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GPD Group · 12 hours ago

K-12 Educational Planner / Client Development Lead

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

7+ years exp

GPD Group is a company dedicated to enhancing the well-being of its employees and clients through transformative opportunities. They are seeking a hands-on leader for the dual role of K-12 Educational Planner and Client Development Lead to grow their Houston K-12 Education Practice, blending evidence-based planning with market development and client relationship stewardship.

CivicTechCivil EngineeringIndustrial Engineering

Responsibilities

Work with our Manager of Planning and Design for educational planning and programming for K-12 facilities, translating pedagogy into space: visioning, educational specifications, capacity and utilization studies, and conceptual options

Facilitate community and stakeholder workshops (students, educators, families, board members) and synthesize input into actionable planning deliverables

Work with our technical team of architects and engineers to conduct facility assessments and suitability analyses; align recommendations with TEA standards, safety/security, and inclusive design best practices

Support bond planning: demographics, capital planning, prioritization, and communication materials for public engagement

Produce clear narratives, diagrams, and illustrative plans; coordinate with interdisciplinary teams to carry planning intent into design and delivery

Work closely with GPD’s education design and technical teams to ensure planning concepts are effectively translated into innovative, buildable solutions

Collaborate with technical leadership and subject matter experts to develop compelling solutions aligned with client needs and project goals

Collaborate with the BD Team in developing & implementing the regional growth strategy for K-12, higher education, and public architecture markets in Texas, focusing on client relationships and strategic positioning

Develop and implement targeted pursuit plans, including marketing campaigns, networking strategies, pre-positioning, and proposal coordination

Manage the full sales cycle, from lead identification to contract negotiation, in alignment with company goals

Work with marketing and the local team to prepare RFP responses and presentation approaches. Participate in the interview process helping to tell our story and connect with the client

Cultivate long-term relationships with superintendents, facilities leaders, bond program managers, and community stakeholders; engage in industry organizations to elevate brand presence

Qualification

Educational PlanningK-12 ConsultingBusiness DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementWorkshop FacilitationTexas K-12 Funding KnowledgeALEP CredentialCommunication SkillsSelf-MotivatedOrganizational SkillsCollaborative

Required

Bachelor's degree in Education, Planning, Architecture, Business/Marketing, or related field; advanced degree a plus

7+ years of experience in educational facility planning, K-12 consulting, or A/E/C business development for public/education markets

Experience collaborating with architects, engineers, and technical teams on K-12 facility projects

Knowledge of Texas K-12 funding cycles, bond programs, and public procurement; experience coordinating SOQs/RFPs and interview strategies

Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, and translating educational goals into planning deliverables (Ed Specs, master plans, capacity studies)

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to craft persuasive pursuit materials and clear planning documents

Self-motivated, organized, and collaborative—able to thrive in an entrepreneurial, decentralized environment