coverage upon the first day of employment, discounted memberships, encouraged work/life balance with gifted time off during the holiday season and Vacation Buy-Up program, and reimbursement for professional memberships and dues are just a few of the benefits that DIALOGers enjoy.
Professional Development
DIALOG offers continued professional growth through leadership development opportunities specifically designed for our collaborative culture. Among others, some of our programs include: CoachDIALOG which equips our coaches with essential communication and feedback strategies for building great teams; Integrateducation™ supports DIALOGers in accredited continuing education opportunities; technical skills development via e-learning pathways; and financial support for relevant external learning opportunities.
Equal Opportunity
DIALOG celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive environment for all, free of discrimination and harassment. Employment-related decisions are made without regard to sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and race. In accordance with DIALOG’s Accommodation Policy, accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates throughout the selection process.
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The Company
What We Do
Hello. Glad you stopped by. In fact, we were hoping you’d stop by because we’re unabashedly passionate about design and love to connect with those who feel the same. We’re a team of architects, urban planners, interior designers, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and landscape architects who truly believe design can, and should, meaningfully improve the wellbeing of our communities and the environment we all share. And we don’t just say that. We mean it! We’ve come together because we see the important challenges facing communities becoming increasingly complex. We believe the diverse perspectives and expertise of our multidisciplinary team uniquely position us to tackle these challenges in ways our competitors can't. We even have clients who would tell you we’ve made the impossible possible! Our work includes designing for urban vibrancy, health and wellness, transportation, education, arts and culture, residential, retail, and commercial, as well as mixed-use solutions which incorporate an increasing number of these. As a group of creatives, we’re known as people who think outside the box. But the truth is we’re usually pushing, pulling, cutting, carving, sketching and modelling our clients' needs that eventually become places for communities to enjoy. If you’re interested in thinking outside the box with us, we want to hear from you
