Job Description
Job Description
Summary: The Associate Director A+D leads MOI’s engagement strategy with the Architecture and Design community, building trusted relationships that drive early project involvement, client influence, and long-term loyalty. Acting as the voice of MOI within the design ecosystem, this role fosters collaboration, champions design excellence, and positions MOI as a creative and consultative partner across key firms and market influencers.
Working closely with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Directors of Sales, and Marketing, the Associate Director A+D develops and executes initiatives that strengthen MOI’s visibility, influence, and pipeline. This individual blends design fluency, strategic thinking, and relationship leadership to ensure the A+D community views MOI as a preferred, reliable, and inspiring partner throughout every phase of the project lifecycle.
Essential Functions:
- Lead and Elevate A+D Relationship Strategy
- Develop, execute, and continually refine MOI’s A+D engagement strategy to strengthen firm-level partnerships and increase influence in early project stages.
- Build, maintain, and expand key relationships with principals, designers, and firm influencers to understand their goals, work styles, and project needs.
- Position MOI as a trusted design partner by demonstrating expertise, responsiveness, and alignment with firm culture and process.
- Facilitate regular firm touchpoints, presentations, and design tours to promote MOI’s products, services, and design capabilities.
- Develop and track a relationship plan and engagement calendar for each key firm, ensuring consistency and follow-through.
- Drive Business Growth Through Influence
- Collaborate with Business Development and Sales teams to identify, validate, and pursue new opportunities emerging through the A+D network.
- Support sales pursuit strategies by providing A+D insight, firm intel, and project background to strengthen competitive positioning.
- Leverage A+D influence to shape specifications, guide product recommendations, and position MOI favorably within design-led opportunities.
- Partner with sales to support preliminary budget development, project direction, and proposal strategy when initiated by design firms.
- Monitor upcoming design firm projects, RFPs, and specifications to identify new leads and growth potential.
- Foster Collaboration and Internal Alignment
- Act as the bridge between A+D relationships and internal teams—translating design expectations, feedback, and lessons learned into actionable insights.
- Collaborate with Marketing to create content, events, and campaigns that resonate with design audiences.
- Coach sales and project teams on design community expectations, timelines, and communication styles to enhance client experience.
- Partner with design, PM, and operational leaders to ensure MOI delivers excellence in execution for A+D-influenced projects.
- Provide consistent updates to leadership on relationship health, firm activity, and market trends.
- Champion Brand Presence and Market Engagement
- Represent MOI at design events, trade shows, and industry organizations such as IIDA, CREW, and manufacturer-sponsored functions.
- Collaborate with Marketing to design and host MOI-sponsored A+D events that strengthen relationships and reinforce brand credibility.
- Stay current on design trends, materials, and technologies to position MOI as a thought leader in the design community.
- Promote MOI’s culture of creativity, collaboration, and client-centered excellence in every interaction
Core Competencies:
- Relationship Leadership: Builds trust-based, authentic partnerships across all levels of the design community.
- Design Fluency: Deep understanding of design process, terminology, and priorities of A+D professionals.
- Strategic Insight: Translates market and firm intelligence into actionable business strategies.
- Communication Excellence: Articulate and confident in presentations, discussions, and client-facing settings.
- Collaboration: Works seamlessly across Business Development, Sales, Marketing, and Design teams..
- Strategic Alignment – Consistently makes decisions and takes actions that support the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
- Adaptability & Growth – Embraces feedback, change, and continuous learning to improve performance and outcomes.
- Collaboration – Builds strong working relationships by listening actively, anticipating needs, and supporting the success of others.
- Communication – Shares information clearly and respectfully, ensuring timeliness and context to promote understanding.
- Integrity & Trust – Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and fairness to foster confidence and belonging across the organization.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Business, or related field required.
- 7+ years of professional experience within the commercial interiors, architecture, or design industry.
- Proven success building and maintaining relationships within the A+D community.
- Strong understanding of the contract furniture and interior construction ecosystem.
- Experience collaborating on pursuits, presentations, and design-driven projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM tools, and familiarity with AutoCAD or CET a plus.
- Active participation in industry associations and events preferred.
Base Pay: Salary + Performance Bonus
Benefits:
You will be eligible to participate in the benefit programs offered to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week. Health benefits include - medical/dental/vision, health savings account, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, dependent care flex spending, and employee assistance program. In addition - PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave for eligible employees, 401(k) match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and other perks & benefits.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate equipment or technology, and communicate verbally and in writing. The employee may occasionally be required to bend, reach, lift, or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Travel:
Occasional regional travel to our offices located in Baltimore, DC, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role typically operates in an office and/or warehouse setting with moderate noise levels and temperature-controlled environment. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
***All MOI hires are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen.***