Associate Principal - Education & Science

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you'll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

Associate Principal - Education & Science

HDR is looking for an Associate Principal to join our Education and Science Architecture Practice in Atlanta. In the role of Associate Principal for our Education and Science (EdSci) practice, you will help guide the overall direction of the EdSci sector in the Georgia market and surrounding area and be part of a dynamic and growing Higher Education and Science team in Atlanta. You will also contribute to broader regional growth strategies and help position the practice for long-term expansion. The successful candidate must possess the drive, skillset, and charisma needed to develop a client base and to augment an unrivaled reputation for the core EdSci Team throughout the region.

The role includes a variety of duties ranging from engaging in business development, leading pursuits, and directing project teams. You will also provide leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring alignment between client objectives, team performance, and delivery outcomes. Critical to this role is a commitment to developing and nurturing strong client relationships, beginning with pre-positioning activities and continuing through project execution. These client relationships will be essential to creating opportunities and maintaining HDR's position for future work. Project types include learning and teaching environments, research and development facilities for academic, institutional, government entities, and corporate science projects where clients are developing the latest technology and products for propelling humanity forward. Projects may include a variety of teaching, research, testing, and pre-production facilities in the areas of life sciences, physical sciences, biocontainment, animal research, public health, and related support facilities. Project opportunities are largely within the Georgia market, but may extend to neighboring states and potentially abroad due to personal relationships, particular expertise, project needs, etc. On a day-by-day basis, you'll be expected to:

* Contribute to the leadership and visioning for the EdSci sector in the Georgia region.

* Develop capture plans and initiate relationships with key new clients.

* Maintain an active and visible presence in the EdSci sector.

* Develop qualifications and proposals for EdSci pursuits.

* Contribute to or leading pursuit go/no-go and strategy discussions.

* Contribute to or direct interview strategies and implementation.

* Prepare and negotiate project contracts.

* Serve as Principal-in-Charge and/or Project Manager on projects as appropriate.

* Maintain project oversight throughout execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence.

* Oversee financial performance across projects, including proactive budget management, forecasting, and alignment of resources with strategic priorities.

* Direct staffing strategies and workload planning across multiple teams to ensure efficient and successful project delivery.

* Champion and ensure implementation of QA/QC procedures to maintain design excellence and technical rigor across all deliverables.

* Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams, building a high-performing and collaborative culture.

* Facilitate coordination and alignment among internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.

* Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, from initiation through close-out, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the lifecycle.

* Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to project teams.

* In collaboration with EdSci subject matter experts, and independently when appropriate, develop abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, project outcomes, lessons learned, trends, etc. related to facility design.

* Contribute to thought leadership and represent HDR in industry forums to strengthen market presence and influence.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years experience with higher education architecture projects

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills

• PMP certification or demonstrated leadership of large, complex projects or programs

• Proven experience leading higher education, science, or research portfolios, including client development and repeat business success

• LEED Accreditation, with demonstrated leadership in sustainable and regenerative design strategies (low-carbon design, LEED, SDGs, Living Building Challenge)

• Familiarity with Fitwel, WELL, and AIA Framework for Design Excellence, with the ability to integrate these at a program or portfolio level

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale priorities while balancing strategic leadership and project oversight

• Established or emerging network within the Georgia market with the ability to expand HDR's regional presence, local candidates are preferred

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