Senior Design Manager

About the role

Cumming Group is seeking a Senior Design Manager with extensive experience in K-12 educational facility projects. The ideal candidate will be based in downtown Los Angeles, CA, supporting the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects.
• Lead the design department, providing quality reviews, implementing policies and procedures, and interfacing with the Division of State Architects (DSA).
• Manage the District’s design process, ensuring plans comply with functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, and District personnel throughout the project lifecycle, from conception to final review and handover to Project Execution.
• Ensure compliance with LAUSD’s standards and guidelines for educational and building standards, collaborating with design professionals and administrators.
• Select the best architectural firms for each project based on their qualifications and ability to meet performance standards.
• Provide clear direction to architects regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site, schedule, and budget.
• Establish and oversee a design review process to ensure designs meet project goals and objectives, maximizing value for budgeted dollars.
• Review design changes to ensure they remain within budget and document all project steps to meet legal requirements.
• Participate in community relations and outreach programs to gain community support for district building projects.
• Coordinate project activities with various District organizational branches and departments, including Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, and Local Districts.
• Develop and facilitate continuing education opportunities for architects and contractors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering.
• A master's degree in architecture or engineering is preferred.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years full-time paid professional experience in facilities design or capital project planning and coordination, with five (5) years specifically in K-12 educational facilities.
• A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Experience with K-12 educational facility projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of LAUSD’s standards and guidelines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.

Skills

• Project management
• Facility design
• Contract administration
• Cost estimating
• Scheduling
• Design review
• Community relations

Benefits

Cumming Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program