Development Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC's development director roles are concentrated in nonprofits, international organizations, trade associations, and federally adjacent institutions. Major employers include large advocacy groups, think tanks, and higher education institutions like Georgetown and American University. Organizations with established HR infrastructure are more likely to navigate the H-1B visa or O-1 visa sponsorship process for experienced development professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Regional Business Development Director to lead growth across a dynamic, multi-market East region. This role will partner closely with regional and market leadership to shape strategy, deepen client relationships, and position the firm for sustained, profitable growth.
This is an opportunity for a senior business development leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and execution—and who is motivated to build high-performing teams and elevate business development impact across the organization.
Working with us, you will:
- Drive Strategy & Market Growth
- Lead and execute regional business development strategies, aligning office, market, and studio efforts with firmwide priorities and growth targets.
- Analyze market trends, client needs, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and guide decision-making.
- Partner with leadership to pursue expansion into new markets, sectors, and client segments.
-
Set BD goals and track performance to ensure accountability and measurable progress.
-
Build Client Relationships & Position the Firm
- Develop and expand relationships with key clients, partners, and industry leaders to strengthen market presence.
- Lead proactive pre-positioning efforts to identify and advance high-value opportunities early.
- Drive capture planning for priority clients and pursuits, aligning teams around a clear path to win.
-
Use CRM (Microsoft Dynamics) to manage pipeline, track opportunities, validate accuracy and inform strategy.
-
Lead Pursuits & Win Work
- Shape early pursuit strategy, including positioning, win themes, and teaming approach.
- Partner with marketing and technical teams to develop compelling proposals and messaging.
-
Coach teams for interviews, elevating clarity, confidence, and overall performance.
-
Elevate Visibility & Build Teams
- Guide conference, event, and thought leadership strategies to enhance market visibility.
- Lead and develop a regional BD team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Identify capability gaps and implement tools, training, and best practices to strengthen performance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate has:
- 15+ years of business development experience, preferably within the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) or professional services industry.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
- Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies that translate into measurable results.
- Strong client relationship skills, with a track record of building trust and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
- Experience leading complex pursuits and guiding teams through competitive procurement processes.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
BENEFITS
At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $152,000 to $179,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.
INTRODUCTION
SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Regional Business Development Director to lead growth across a dynamic, multi-market East region. This role will partner closely with regional and market leadership to shape strategy, deepen client relationships, and position the firm for sustained, profitable growth.
This is an opportunity for a senior business development leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and execution—and who is motivated to build high-performing teams and elevate business development impact across the organization.
Working with us, you will:
- Drive Strategy & Market Growth
- Lead and execute regional business development strategies, aligning office, market, and studio efforts with firmwide priorities and growth targets.
- Analyze market trends, client needs, and competitive dynamics to identify opportunities and guide decision-making.
- Partner with leadership to pursue expansion into new markets, sectors, and client segments.
-
Set BD goals and track performance to ensure accountability and measurable progress.
-
Build Client Relationships & Position the Firm
- Develop and expand relationships with key clients, partners, and industry leaders to strengthen market presence.
- Lead proactive pre-positioning efforts to identify and advance high-value opportunities early.
- Drive capture planning for priority clients and pursuits, aligning teams around a clear path to win.
-
Use CRM (Microsoft Dynamics) to manage pipeline, track opportunities, validate accuracy and inform strategy.
-
Lead Pursuits & Win Work
- Shape early pursuit strategy, including positioning, win themes, and teaming approach.
- Partner with marketing and technical teams to develop compelling proposals and messaging.
-
Coach teams for interviews, elevating clarity, confidence, and overall performance.
-
Elevate Visibility & Build Teams
- Guide conference, event, and thought leadership strategies to enhance market visibility.
- Lead and develop a regional BD team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Identify capability gaps and implement tools, training, and best practices to strengthen performance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate has:
- 15+ years of business development experience, preferably within the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) or professional services industry.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
- Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies that translate into measurable results.
- Strong client relationship skills, with a track record of building trust and influencing decision-making at senior levels.
- Experience leading complex pursuits and guiding teams through competitive procurement processes.
- Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
BENEFITS
At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $152,000 to $179,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.
Development Director Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Development Director Jobs in Washington DCDevelopment Director Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and organizations sponsor visas for development directors in Washington DC?
Nonprofits with substantial fundraising operations, international NGOs, trade associations, and universities are the most active visa sponsors for development directors in Washington DC. Organizations like the World Bank Group affiliates, large advocacy nonprofits, and research institutions have demonstrated sponsorship histories. Employers with dedicated HR or legal counsel are significantly better positioned to file H-1B or O-1 petitions for senior development roles.
Which visa types are most common for development director roles in Washington DC?
The H-1B is the most common visa for development directors, provided the role is classified as a specialty occupation requiring a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. The O-1A is an alternative for candidates with exceptional records in fundraising or nonprofit leadership. Some international organization employees may qualify for G-4 status, depending on their employer's relationship with recognized intergovernmental bodies.
How to find development director visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship willingness, making it practical to identify development director openings in Washington DC without sorting through roles that don't sponsor. You can browse by role and location to surface nonprofits, associations, and institutions actively hiring internationally. This saves significant time compared to manually researching individual employers' sponsorship histories.
Which areas within Washington DC have the most development director sponsorship jobs?
Most development director positions are concentrated in DC proper, particularly around Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and downtown corridors where nonprofits, associations, and embassies cluster. Some positions extend into the broader metro area, including Bethesda and Silver Spring in Maryland and Arlington in Virginia, where health-focused nonprofits and policy organizations are common employers.
Are there specific considerations for development director visa sponsorship in Washington DC's nonprofit sector?
Nonprofits in DC are often exempt from the H-1B cap, meaning they can file petitions at any time of year rather than competing in the annual lottery. This cap-exempt status applies to 501(c)(3) organizations that qualify under the relevant statutory criteria. Development directors pursuing roles at qualifying nonprofits may have more flexible hiring timelines as a result, though each employer's eligibility should be confirmed independently.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored development director jobs in Washington DC?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.