Higher Education Architecture Practice Leader at Jacobs in Houston, TX | USD205,600-321,250 | Kablio

Role

Description

project management

proposal development

risk management

client communication

team leadership

business development

Facilitate communication plans and conduct regular status reviews with clients and teams
Collaborate with sales teams to leverage university relationships and drive business development
Identify and elevate premier design opportunities in the market
Provide strong team leadership to drive value, efficiency, and client satisfaction
Shape the strategic direction of the practice across various western geographies, including California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington
Oversee project financials, schedules, staffing, and quality assurance
Foster a collaborative, high-performing project team culture
Participating in Go/No-Go decisions and strategic planning
Develop and maintain strong internal and external client networks
Set and manage client expectations through surveys and milestone check-ins
Serve as the operational and delivery lead for the higher education market sector
Lead proposal development, interviews, and team formation for RFPs and RFQs
Ensure contract obligations are met, and risks are effectively managed
Lead and grow our Higher Education practice, primarily in Texas, with a focus on the West Central region

Requirements

ncarb

registered architect

10+ years

project management

higher education

research labs

Hands-on leader with full life cycle project management experience and established university client relationships
NCARB certificate holder
Proven leadership experience in the higher education sector, including managing a sizable practice and strong name recognition among university executives
Experience leading 15-20 large higher education projects in the $30-50 million range, with several exceeding $250 million
Deep understanding of university client dynamics and the ability to navigate complex relationships
10+ years of experience working as a licensed project architect
Background in Science and Research facilities— Jacobs’ primary focus in the higher education space is on complex technical projects, including research laboratories, clean rooms, and other engineering-driven solutions. that our architects and engineers work so well together on.
Bachelor’s degree in architecture and licensure as a Registered Architect (AIA)
10+ years designing and delivering innovative complex technical design projects for higher education clients including research laboratories (engineering, health science, biology, chemistry, etc.)
10+ years of management involving direct client contact and full responsibility for projects, with examples of new construction project delivery from design through construction
In Texas alone, we have over 200 professionals ready to deploy on higher education projects, plus 150 architects across the West with direct higher education experience
Senior Project Managers with recent, relevant university projects and strong client relationships who are ready to step into a leadership role will also be considered.
Master’s degree

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1947

Year Established

The firm was established in 1947 by Joseph J. Jacobs as a small engineering venture.

Revenue $14–16B

Annual Revenue Range

The company generates annual revenue between $14 billion and $16 billion.

Backlog $22B

Backlog Value

The firm maintains a robust backlog of approximately $22 billion.

Rank #1 ENR

Top 500 Rank

The company consistently ranks at the top of ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list.

Headquartered in Dallas, it has evolved into a global powerhouse delivering consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery services.
Its portfolio spans transformative projects—clean water systems, data centers, rail expansions, offshore wind roadmaps, and wastewater plants.
Specialising in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, national security & defense, life sciences, transportation and water sectors.
Jacobs has reshaped itself via key moves—spinning off government services, acquiring CH2M in 2017, and exiting traditional oil & gas units.
Projects often tackle high-stakes, complex challenges: wastewater treatment in Vancouver, LIRR station upgrades, and AI data centres in Portugal.
Unusually, the firm shifted its HQ from California to Dallas in 2016 to align with its expanding national and global reach.

Culture + Values

We do things right. We always act with integrity – taking responsibility for our work, caring for our people and staying focused on safety and sustainability. We make investments in our clients, people and communities, so we can grow together.
We challenge the accepted. We know that to create a better future, we must ask difficult questions. We always stay curious and are not afraid to try new things.
We aim higher. We do not settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We are committed to our clients by bringing innovative solutions that lead to profitable growth and shared success.
We live inclusion. We put people at the heart of our business. We embrace different perspectives, collaborating to make a positive impact. Through an unparalleled focus on inclusion with a diverse team of visionaries, thinkers and doers, we build trust – in each other and across our company.

Environment + Sustainability

100% Renewable Energy

Sustainability Achievement

Achieved 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for operations (Scopes 1, 2, and business travel) in 2020, aligned with the PAS 2060 standard.

61% Emissions Reduction

GHG Reduction Milestone

Reduced total value-chain GHG emissions by 61% by FY 22 (from FY 19 baseline) to 130,232 tCO₂e, maintaining net-zero for Scopes 1, 2, and travel emissions after offsets and certificates.

$50/tonne CO₂e

Carbon Pricing Initiative

Introduced carbon pricing of $50 USD per tonne CO₂e on business travel, with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.

65% Suppliers Target

Supplier Sustainability Commitment

Committed to ensuring 65% of suppliers by spend have science-based targets by 2025.

Committed to becoming carbon negative for operations and travel by 2030.
Science-based target for full value-chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Joined The Climate Pledge: carbon-neutral by 2040, a decade ahead of Paris Agreement.
Introduced carbon pricing ($50 USD per tonne CO₂e) on business travel with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.
Launched inaugural sustainability-linked bonds in FY 23 tied to gender equality (UN SDG 5/10) and climate action (UN SDG 13).
Climate Action Plan: ensure every project becomes a climate-response opportunity; maintain carbon neutrality and 100% low-carbon electricity.

Inclusion & Diversity

45%

Female or Ethnically Diverse Representation

45% of the Board of Directors are female or ethnically diverse.

63%

Diverse Executives

The Executive Leadership Team comprises 63% diverse members.

40%

Women in Leadership

40% of the Executive Leadership Team are women.

8 Networks

Employee Networks

Eight employee networks representing diverse groups within the company.

To be the employer of choice and recognized globally for attracting diverse talent where inclusion is our differentiator in bringing innovative thought and solutions to our clients.
Create an environment where diverse employees want to join, feel they belong and will thrive.
Underwent full pay equity review annually, with budget allocated to rectify inequities in like‑for‑like roles.
Instituted inclusion and diversity goals within senior leadership compensation metrics since FY 19.
Committed to launching conscious inclusion training for all employees.
Partnered with external organizations (e.g., NSBE, SHPE, Catalyst) and recognized by HRC, Disability Equality Index, Times Top 50 Employers for Women, Australia WGEA Employer of Choice.

Articles

Careers at Jacobs

Life at Jacobs

Early Careers

Jacobs ‘Leading through our culture’ video

Role

Description

project management

proposal development

risk management

client communication

team leadership

business development

Facilitate communication plans and conduct regular status reviews with clients and teams
Collaborate with sales teams to leverage university relationships and drive business development
Identify and elevate premier design opportunities in the market
Provide strong team leadership to drive value, efficiency, and client satisfaction
Shape the strategic direction of the practice across various western geographies, including California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington
Oversee project financials, schedules, staffing, and quality assurance
Foster a collaborative, high-performing project team culture
Participating in Go/No-Go decisions and strategic planning
Develop and maintain strong internal and external client networks
Set and manage client expectations through surveys and milestone check-ins
Serve as the operational and delivery lead for the higher education market sector
Lead proposal development, interviews, and team formation for RFPs and RFQs
Ensure contract obligations are met, and risks are effectively managed
Lead and grow our Higher Education practice, primarily in Texas, with a focus on the West Central region

Requirements

ncarb

registered architect

10+ years

project management

higher education

research labs

Hands-on leader with full life cycle project management experience and established university client relationships
NCARB certificate holder
Proven leadership experience in the higher education sector, including managing a sizable practice and strong name recognition among university executives
Experience leading 15-20 large higher education projects in the $30-50 million range, with several exceeding $250 million
Deep understanding of university client dynamics and the ability to navigate complex relationships
10+ years of experience working as a licensed project architect
Background in Science and Research facilities— Jacobs’ primary focus in the higher education space is on complex technical projects, including research laboratories, clean rooms, and other engineering-driven solutions. that our architects and engineers work so well together on.
Bachelor’s degree in architecture and licensure as a Registered Architect (AIA)
10+ years designing and delivering innovative complex technical design projects for higher education clients including research laboratories (engineering, health science, biology, chemistry, etc.)
10+ years of management involving direct client contact and full responsibility for projects, with examples of new construction project delivery from design through construction
In Texas alone, we have over 200 professionals ready to deploy on higher education projects, plus 150 architects across the West with direct higher education experience
Senior Project Managers with recent, relevant university projects and strong client relationships who are ready to step into a leadership role will also be considered.
Master’s degree

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1947

Year Established

The firm was established in 1947 by Joseph J. Jacobs as a small engineering venture.

Revenue $14–16B

Annual Revenue Range

The company generates annual revenue between $14 billion and $16 billion.

Backlog $22B

Backlog Value

The firm maintains a robust backlog of approximately $22 billion.

Rank #1 ENR

Top 500 Rank

The company consistently ranks at the top of ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list.

Headquartered in Dallas, it has evolved into a global powerhouse delivering consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery services.
Its portfolio spans transformative projects—clean water systems, data centers, rail expansions, offshore wind roadmaps, and wastewater plants.
Specialising in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, national security & defense, life sciences, transportation and water sectors.
Jacobs has reshaped itself via key moves—spinning off government services, acquiring CH2M in 2017, and exiting traditional oil & gas units.
Projects often tackle high-stakes, complex challenges: wastewater treatment in Vancouver, LIRR station upgrades, and AI data centres in Portugal.
Unusually, the firm shifted its HQ from California to Dallas in 2016 to align with its expanding national and global reach.

Culture + Values

We do things right. We always act with integrity – taking responsibility for our work, caring for our people and staying focused on safety and sustainability. We make investments in our clients, people and communities, so we can grow together.
We challenge the accepted. We know that to create a better future, we must ask difficult questions. We always stay curious and are not afraid to try new things.
We aim higher. We do not settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We are committed to our clients by bringing innovative solutions that lead to profitable growth and shared success.
We live inclusion. We put people at the heart of our business. We embrace different perspectives, collaborating to make a positive impact. Through an unparalleled focus on inclusion with a diverse team of visionaries, thinkers and doers, we build trust – in each other and across our company.

Environment + Sustainability

100% Renewable Energy

Sustainability Achievement

Achieved 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for operations (Scopes 1, 2, and business travel) in 2020, aligned with the PAS 2060 standard.

61% Emissions Reduction

GHG Reduction Milestone

Reduced total value-chain GHG emissions by 61% by FY 22 (from FY 19 baseline) to 130,232 tCO₂e, maintaining net-zero for Scopes 1, 2, and travel emissions after offsets and certificates.

$50/tonne CO₂e

Carbon Pricing Initiative

Introduced carbon pricing of $50 USD per tonne CO₂e on business travel, with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.

65% Suppliers Target

Supplier Sustainability Commitment

Committed to ensuring 65% of suppliers by spend have science-based targets by 2025.

Committed to becoming carbon negative for operations and travel by 2030.
Science-based target for full value-chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Joined The Climate Pledge: carbon-neutral by 2040, a decade ahead of Paris Agreement.
Introduced carbon pricing ($50 USD per tonne CO₂e) on business travel with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.
Launched inaugural sustainability-linked bonds in FY 23 tied to gender equality (UN SDG 5/10) and climate action (UN SDG 13).
Climate Action Plan: ensure every project becomes a climate-response opportunity; maintain carbon neutrality and 100% low-carbon electricity.

Inclusion & Diversity

45%

Female or Ethnically Diverse Representation

45% of the Board of Directors are female or ethnically diverse.

63%

Diverse Executives

The Executive Leadership Team comprises 63% diverse members.

40%

Women in Leadership

40% of the Executive Leadership Team are women.

8 Networks

Employee Networks

Eight employee networks representing diverse groups within the company.

To be the employer of choice and recognized globally for attracting diverse talent where inclusion is our differentiator in bringing innovative thought and solutions to our clients.
Create an environment where diverse employees want to join, feel they belong and will thrive.
Underwent full pay equity review annually, with budget allocated to rectify inequities in like‑for‑like roles.
Instituted inclusion and diversity goals within senior leadership compensation metrics since FY 19.
Committed to launching conscious inclusion training for all employees.
Partnered with external organizations (e.g., NSBE, SHPE, Catalyst) and recognized by HRC, Disability Equality Index, Times Top 50 Employers for Women, Australia WGEA Employer of Choice.

Articles

Careers at Jacobs

Life at Jacobs

Early Careers

Jacobs ‘Leading through our culture’ video