Design Manager

Description

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects, serving as the lead design professional.
• Provide quality review, enforce policies, and coordinate with the Division of State Architects (DSA).
• Manage and coordinate the District’s design process to meet functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Oversee multiple projects from conception through final review, approval, and handoff to execution, collaborating with architects, consultants, and district staff.
• Ensure building designs comply with LAUSD standards and guidelines, aligning educational and construction requirements.
• Establish and execute a selection process for architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards.
• Communicate clear project goals, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets to architects.
• Implement an efficient design review process to achieve project objectives, maximize value, and meet functional, community, and environmental needs.
• Make timely decisions and ensure thorough documentation that satisfies legal requirements.
• Review design changes to keep projects within budget.
• Recommend architectural firm assignments from a pre‑qualified list.
• Participate in community outreach to foster understanding and acceptance of district building projects.
• Coordinate with professional staff supporting the district’s design function.
• Develop continuing‑education opportunities such as seminars and workshops on working with architects and contractors.
• Align project activities with other district departments, including Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, and others.

Requirements

The position requires a minimum of 10 years of full‑time professional experience managing facilities design or coordinating capital projects, including design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling. At least five of those years must involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or comparable public agency projects. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering from an accredited college or university.

A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect from the California State Architectural Board or a Professional Engineer license from the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is preferred.

Benefits

Salary is commensurate with education and experience, ranging from $155,000 to $175,000.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance