Sector Leader - Higher Education

Harley Ellis Devereaux•El Segundo, CA

22h•$170,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sector Leader – Higher Education role at HED represents a dynamic bridge between technical design leadership and market-facing business development. As a Principal-in-Charge (PIC), you will lead complex projects while simultaneously expanding HED's influence within the Higher Education sector. HED is looking to add an experienced Sector Leader to join our talented team. We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (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.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
Active professional licensure strongly preferred.
Minimum 12 years of Higher Education industry experience with a proven record in technical project leadership and client development.
Demonstrated expertise in Higher Education markets, with growing influence among clients and peers.
Proficiency with Revit, Deltek Vision, MS Teams, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

Serve as Principal-in-Charge (PIC) on projects, ensuring design excellence, technical rigor, and successful delivery across all phases.
Lead project delivery teams by setting clear performance expectations, fostering a culture of quality, creativity, and accountability.
Promote integration of DEI, sustainability, and quality excellence within both project work and client engagement.
Lead Higher Education sector-specific pursuits with increased independence and strategic foresight, aligning project opportunities with firm capabilities.
Build and nurture long-term client relationships based on trust, collaboration, and shared values across regional markets.
Collaborate closely with sector peers and marketing teams to shape compelling messaging and strategic campaign efforts.
Identify emerging Higher Education sector trends, innovation opportunities, and client challenges to help shape the future direction of HED's market approach.
Author, contribute to, and present Higher Education sector insights through blogs, industry panels, conferences, and other thought leadership platforms.
Guide and mentor mid-level professionals in technical design development, project leadership, and sector positioning.
Balance approximately 50% chargeable work with 50% business development, external engagement, and sector leadership activities.