Sector Leader - Higher Education
HED is looking to add an experienced Sector Leader to join our talented team. The Sector Leader – Higer 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.
About HED
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.
Position Summary
This role combines strategic design direction, client advocacy, thought leadership, and mentorship to elevate both project outcomes and client partnerships. As a Seller-Doer in development, you will be approximately 50% chargeable, allowing space to grow sector visibility and strengthen client relationships through meaningful, wisdom-driven engagement.
Essential Functions:
Technical/Design Leadership
- 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.
Higher Education Sector Development and Business Growth
- 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.
Thought Leadership and Mentorship
- 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.
Chargeability and Engagement
- Balance approximately 50% chargeable work with 50% business development, external engagement, and sector leadership activities.
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 MS Teams, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of computer use and active participation in collaborative sessions.
- Frequent engagement in verbal, virtual, and written communication.
- Regular travel for client meetings, project reviews, and industry events.
Work Environment
- We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
- The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
#LI-DD1
Skills Required
- Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
- Active professional licensure
- Minimum 12 years of Higher Education industry experience
- Proven record in technical project leadership and client development
- Demonstrated expertise in Higher Education markets with growing client influence
- Proficiency with MS Teams, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms
- Ability to serve as Principal-in-Charge (PIC) and lead multi-phase project delivery
- Willingness to travel regularly for client meetings, project reviews, and industry events
What We Do
At HED, we believe great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about solving complex challenges, enriching communities, and building a better future. As an integrated design firm, we combine architecture, engineering, consulting, and planning to deliver sustainable, impactful solutions. Guided by a shared purpose to create positive change, we foster collaboration, diversity, and continuous learning, where bold ideas and fresh perspectives drive innovation. With nine offices across the U.S., we pair national resources with localized expertise to serve diverse markets, including education (Higher Ed and Pre K-12), healthcare, mission critical, workplace, housing and mixed-use, science and advanced manufacturing, community, and federal and transportation. Discover how HED advances your world at www.hed.design.
