ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is seeking an Institutions Market Advisor (On‑Call) to assist in the strategic growth of our Higher‑Education and Institutional market throughout the Northeast, with a primary emphasis on building relationships and strengthening strategic positioning across New Jersey, and with the flexibility to support opportunities nationally, as needed. This on‑call senior advisory role will draw upon decades of institutional experience to help VHB identify target institutions, refine our approach, and strengthen our ability to win work with colleges, universities, and related institutional clients.

The advisor will collaborate closely with the Managing Director of New Jersey operations and regional leadership to advance VHB’s presence in this critical market sector.

Responsibilities:

Market Strategy & Positioning

• Provide insights into market trends, institutional structures, capital planning processes, and decision‑making frameworks within higher‑education organizations.
• Help VHB understand how target institutions operate, including governance, procurement pathways, and operational drivers, to refine pursuit strategies.
• Contribute to the development of strategic growth plans, institutional market priorities, and market positioning initiatives across the Northeast.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Act as a trusted ambassador for VHB, supporting relationship‑building with higher‑education leaders, capital planning teams, campus operations, and architectural/CM partners.
• Facilitate introductions and help VHB “get to the table” with high‑value institutional clients.
• Support client pursuit strategies by offering advisory input on qualification approaches, teaming strategies, and win themes.

Advisory Support for Project & Program Opportunities

• Provide perspective on institutional capital programs, planning cycles, and campus development priorities.
• Offer guidance on program management practices, large‑scale project delivery models, and owner‑side considerations.
• Advise pursuit teams by framing institutional challenges, expectations, risks, and success metrics from the owner’s point of view.

Industry Presence & Thought Leadership

• Participate selectively in industry engagements, peer meetings, panels, institutional roundtables—to enhance VHB’s presence within the higher‑ed community.
• Identify opportunities for VHB to promote innovative technologies, sustainability initiatives, and forward‑thinking solutions that resonate with institutional clients.
• Serve as a validated, credible resource who can speak confidently with institutional peers and partners.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive experience in higher‑education facilities, construction, campus planning, or capital program leadership.
• Deep understanding of how institutions plan, fund, manage, and deliver capital projects.
• Demonstrated success in business development, relationship building, and cultivating long‑standing institutional partnerships.
• Recognized reputation within the higher‑education sector as a trusted peer and industry resource.
• Strong communication skills and comfort engaging senior executives, board members, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a closely related field preferred.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Princeton, New Jersey is $105 - $140 per hour. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

We are VHB! We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment. 

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes: 

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace  

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us! 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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