Business Development Director

Overview

Founded in 1965 by Mack Pogue as Lincoln Property Company, Willow Bridge Property Company is one of the United States’ most respected full-service residential property companies, operating a successful portfolio in 75 markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Willow Bridge proudly employs over 5,500 team members, has built over 200,000 apartments and manages 220,000 units for its clients. To learn more, visit

We create places people want to call home — starting with you.

With decades of proven success, Willow Bridge is a national leader in residential property management and development, active in 29 states and managing more than 230,000 apartment homes across the U.S.

At Willow Bridge, our purpose drives everything we do. Whether you’re launching your career or looking to take the next step, we’re here to support your growth with intention, flexibility, and real opportunities to make an impact.

We’re currently hiring for a Business Development Director – someone who brings fresh thinking, follows through, and knows how to bring people together to get results. We value people who lead by listening, communicate with clarity, and take initiative to find better ways forward. If you're someone who believes in showing up with integrity, working collaboratively, and driving positive change, you’ll feel right at home here.

Let’s grow together at Willow Bridge.

The Business Development Director is responsible for driving third‑party multifamily management growth primarily across the Northeast markets within the Eastern U.S. region. This role owns the identification, pursuit, and conversion of new management opportunities and serves as a senior client‑facing representative of the firm throughout the sales lifecycle.

The Director reports to the VP of Business Development and partners closely with executive leadership, regional operations, marketing, and asset strategy teams to ensure pursuits are strategically aligned, well‑qualified, and positioned to convert into long‑term, high‑value client relationships. The role is consultative in nature and requires strong market fluency, executive presence, and the ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycles.

This position is accountable for building a disciplined, forecastable pipeline while delivering a polished, high‑touch experience that positions the firm as a trusted operating partner to institutional and private ownership groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the business development strategy for assigned markets aligned with national growth priorities and regional capacity
• Proactively identify, qualify, and secure third‑party management opportunities that meet strategic, financial, and operational criteria
• Build, manage, and forecast a robust pipeline of prospective clients, providing regular visibility into timing, probability, and anticipated fee revenue
• Partner with regional and national leadership to inform annual growth targets, market prioritization, and resource planning

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain senior‑level relationships with owners, asset managers, investors, and key industry partners
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the pursuit lifecycle, ensuring consistent, high‑touch, and professional client experience
• Position the firm’s operating platform, infrastructure, and market expertise in a manner tailored to each client’s investment objectives
• Represent the company externally through meetings, presentations, and industry events, reinforcing brand credibility and market presence

RFP, Proposal & Negotiation Leadership

• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of formal proposals and RFP responses
• Synthesize cross‑functional input into clear, compelling narratives that articulate the firm’s value proposition and differentiation
• Present proposals to ownership groups and investment teams, addressing financial, operational, and strategic considerations
• Lead finalist negotiations through contract execution, ensuring alignment with company standards and long‑term client objectives

Internal Collaboration & Cross‑Functional…