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Client Leader, K-12 Schools

Boston, Massachusetts, United States; New York, New York, United States; Washington, D.C.

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

DLR Group is an international leader in the design of educational spaces for schools of all kinds, including independent and public school clients. We operate across over 30 offices to serve our clients with the highest level of expertise, design vision, and client connection. Considering this model, this role would be based in a DLR Group office in one of the following cities:

  • Washington, DC
  • New York, NY
  • Boston, MA

About K-12 Education at DLR Group

DLR Group is committed to excellence in the design of learning environments, and we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of conversations about how design enables teaching and learning, health and wellness, and sustainable futures. We are committed to a design-driven, integrated practice to serve our clients with passion, expertise, and innovation. Our integrated team comprises in-house educators, engineers, interior designers, climate-action strategists, and other experts who collaborate with schools nationwide to navigate this change, ultimately serving communities better and enhancing educational experiences and outcomes for students.

Position Summary

As Client Leader, you will bring your expertise in Independent and Public School design to create long-lasting client relationships and shape the design of projects. You will play a key role in leading teams in design excellence and the highest level of professional practice, growing our practice through business development, and integrating design disciplines. You will have a leading role in project success through direct relationships with clients, collaborative teamwork, and working with project managers to achieve financial health on multiple projects. You will also be an ambassador for DLR Group and a content expert at conferences and professional practice events.

What you will do:

  • Provide impactful design thought leadership on a diverse array of K-12 projects through direct client interaction and leadership of in-house design teams.

  • Support business development initiatives by participating in business development activities, leading RFP responses, and participating in client interviews.

  • Represent DLR Group through attendance and participation in K-12 conferences and professional events.

  • Lead owner and consultant contract negotiations and manage contractual obligations throughout the duration of each project.

  • Collaborate with the Project Managers on staffing, responsibilities, and performance feedback for project teams

  • Track and manage financial performance on multiple projects, including schedule compliance, invoicing, account receivables, and client satisfaction.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Architecture professional degree and Professional Architect licensure in at least one state.

  • At least 15 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role 

  • Significant experience working with independent schools, ideally including work with public schools as well. This should include a proven track record of completing educational facility projects. 

  • Active involvement in the independent school educational facility planning and design community (including NBOA, NAIS, or TABS). 

  • Demonstrated success in preparing and submitting proposals for school clients, showing understanding of these institutions' unique needs and requirements. 

  • Strong background in comprehensive campus master planning, including experience developing long-term strategic facility plans that align with schools' educational missions. 

  • Versatile project experience across different scales and types, from renovations and additions to new construction. Should include work on diverse educational facilities such as academic buildings, athletic complexes (including gymnasiums and pools), performing arts centers, student housing, and dining halls.  

  • Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership 

  • 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 

  • Ability to actively listen, understand others' perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations 

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is:

Pay Range

$125,000 - $155,000 USD

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.

We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Through our values – commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork – we elevate the human experience through design, together.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.

 

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