Sector Leader - Higher Education

About the role

The Sector Leader – Higher Education role at HED combines strategic design direction, client advocacy, thought leadership, and mentorship to elevate both project outcomes and client partnerships.

Essential Functions

• 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.

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.