Higher Education Senior Project Manager

Description

Grace Design Studios is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm with 25 offices across the country. Guided by our values—Do Good. Be Great.—we design environments that enhance communities, inspire creativity, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

We are seeking an accomplished and detail-oriented Senior Project Manager to lead complex architectural projects in our Higher Education studio from concept through completion. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership, strategic thinking, and technical expertise to manage large-scale projects, mentor teams, and foster strong client relationships

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of project execution, from initial planning and design through construction and closeout, ensuring alignment with client goals and firm standards.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve project success, maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout the process.
• Oversee administrative and technical coordination, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget compliance across multiple disciplines.
• Serve as the primary client liaison, maintaining strong communication, managing expectations, and fostering long-term relationships.
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and fee estimates for large-scale and complex projects, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Actively manage project budgets, schedules, and programs to ensure profitability and timely delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and support project teams and less experienced project managers, promoting professional growth and high performance.
• Coordinate with consultants and internal teams to integrate design, technical, and construction requirements effectively.
• Oversee project documentation, reporting, and communications to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with firm standards.
• Conduct regular project reviews to evaluate progress, quality, and client satisfaction, and proactively address issues to maintain success.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited program; licensure preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of professional experience managing complex architectural projects across all phases.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships at a high level.
• Strong knowledge of design processes, building systems, codes, and construction methods.
• Proven experience in financial management, project scheduling, and contract administration.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and related design and project management tools preferred.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance, effective the 1st of the month after date of hire
• Profit sharing bonuses
• 401(k) plan with an employer match
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life and AD&D insurance
• Other voluntary benefits including vision, dental, accident insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance are available
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays

Why Join Us?

At Grace, we are more than designers—we are leaders, collaborators, and problem solvers. As a Senior Project Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping impact projects, guiding talented teams, and strengthening client relationships.