Demo

Project Manager - Higher Education

HED
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/23/2026
ABOUT HED:

We are a nationwide team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about kindness, aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening and learning from each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Our Higher Education sector is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented Project Managers. The candidate should have broad expertise, with a focus on Higher Education, in a variety of project typologies and scales, and be enthused about joining HED’s shared commitment to Advancing Your World through Critical Thinking, Integrated Practice, and Design Excellence.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience delivering projects in a variety of complex higher education project types and scales (university, college, and community colleges). A strong understanding of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements and AHJ approval processes is a plus.

The role is based in our San Diego office. Candidates located outside of the region are encouraged to apply, as relocation assistance may be provided for the qualified non-local candidates.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Principal-in-Charge with the professional services proposal process and in negotiating the Agreement with the owner
  • Lead and direct multi-disciplinary A/E teams and all project activities, interfacing with the project team, clients, contractors, consultants and all authorities having jurisdiction, through all phases of a project including programming, schematic design, design development, construction document and construction administration services
  • Prepare, implement, and monitor project plans and strategies
  • Lead and manage client activities and contracts. Identify and secure, prior to doing the work, additional service fees for activities outside the Owner Agreement and any previously approved work requiring changes
  • Manage overall project schedule and develop, coordinate and manage short-term schedules, next steps, and tasks with project team
  • Establish and monitor discipline hour budgets and staffing needs, with assistance from the discipline leads, to meet profit goals
  • Manage and monitor the gathering of owner required data
  • Prepare contract forms for both owners and any consultants, and monitor adherence to those contracts
  • Schedule, coordinate, and manage all required design and technical reviews through all phases of the project to meet the established policies and procedures for quality
  • Manage the project team during the bidding and construction administration phase in accordance with the requirements of the Owner Agreement
  • Participate in marketing efforts including client maintenance, proposals and interviews as directed by the Sector or Business Leader
  • Assist the Principal-in-Charge in the post-construction evaluation process when requested
  • Interact daily with Operations Leaders and Business Leaders in regard to metrics for project success, issue resolution, and strategic goals of your managed projects
  • Guide and monitor A/E project teams’ use/adherence to the HED Project Design Process

SKILL, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience of leading A/E Healthcare design/development, including experience with navigating requirements and approvals of Division of the State Architect (DSA) in California
  • Minimum ten years' post-graduate professional experience in the A/E industry
  • Minimum five years’ experience working as an A/E or Client-Side Project Manager with direct responsibility for project financial and risk management
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Engineering
  • Professional Licensure
  • LEED Accreditation preferred
  • Extensive knowledge of all aspects of professional A/E services from marketing through project close-out
  • Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of the coordination of all design disciplines
  • Strong business acumen, demonstrated in your day-to-day activities
  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills, including the ability to lead, motivate, and work well with others in a design-focused environment under deadline situations
  • Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
  • Proactive, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible approach
  • Strategic outlook, with an eye for detail

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Capable of traveling to and from project sites, both locally and across the US; attending client, project, and construction meetings
  • Ability to access existing and new project sites for observation, investigation, and evaluation purposes
  • Ability to use office equipment for communication and documentation purposes
  • Visual acuity to perform responsibilities

In compliance with all applicable or other employment requirements, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability and arrest and conviction records.

Salary : $125,000 - $180,000

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