Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth - New Frontiers

If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply.This position may be filled anywhere in the United States.

Key Responsibilities of Role

The firmwide market convergence director (“convergence director”) is responsible for elevating the CannonDesign (CD) brand (including all brands under the CD umbrella across all regions) in meaningful and measurable ways that contribute to growing impact, strengthening reputation, and scaling your assigned market foci within the company to achieve doubling of revenue every 8 years.

Three Convergence Director positions were filled earlier this year. Each is responsible for assigned markets and for working collaboratively toward collective success with all convergence directors, regional directors, regional design directors, and consulting leaders. The four specific assignments and Business Titles for the firmwide market convergence leaders are:

• Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth, HEALTH for ALL
• Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth, NEW FRONTIERS
• Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth, LIVE, WORK, PLAY
• Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth, INCUBATE & LAUNCH

An additional partner to these roles is the Executive Director, Market Strategies & Growth, CONSULTING.

The HEALTH for ALL markets include healthcare, hospitals & clinics, public and population health, academic medicine, health & wellness, healthy communities. Education also intersects this collaboration, as K12 schools are important anchors in communities and universities train and develop the healthcare workforce of the future. including clinical and behavioral health programs in collegiate settings, reflecting the belief that thriving students contribute to thriving communities—and that education and health are inseparable pillars of civic resilience.

The NEW FRONTIERS markets include research, science, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Other markets under consideration include aerospace, aviation, and quantum computing. Higher education also intersects this collaboration through research, discovery, and preparation of the next generation workforce. Commercial market intersects this collaboration in its work with multiple industry sectors. Health intersects this collaboration through medical research and biomanufacturing.

LIVE, WORK, PLAY includes housing, civic/community, retail, work/office, sports, recreation, assembly, entertainment, transit, parks. Higher education also intersects this collaboration through campus life, sports, recreation, campus housing, city-campus relationships, and K-12 are woven into communities nationwide. Commercial market intersects this collaboration in its work with multiple industry sectors, innovation districts, mixed use developments, and more.

INCUBATE & LAUNCH focuses on in-house start-up ventures or services, incubating ideas, building key partnerships, developing talent and business plans to finance, develop, and launch new products and services under the CannonDesign family of companies. CD Research and CD Innovation are organized under the Incubate & Launch leader as well.

CONSULTING includes the services under our Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, The Clarient Group, and Yellow Brick brands and works with ALL markets within the company.

The most important measure of success of each Convergence Director is the ability to grow brand awareness within their assigned markets in ways that drive, source, and lead to securing significant new and repeat business aligned with the strategic framework, business planning objectives, and with our desire to scale our efforts across all markets, service and business lines in the firm. Recruitment of talent, mentoring of leaders within the firm, and opening doors to new clients (sourcing leads) are all very important expectations of the Convergence Director roles.

Key Criteria of Role

A Growth Mindset

The key responsibility of the role is to first develop and execute regional, national, or international growth plans which align with the ambitions of the firm through our strategic framework with a target of a minimum of 10% year over year growth in the assigned core markets and submarkets.

Growth is defined in 4 ways.

1. Organic growth of existing locations and markets in one or more regions.
2. Growth in building our CannonDesign brand (and all sub-brands) through selectively sourcing the work we pursue and the strategic partnerships we develop – with other firms, with industry or academic partners, and more. Build a culture of clients and partners for life over commodity work.
3. Growth achieved through launching new office locations, services, or business lines.
4. Growth achieved in building out new capabilities, market lines and services through a close relationship and support by the Regional Directors. This can be convergence or regional director initiated but ultimate success is supported by both and must be aligned with the strategic framework.

It is important to note that success requires achieving the metrics of success of your assigned markets and the ultimate success of the entire team of Convergence Directors, Regional Directors, and Regional Design Directors. This group will be accountable to the CEO, CSO and to both the executive and enterprise teams. Directors are evaluated individually and collectively (e.g. we will look at how all the regions and markets are doing as a group – individual success without collective success will not meet overall criteria for success in this role).

1. Single Firm Multiple Offices (SFMO) First mindset

We are one firm and while the Convergence Director will focus on a specific group of markets, a key part of the role is collaborating with key individuals to build out complementary and distinct capabilities across the firm to further advance SFMO. Your position requires implementing the markets’ growth in context with a firm-wide blueprint for developing a network of highly integrated offices, markets, and services that enhance our SFMO (Single-Firm, Multi-Office) culture and grow the AEI practices and the other business lines to contribute to the firm overall.

1. A Business mindset

     In addition to the growth mindset, you will be expected to lead a group of markets that contribute to the firm’s annual financial success by contributing to an after-TCC profit in the range of 15% to 25%. While the 15% is an expected minimum, the maximum is a guidepost and in no way shall the success of one convergence market negatively impact any aspect of other markets of the firm. Convergence Directors value to the enterprise hinges on demonstration of a broad world view and insatiable curiosity of what is next and ability to separate trends from long-term shifts in the industries in the markets of interest. In short, we expect Convergence Directors will have “fingers on the pulse” of business, culture, policy, population, and financial shifts across a broad spectrum of topics. Focus will be required and the ability to translate insights into implementation to drive measurable results will be critical.

A Brand Ambassador championing and embracing diversity.

You will participate in a high-performing, diverse and inclusive leadership team to achieve growth and outstanding business results. Most importantly, you will be a leading ambassador of our brand, responsible for demonstrating how our Living-Centered Design ethos comes to life in our culture and in the way we interact with clients, other firms, and business and strategic partners.

Expectations of success by which you will be evaluated:

• Firm Growth: Providing executive level leadership, guidance and support to Region, Market, Business (FOS, Software, and Consulting) and Practice Leaders (prime engineering, environmental graphics, lighting) in the development and execution of a regional and national strategies focused on growth and impact, including achieving top line targets and successful financial results which will support a minimum 10% growth of your markets year over year. You will own and be accountable for the overall growth and success of the group of markets assigned to you, as well as being expected to support growth initiatives in other markets and all regions. It is expected that Convergence Directors will work closely with firmwide markets and services leaders to create strong awareness of services and a culture of integrated partnership in the work we do and that you will assist in elevating all brands, services, and capabilities under the CannonDesign umbrella.
• Strategic Leadership: Developing, executing, and assessing business strategies that advance the growth of the markets under your leadership. Leading, engaging and partnering with other convergence, regional and firmwide leadership to advance entrepreneurial opportunities, innovative market solutions, and impactful design solutions that differentiate the firm and create opportunities for increased market presence, regional, and national growth.
• Market Brand Enhancement: Acting as a leading voice for the markets within your group, both externally and internally. Engaging in, as well as leading, activities that promote and elevate the brands of the firm. Championing Living-Centered Design and bringing our firm’s purpose—to help people continuously flourish—to life in every touchpoint you have with employees, clients, and the broader communities we serve and with which we are aligned.
• Culture: Creating a positive culture through visible, strong, inspirational leadership. Advancing a collaborative environment that empowers employees to actively work toward achieving the Markets’ and the Firm’s strategic goals. Partnering with other Firmwide Convergence / Market Leaders, Regional Directors, and Regional Design Directors to advance the growth of the Firm.

Areas Of Focus

• Visible National/International Market Leadership: Through strong collaboration with Convergence Directors, focus on sourcing opportunities for new project work and partnerships that advance our brand and grow the company. Bring the right talent into the firm, focused on strengthening awareness of the brand and elevating our reputation in ways that contribute to firm growth and success. You will provide leadership, guidance, and support, assisting market leaders and sharing accountability to achieve firm wide goals and meeting individual role responsibilities and expectations. You will collaborate and partner with Regional Directors, Regional Design Directors, Regional Process Leaders, Business and Practice leaders, and other Firmwide Convergence / Market Leaders in activities and initiatives that collectively support and align with the strategic direction of the Firm.
• Strategic Leadership: Responsible for defining and executing a strategic convergence market growth plan, aligned with the Strategic Framework and the Chief Strategy Officer. You will partner and engage with other firm, office, and market leaders to contribute to market-specific regional business plans which identify key business strategies and entrepreneurial initiatives focused on the continued growth and impact on your markets and the firm overall. You will be responsible for engaging Region, Office, Market, Business Line, and other leaders as appropriate, across the entire firm to participate in the process, communicate, and champion the initiatives set forth. You are a participant in the Business Planning process – you will not be leading it – Firmwide Market Leaders (FML I) will lead the detailed planning and refinement of metrics.
• Top Line Development: Partner with Office Practice Leaders, Market Leaders, and Business Line Leaders to identify growth market opportunities, key target clients and yearly Net Signed Fee targets that will increase the business volume of your markets a minimum of 10% per year. Champion clients for life vs commodity work. You will support all market and services and champion strategic initiatives that differentiate CannonDesign in the marketplace, promote the full range of our integrated design services and support the advancement of Living-Centered Design. Contribute measurably to the success of those who are accountable for the top line success of each region and business or practice by sourcing new relationships, making introductions to key leaders and influencers on the owners’ side, and opening as many strategic doors as possible for others in the firm. It is not intended that you will participate on project teams delivering the work in any significant capacity – the utilization/billable target for this position is 0%.
•  Practice and Market Building: Work with others to evaluate and take appropriate action to address the senior talent needs in the markets in your areas of convergence. Contribute visibly and impactfully to building strong leadership teams capable of expanding our growth potential for our markets. Identify new potential markets, practices, and business lines for investment and development and bring those ideas forward to the Chief Strategy Officer and the executive enterprise team for consideration. Support research and development and encourage development of new ideas, services, and products to differentiate the firm and expand business potential.
• Partner Closely with BMBD Team: Work closely and constantly with the BMBD leadership team to define opportunities and develop content that drives, manages, and strengthens CannonDesign’s image, brand, reputation, and market footprint. Assist with identifying and developing salient topics that will be of interest to our core markets, target clients, and potential partners. Assist with content development, develop your own media presence and personal brand in ways that benefit the businesses under the firm’s umbrella and drive new opportunities to the firm. Constantly and consistently create opportunities that bring attention to the firm and advance the initiatives in the strategic framework and drive top line NSF growth.
•  Communication and Brand Ambassador: Represent the Firm externally at national events, conferences, think tanks, workshops, conventions that continually support the overall brand and direction of the firm. Write, speak, and communicate externally through 3-5 venues annually. You will work with the Executive team annually to identify strategic placement / speaking opportunities. This role requires significant external influence and impact – you will be expected to have, maintain, and grow a sizable network that leads to opportunities for the firm and elevates our brand.

Time Commitments

• 35% of your time should be devoted to leadership, guidance, and support to others in activities that advance our brand and develop new business opportunities focused on the growth of the convergence markets and the Firm. 
• 65% of your time should be devoted to regional, national, and international (tbd) influence and leadership, strategy development, alignment, practice and market building, recruiting and other related activities that lead to the growth and impact of the markets, regions, businesses, practices, and the firm overall.

Key Characteristics And Competencies:

• Network Visibility: Visible, well known and respected by peers, leaders, and influencers in the markets that we serve as demonstrated by ability to make introductions and scale CD through a growing pipeline of opportunities in existing and emerging markets.
• Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire others – internally and externally.
• Influence and impact – notable impact and influence in core markets/industries demonstrated by personal network connections, appointments or elected seats in professional associations, in high impact initiatives, on boards, etc
• Build our Brand - Be connected externally. Be visible in the region. Drive marketing success as a result.
• Champion our Living-Centered Design ethos.
• Champion an ethical culture.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability.
• Champion SFMO and collaboration, show fairness in actions and decisions, always putting our firm first.
• Champion entrepreneurial behavior; open to new ideas, innovative concepts, and solutions.
• Demonstrate sound judgment.
• Demonstrate optimistic and inclusive leadership of a diverse team.
• Demonstrate a sound approach regarding risk management and mitigation.
• Communicate effectively internally; energize, inspire, motivate, and contribute to development of high-performing accountable teams across all markets, offices, services, practices.
• Maintain an extensive national network demonstrated by ability to connect the firm to talent, industry leaders, regional stakeholders, and strategic partners

 Requirements for this role

• Minmum Bachelor’s Degree is required for this role. Advanced degrees are preferred.
• Generally, at least 20 years of work experience within the assigned markets or equivalent work experience is required.
• Significant experience and proven track record within the markets assigned to this role, as demonstrated by progressive leadership responsibilities and employment experience at well-known and highly respected organizations or companies within the respective markets.
• Visibility and positive reputation within industry networks of value to the firm and the markets we serve. Track record of consistent presence, visibility, and championing a unique and thoughtful point-of-view at thought leadership and industry events. 
• Identifiable and recognizable personal brand and/or professional reputation consistent with CannonDesign’s ambitions and values. significant travel is required.

The salary range for this position is $270,000 to $290,000 annually.  This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses. We offer a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage and flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options and a 401k plan and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits. Actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level.   ABOUT OUR FIRM CannonDesign is a design practice where strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact converge. We don’t just dream up solutions — we create and bring them to life in ways to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and the society. At the heart of everything we do is Living-Centered Design, a bold commitment to using our talents to not just improve the world but to truly reshape it for the better. It’s more than a philosophy — it’s who we are, and it drives us to make a meaningful, lasting difference every day.   ABOUT WORKING HERE

• We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about.
• We are committed to ensuring our practice provides equal opportunities for all employees, as we strive to connect with communities around us and focus on the future of design. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts that benefit all employees through the leadership of our DEI Council, our Employee Resource Groups which are open to everyone, and other community initiatives.
• We’re about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we’re ready for you.

Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct.   CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. It is also CannonDesign’s policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.