Business development coordinator

Ralph Appelbaum Associates is seeking a business development coordinator to join its team in London.

Position profile

Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) is the world’s largest exhibition design firm, renowned for creating narrative environments that educate, inspire, and engage audiences. We are seeking a full-time business development coordinator to join our London studio near Chancery Lane. This position can be hybrid or remote optional.

The business development coordinator is a detail-oriented professional who will work closely with and to the direction of the director of business development for London and Berlin and as part of the global new business and communications team to develop new business and lead public relations and external communications. This dynamic position requires expertise in graphic design, time management, and nimble communication skills as well as the ability to effectively collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. The ideal candidate will be highly driven and full of initiative, with strong writing skills, excellent attention to detail and confident disposition with a minimum of three to five years’ experience of performing a similar role for a design agency. Understanding of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work and ability to speak and write German is an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

Business development coordination:

• Produce and coordinate proposal, qualification, and presentation documents in response to time-sensitive public tenders, direct Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) or Pre-qualification Questionnaires (PQQs).
• Collaborate with in-house creative teams to craft visually-engaging submission materials using InDesign or Keynote.
• Manage communications with internal staff and external contacts to coordinate aspects of the proposal process and schedule meetings as required.
• Support the assembly of technical proposals and RFPs.
• Manage tender queries and addendums.
• Manage the preparation of project documentation sheets and profiles.
• Coordinate the completion of governmental forms for proposals (national and international).
• Attend weekly new business meetings.
• Monitor tender portals, download tender documentation, setup file structure and job numbers, providing access to relevant team members.
• Provide summary information of all new tenders to support go/no-go decision making, budget setting and resource planning.
• Prepare portfolio content showcasing different service offers as well as work in different sectors and markets.
• Maintain and update the pipeline tracker with status of all current tenders.
• Support the tracking of new business leads, including developing contacts with potential clients, market developments, news organisations.
• Assist in maintaining records of feedback on pitches, identifying any trends or common feedback to improve subsequent submissions.
• Support the director of business development in the production of annual report on new business performance.

Marketing coordination:

• Support strategic approaches to marketing initiatives.
• Develop and manage RAA’s awards submissions cycle/process, preparing and making submissions using InDesign.
• Assist in the preparation, coordination, and production of portfolios, proposals, qualification packages, presentations, and other competition materials using InDesign.
• Support communications initiatives, including via the website and social media platforms, through the development of written and visual assets.
• Track market-relevant conferences and other public events, including submission dates for papers and presentations.
• Coordinate participation of studio leaders at conferences and events.
• Act as an ambassador for RAA and support the director of business development in raising RAA’s profile, presence and network.
• Coordinate with RAA’s in-house PR and New Business teams in the preparation of press releases and project PR around competition wins and openings.
• Maintain contacts with journalists and publications both print and online to activate interest in RAA’s projects and events.
• Coordinate cross-studio requests and initiatives, working with colleagues internationally.
• Provide administrative support to the department.
• Maintain firm-wide experience records.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as communications, marketing, graphic design, writing, or museum studies.
• Three to five years’ of professional graphic design, communication, marketing, or development experience in design, architecture, publishing, advertising, or related fields.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote, Miro and Google Workspace (Docs and Slides).
• Demonstrated skill in managing multiple, simultaneous, fast-paced deadlines.
• Proactive approach to time and task management.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Superlative attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Adaptable communication style across diverse stakeholders.
• Responsive and nimble coordination and scheduling skills.
• Knowledge of the RFP/RFQ process.
• Understanding of the exhibition, media or architectural development process is a plus.
• Understanding of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan of work is an advantage.
• Ability to speak and write German is an advantage but not essential.

Why join us:

• Be part of a globally-recognised firm with a commitment to innovative and impactful design.
• Work in a dynamic and creative environment with a team of dedicated professionals.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Flexible remote work arrangements.

How to apply

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each applicant. Qualified candidates will be contacted via email regarding our interview process. To apply for this role, please send a cover letter, CV, and portfolio via the apply for job button below.

EDAI

RAA is an equal opportunity practice that is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion in our studio. RAA does not discriminate in employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of: race; color; creed; religion; gender; gender identity or expression; sex; sexual orientation; national origin or ancestry; citizenship status; health or genetic information; age; marital status; mental or physical disability; pregnancy; political affiliation; arrest record; past, present, or future service in the uniformed services; or any other legally protected status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all personnel practices, including, but not limited to, recruitment, project assignments, professional development, compensation, or any other employment practice. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and candidates from other underrepresented communities to apply.

www.raai.com