We have an opening for a Studio Leader, Higher Education. We operate within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. Considering this model, this role could be based in the following cities:
About Higher Education at DLR Group:
DLR Group’s Higher Education practice fully embraces our responsibility to society by designing spaces that emphasize academic learning and social development. We are transforming the educational landscape, working with our clients to set new horizons for learning and living that enrich school communities, the spaces they strive to provide, and what they can achieve. Our team draws from evidence-based design to work with shareholders to affect student and teacher engagement, ensuring that learning is enhanced through design. We also understand the rapid pace of technological, social, and cultural change; our teams work with schools to navigate these challenges.
Position Summary:
As a Studio Leader, you will play a key role in business development, managing client relationships and leading contract negotiations. You will educate clients on our design process while collaborating with the project manager to ensure the financial success of each project. Throughout the project lifecycle, you will maintain consistent client contact, foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and ensure that both client and DLR Group goals are met.
What you will do:
- Manage project execution, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and scope while maintaining client expectations
- Collaborate with the Project Manager on staffing, responsibilities, and performance feedback for project team members
- Track project milestones and deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality standards and preparing regular status reports
- Facilitate and document meetings with staff and clients, coordinating project personnel, vendors, and consultants
- Participate in client contract negotiations, manage change requests, and approve project plan modifications
- Support business development initiatives by contributing to RFP responses and participating in client interviews
- Oversee project invoicing, ensuring accuracy and alignment with work deliverables, and manage account receivables
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related construction field (Professional licensure preferred)
- At least 10 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role for Higher Education projects
- Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership
- Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and customer satisfaction
- Expertise in design techniques and tools for producing technical plans, drawings, and models
- Familiarity with building methods, materials, and systems for construction and renovation projects
- Strong critical thinking, time management, and communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to actively listen, understand others' perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations
*TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*
