Job Description

Director of Communications and Business Development

Location: Nashville, TN (preferred)

Salary Range: $95,000 – $105,000

Reports to: Principal of Operations, Christopher Mantle

About Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects

Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects (HDLA) is an award-winning landscape architecture and urban design firm dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting public spaces that enrich communities. Our work spans parks and recreation, civic, institutional, and private development projects throughout the Southeast, Texas, and beyond. We believe in the power of design to connect people to place — and we’re seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to help share that vision with the world.

Position Overview

The Director of Communications and Business Development will lead firm-wide efforts to position HDLA for continued growth and recognition in both the public and private sectors. This role combines strategic marketing, relationship development, and brand storytelling to generate meaningful connections with clients and collaborators, ultimately driving new project opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic communicator who understands the landscape architecture and design industries, is comfortable navigating both public agency and private development networks, and can craft a clear, compelling message that represents the firm’s expertise and values.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify and build relationships with key decision makers in  parks and recreation departments, planning agencies, and municipalities across the Southeast, Texas, and other emerging markets.
• Proactively position HDLA for upcoming opportunities by tracking  project pipelines, funding cycles, and anticipated RFP releases .
• Coordinate and schedule  strategic introductions, presentations, and meetings between firm partners and potential clients.
• Develop and maintain a structured business development plan with measurable goals for lead generation, relationship building, and proposal success.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with  private-sector leaders in  multifamily, mixed-use, and public space development , promoting the firm’s capabilities and design expertise.

Communications and Brand Strategy

• Shape and steward the  HDLA brand voice across all platforms, materials, and communications.
• Oversee the design, messaging, and tone of all marketing and proposal materials, ensuring alignment with the firm’s vision and values.
• Lead development of  proposal narratives ,  graphic design responses , and  marketing collateral in collaboration with the Marketing Manager.
• Establish and implement a communications strategy that elevates the firm’s profile through storytelling, digital presence, publications, and thought leadership.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor the  Marketing Manager , providing strategic direction and ensuring consistency and quality across all proposals and communications.
• Work closely with firm leadership — particularly the Principal of Operations — to align business development goals with financial targets and firm-wide strategy.
• Participate in firm planning and operations meetings to ensure marketing and business development efforts are integrated across the company.

Performance Metrics

Success in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Number of  new project opportunities generated.
• Number and quality of  new client relationships established.
• Effectiveness of strategic plans and outreach efforts in positioning the firm for key opportunities.
• Strengthening of existing client relationships .
• Proposal win rate and contribution to firm-wide growth goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in  Marketing, Communications, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field .
• Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience in  business development, marketing strategy, or communications within the  design, planning, or A/E industry .
• Deep understanding of  public procurement processes , including RFP/RFQ cycles and consultant selection procedures.
• Proven ability to  develop relationships with both public and private sector clients.
• Exceptional  communication, organization, and presentation skills .
• Strong leadership ability with experience  managing and mentoring staff .
• Proficiency in  graphic design and proposal tools (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, etc.) is highly desirable.

Why Join Us

At HDLA, you’ll join a passionate, collaborative team dedicated to elevating the quality of public and private spaces across the region. This is a unique opportunity to shape the next chapter of a respected firm by defining how we tell our story, grow our relationships, and expand our impact.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and work samples in PDF format to Christopher Mantle at cmantle@hodgsondouglas.com.

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