Project Manager, Climate Action Strategist

DLR Group•Los Angeles, CA

11h•$120,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Position Summary As a Project Manager, you will lead the successful delivery of architectural and design projects from planning through completion. You are accountable for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and team coordination, while ensuring an exceptional client experience and design excellence. This role also carries responsibility for the overall financial health of assigned projects. Project Managers at this level typically bring 8+ years of experience in the design industry, including at least 3 years managing projects independently. You may lead projects of varying size and complexity and are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy. A defining aspect of this role is a strong commitment to sustainability and climate action. You will collaborate closely with Climate Action Strategists to integrate net zero, energy performance, and sustainability goals throughout all project phases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related design field
Minimum 8 years of professional experience in the design industry
Minimum 3 years of experience as a project manager managing projects independently
Experience delivering projects with sustainability, energy performance, or climate action goals such as experience meeting California specific code requirements, such as CALGreen and Title 24.
Strong knowledge of all phases of the design and documentation process
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills
Working knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and project delivery methods
Proficiency with common project management and office software tools
Ability to clearly communicate project goals, progress, and sustainability strategies to clients and teams

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure in a relevant discipline
LEED AP or equivalent sustainability credential
Familiarity with high-performance design strategies, energy modeling concepts, and carbon reduction frameworks
Experience working with sustainability rating systems such as LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, or similar programs

Responsibilities

Support business development efforts, including participation in RFQs, RFPs, and client interviews
Contribute to negotiating scopes of services, fees, and professional agreements with clients and consultants
Establish complete and accurate project records, including scope, budget, fees, and client objectives
Lead project initiation, including development of staffing plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables
Select and assemble qualified project teams aligned with project needs
Partner with Climate Action Strategists early in project planning to define sustainability goals, net zero targets, performance benchmarks, and certification pathways
Collaborate with market leaders to articulate climate and sustainability differentiators during pursuits
Manage project execution to meet client expectations for scope, quality, budget, and schedule
Coordinate and direct project teams, consultants, and vendors
Track milestones, monitor progress, and ensure high-quality deliverables
Identify risks, recommend recovery strategies, and manage scope changes and additional services
Support project billing, fee forecasting, and accounts receivable efforts
Monitor progress against sustainability and climate commitments, coordinating corrective actions as needed
Stay informed on relevant environmental and climate policy trends and communicate implications to clients and teams
Provide proactive, inclusive leadership that fosters collaboration, innovation, and design excellence
Clearly communicate project plans and changes to internal teams and external consultants
Assign roles, responsibilities, and authority in coordination with discipline leads
Facilitate and document internal and client meetings
Provide ongoing feedback and performance support to project team members
Maintain strong client relationships through clear, consistent communication
Act as a bridge between project teams and Climate Action Strategists, ensuring climate goals are embedded throughout the design process
Help clients understand sustainability strategies, value, and outcomes across the project lifecycle
Coordinate with Design Leaders to ensure appropriate design expertise and support
Ensure integrated design processes are followed across all project phases
Confirm compliance with quality standards, procedures, and review checkpoints
Monitor design progress to ensure alignment with project goals, design intent, and client expectations
Support or lead integrated design workshops and charrettes focused on climate and sustainability outcomes
Maintain fluency in sustainability rating systems and performance commitments relevant to assigned projects