Architectural/Interior Designer - Educational Spaces

Position Summary

Heart of America seeks a mission-driven Architectural/Interior Designer to transform educational spaces across the country. From site surveys and conceptual layouts to sponsor-branded graphics and construction-ready documentation, you’ll guide every phase of the design process. Reporting to the Director of Design and collaborating with cross-functional teams, this role blends strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on execution.

What You’ll Do

• Lead design for space transformation projects from concept to completion
• Create design packages and sponsor-branded “kits of parts”
• Develop layouts, elevations, and electrical drawings using CAD and design software
• Ensure designs align with budget, brand standards, and sponsor expectations
• Present concepts to stakeholders and incorporate feedback
• Coordinate with external design partners and internal teams
• Stay current on educational design trends, tools, and furnishings

What You Bring

• Background in interior design or architecture
• Bachelor of Architecture or Interior Design required, M. Architecture and/or LEED accreditation preferred
• Knowledge of building/construction industries and FF&E coordination
• Proficiency in Revit and other design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma, Auto CAD).
• Sketch Up, or other rendering platform skill desirable
• Strong visual communication and presentation skills
• Experience managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments
• Passion for equity in education and mission-aligned design

Job Location: Hybrid/Remote in one of HOA’s priority markets, including Washington DC, Baltimore, MD, Minneapolis/St Paul, MN, Las Vegas, NV, and Navajo Nation (must have proximity to major US airport)

Manager: Director of Design

Key Teams: Design, VP, Programs, Construction, Project Management, and Procurement

Salary: USD $60,000 - $68,000 / year

Benefits: HOA offers medical, dental, vision, paid holidays, vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan plus matching.

About Heart of America

Heart of America (HOA) is a national nonprofit organization that has provided high-quality education resources and transformed spaces in under-resourced schools into modern learning environments so that students and communities can learn and grow. Over the past 28 years, HOA has served more than 2.5 million students in need by distributing more than 4.4 million books, infusing $14.3 million in technology, and transforming nearly 1,400 community libraries, cafeterias, gymnasiums, college and career centers, tech labs, and many more educational spaces across North America.

At HOA, we look for people who work with their heads AND their hearts. Talent is essential, but talent is not enough. We are looking for people who are passionate about our mission and goals and who are committed to an organizational culture based on compassion, integrity, respect, and cooperation.

HOA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.