Institutional Business Development consultant

Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting (WDGC) is a premier consulting firm with over 40 years of experience advising corporate clients, government agencies, and economic development organizations. We specialize in corporate location strategy, workforce and labor market analytics, and economic development planning. Our work supports data-driven decisions that help organizations grow, compete, and align strategically with evolving market dynamics.

Position Overview

WDGC is seeking a dynamic Institutional Business Development Consultant to identify, develop, and expand strategic partnerships and client relationships with institutional organizations—such as economic development agencies (EDOs), government entities, chambers of commerce, workforce development boards, and trade associations.

This independent consulting role is ideal for a seasoned business development professional who understands the institutional landscape and has a strong network in the public sector, nonprofit, or quasi-governmental spaces. The ideal candidate combines consultative selling skills with a strategic understanding of institutional priorities and funding mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and pursue new business opportunities with institutional clients aligned with WDGC’s core service offerings.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in economic development, public policy, education, and workforce sectors.

Lead the development of proposals, capability statements, and tailored presentations for institutional prospects.

Collaborate with WDGC leadership and subject matter experts to design strategic engagement approaches and client solutions.

Track market trends, funding opportunities (e.g., federal/state grants, ARPA, IIJA), and emerging client needs.

Represent WDGC at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build brand visibility and generate leads.

Support RFP response processes and partnership development with allied service providers or consulting firms.

Qualifications

7+ years of experience in business development, consulting, or stakeholder engagement with a focus on institutional or public-sector clients.

Strong knowledge of economic development, workforce development, or public-private partnerships.

Demonstrated ability to win and manage complex engagements with government or nonprofit institutions.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage a flexible, opportunity-driven schedule.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MPA, MBA, Urban Planning, Public Policy) preferred.

Existing network of contacts in the institutional or public-sector space is highly desirable.

What We Offer

Competitive commission or fee-based compensation structure.

Project flexibility and autonomy in a consultant role.

Opportunity to shape strategic partnerships and help grow WDGC’s institutional portfolio.

Access to a respected team of experts in location strategy, workfo