Senior Architectural Project Manager - Education

We are currently seeking an experienced, team-focused SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER to join our K-12
EDUCATION team in our IRVINE or SAN DIEGO, CA office. This is more than a job – it’s a chance to create engaging, interactive learning environments that challenge students, support educators, and foster places of safety and security with the latest in technology and sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to serve as the primary client contact and lead a team of creative designers and architects.

You will have full responsibility for proactively managing all aspects of exciting new projects, bringing the schedule, budgets, and scope of work to completion, while ensuring successful delivery and client satisfaction. This is a hybrid position, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week onsite at our Irvine or San Diego office.

• Manage and coordinate all project efforts, administrative and technical, to ensure the most efficient and cost‑effective execution of assigned projects through all phases of development, including Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration.
• Serve as the main point of contact with the client and city agencies, as applicable.
• Conduct community outreach meetings and establish regular client meetings.
• Independently estimate fees, define scope of work, prepare proposals and contracts, and monitor adherence to terms.
• Actively manage client budgets, schedules and programs, project communications, documentation, and project team assignments for complex projects.
• Understand the differences in responsibilities to the client and to the project team for the coordination of complex projects through all stages of development.
• Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing with clients, project staff, sector staff and resource teams.
• Provide oversight and monitor the work of less experienced staff.
• Mentor and support the professional growth of less experienced project managers.

• Substantial experience using project management tools for project initiation, planning, billings, and tracking labor.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Self‑confidence and tenacity while maintaining positive working relationships with clients, consultants, and technical staff.
• Strong proficiency in Sketch Up modeling, AutoCAD, and Revit/BIM.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and independent thinking with strong listening skills and strong follow‑through.
• Excellent graphic, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to effectively lead and provide direction to architectural staff.

• 8+ years of demonstrated experience coordinating all project efforts, administrative and technical, through all phases of development including Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration.
• California K‑12 experience required; DSA experience required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture from an NAAB accredited program.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and development.
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions. Please note that visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer the opportunity to participate in a pre‑tax Flexible Spending plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and 401(k).

Salary Range
: $120,000 – $140,000 depending on qualifications. Placement within this pay range will be determined by factors such as education, qualifications, project complexity and/or experience. The maximum is reserved for candidates who currently meet all job requirements. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.

DAHLIN is a diverse, award‑winning architecture, planning, and interiors firm practice with offices located throughout the Western United States. We offer more than 45 years of experience building communities where we live and work, driven by the…