Client Development Director Jobs in Portland, OR

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

The Technical Director will lead, manage, and grow our Environmental Investigation & Remediation practice through a combination of technical excellence, project delivery, and active business development. In the seller–doer model, this role is accountable for building strong client relationships, securing new work, and overseeing the successful execution of high‑complexity environmental projects in alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.

The ideal candidate is a recognized technical leader who thrives in both client-facing and hands-on project delivery responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead the planning, direction, and execution of complex environmental investigation and remediation projects, ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide expert-level technical guidance on contaminant fate and transport, geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, engineering principles, and other relevant physical sciences.
• Develop conceptual site models, evaluate remedial technologies, forecast project needs, and prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Oversee and review technical reports including remedial investigations, feasibility studies, cleanup action plans, and state-specific regulatory documentation.
• Ensure application of state and federal environmental standards to achieve regulatory closure or client-specific outcomes.
• Establish and maintain internal health and safety, quality control, and technical standards for the practice.

Seller–Doer & Client Development

• Cultivate and expand relationships with clients, referral sources, industry partners, and centers of influence—serving as a trusted technical advisor.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities aligned with practice growth objectives.
• Represent the firm in key client meetings, professional associations, and industry events to enhance visibility and market presence.
• Translate client needs into actionable scopes and project strategies, ensuring a high-quality customer experience.

People Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance assessment for technical staff across project phases.
• Mentor team members in technical development, project management, and client engagement.
• Collaborate with Principals and senior leadership to structure practice area growth, resourcing strategies, and future project pipelines.

Operational & Field Activities

• Work primarily in a remote or office setting performing project management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tasks.
• Conduct field oversight for key phases of complex investigation or remediation projects as needed.
• Coordinate project teams, subcontractors, and consultants to ensure alignment with technical, regulatory, and safety expectations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully fill this position:

• Degree in Environmental Engineering, Geology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional licensure (PE, PG, or equivalent) preferred.
• Significant experience in environmental investigation and remediation, including managing complex projects.
• Strong technical understanding of contaminant behavior, hydrogeology, and remediation methods.
• Proven ability to develop business and maintain strong client relationships (seller–doer model).
• Experience leading teams and mentoring technical staff.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings and field oversight.

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands that our employees are people first, and we recognize that life sometimes requires flexibility. We are committed to providing an environment that supports our team’s personal and professional needs.

• A flexible work environment, including the ability to work remotely when needed
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Commuter benefits

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $145,000 – $190,000. The base salary offered will vary depending on a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, location, and the scope of the role.

In addition to base salary, J.S. Held offers a variety of annual bonus programs. Eligibility and details for these bonus schemes will be discussed during the interview process.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations
We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal! J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin,
disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email jobs@jsheld.com and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.

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