Higher Education Project Manager

Project Manager – Higher Education Architecture

We are partnering with a nationally recognized architecture and design firm seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the design and delivery of complex projects within its growing Higher Education practice.

This is a highly visible, client-facing position for a licensed architect who can successfully balance design quality, project execution, financial performance, and client relationships. The Project Manager will work closely with senior firm leadership, design leaders, clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver sophisticated higher education projects from early planning and design through construction.

The successful candidate will bring strong experience working with colleges and universities and be comfortable leading both clients and internal teams through complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead architecture and planning projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction.

• Partner closely with Design Principals and Higher Education market leadership to successfully pursue, win, and deliver work.

• Provide strategic direction to multidisciplinary project teams while maintaining high standards for design quality and technical execution.

• Establish and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, deliverables, and overall project progress.

• Coordinate effectively across internal teams, consultants, contractors, and client stakeholders.

• Identify potential project challenges early and provide proactive, practical solutions.

• Maintain quality control and ensure work complies with applicable codes, accessibility requirements, firm standards, and contractual obligations.

• Mentor architects and designers by establishing clear responsibilities, leveraging individual strengths, and creating opportunities for professional growth.

Client Leadership & Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop trusted, long-term relationships with university and institutional clients through proactive communication and strong project leadership.

• Guide conversations with campus stakeholders to establish project vision, programmatic requirements, design goals, budget, and schedule.

• Lead client meetings, presentations, workshops, and project discussions.

• Manage expectations and communicate project progress, risks, decisions, and solutions clearly throughout design and construction.

• Act as an advocate for both the client's objectives and overall design vision.

Project Planning & Financial Management

• Develop comprehensive project work plans, schedules, staffing strategies, and resource requirements.

• Manage project financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, invoicing, consultant payments, and overall profitability.

• Prepare fee proposals and participate in contract negotiations with clients and consultants alongside senior leadership.

• Direct and review the work of architects, designers, consultants, and other project team members.

• Apply knowledge of building codes, building systems, project delivery, and design technologies to support successful project outcomes.

• Utilize project management and financial management systems to maintain accurate and timely project information.

Construction Administration

• Provide leadership throughout the construction phase and maintain continuity from design through project completion.

• Oversee submittal reviews, RFIs, site observations, payment certifications, and resolution of field conditions.

• Work collaboratively with clients, contractors, and consultants to interpret construction documents and resolve issues efficiently.

• Monitor construction progress against design intent, schedule, quality, and contractual requirements.

• Support substantial and final completion activities in collaboration with project stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture required.

• Active architectural licensure required.

• 10+ years of professional architecture experience, with a strong track record delivering complex projects within the Higher Education market.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects from planning and design through construction.

• Strong understanding of architectural design, documentation, building systems, codes, accessibility requirements, and QA/QC processes.

• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, staffing, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong client-facing experience, ideally including presentations and engagement with university leadership, facilities teams, user groups, and other campus stakeholders.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Working knowledge of industry platforms and technologies such as Revit, AutoCAD, Newforma, 3D modeling tools, and project management software.

• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint is beneficial but not required.

• Willingness to travel as required for client engagements, projects, and firm initiatives.

What This Opportunity Offers

This is an opportunity to join an established, design-focused architecture practice with a strong national reputation and a significant presence in the Higher Education market. The position offers the ability to lead meaningful projects, develop long-term institutional client relationships, mentor talented teams, and work directly alongside senior leadership.

The firm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Disability and life insurance

• FSA/HSA options

• Generous paid time off based on experience

• Paid family leave

• Educational and professional development benefits

• Long-term career development and leadership opportunities

We are seeking someone who combines strong project management capabilities with architectural expertise, client leadership, and genuine experience within Higher Education. This position is particularly well suited to an established Project Manager looking for greater project ownership, visibility, and long-term growth within a nationally respected design practice.