Southwest Region Education and Science Director

Southwest Region Education and Science Director

In the role of Regional Education and Science Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of HDR's Education and Science sector in the Southwest Region, contributing to a world-renowned design practice. We're seeking a dynamic leader with passion, expertise, and charisma to drive new business, oversee impactful projects, and strengthen HDR's exceptional reputation throughout the region. The Regional Director will report directly to the Global Education and Science Director and will lead business development and drive strategic growth for the Education and Science market sector at both regional and local levels. This position will be responsible for assuring that HDR's brand is elevated and maintained through quality design, innovative planning, client service and thought leadership on projects throughout the Southwest Region.

Regional Education and Science Director Responsibilities:

• Lead Business Development Strategy in conjunction with local Education and Science Principals:
• Drive the development of business strategies for the market sector by defining key priorities and identifying target clients at both regional and local levels.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships within or outside the industry to support and achieve our strategic business initiatives.
• Define and implement sector business development priorities, focusing on research, market and competitor trend analysis, predictive analytics, and network building.
• Lead Premarketing and Pursuits Processes:
• Assist and coach pursuit teams in developing effective client capture plans, pre-marketing strategies and relationship building with target clients. Assist, guide and coach pursuit teams in proposal and interview preparation, whenever appropriate.
• Participate/support reviews for GNG, fee strategies and alternative delivery projects.
• Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFP's and the development of written proposal responses. Develop, craft and write proposals and oversee the preparation and timely completion of qualifications packages and proposals with all contributing parties both inside and outside the firm.
• Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging, and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.
• Manage Education and Science Sector Goals - Lead annual market sector planning by establishing annual fee goals, marketing budgets, and expected planning outcomes regionally and locally, in conjunction with local Education and Science Principals.
• Nurture Client Relationships - Develop and nurture strong relationships with key clients which may include individual facilities, systems and institutions throughout their region and local offices.
• Represent and Advance the Firm - Increase awareness and understanding within the community of the firm's practice on a local, regional, and national basis.
• Implement Education and Science Initiatives in conjunction with other Sector Leaders:
• Assist with strategy for annual market sector communications planning, to elevate HDR's brand and thought leadership throughout the education and science market.
• Assist with strategy and content for external marketing communications, including special initiatives, special events, conference speaking abstracts, media relationships, social media, design awards and website.
• Assist with strategy and content for internal marketing communications, including annual meetings, regional BD calls/meetings and knowledge sharing.
• Drive Sector Growth - in conjunction with local Education and Science Principals:
• Assist in identifying, evaluating and recruiting new talent for the sector, from either outside or within HDR.
• Lead the ongoing evaluation and assessment of our practice at both the local office and regional levels to identify current and desired capabilities, including gap analysis of practice performance.
• Mentor, advise and nurture leaders, current and future, within each office in the Region and assist, where appropriate, with the development of each office team. Mentor and coach existing employees in our current service delivery approach to increase performance and effectiveness of our overall practice.
• Assist and support the onboarding efforts for new staff.
• Manage Successful Project Delivery o When and where appropriate, actively lead projects as Principal-in-Charge or in an appropriate capacity to advise client, and otherwise add value to our service, the project and the team. o When and where appropriate, provide insights and guidance to our teams on our work on projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional degree in architecture, interior design or related field.
• Maintains professional registration.
• Professional experience in A/E/C industry, with at least two years of management experience.
• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional education and science market.
• Forward-thinking and have a big-picture mentality.
• Experience with successfully developing and executing targeted market and client strategies.
• Capable of leading a team and making client presentations.
• Business development experience in education and science design industry.
• Team oriented and strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willing to travel.
• Advanced credentials (i.e., ACHA, LEED, EDAC, etc.).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in an architecture, engineering, planning or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years of industry experience
• Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for architecture, engineering and or planning services
• Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits
• Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth
• Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector
• Ability to work cooperatively with Area Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Director, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers
• Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Anticipated range: $190,000 - 240,000

Primary Location: United States-California-Los Angeles

Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-California-San Francisco, United States-California-San Diego

Industry: Architecture

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: EdSciSport ARC

Job Posting: Dec 8, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.