Your Role

Gensler San Diego is seeking a dynamic and client-focused Project Director to drive the growth and success of our practice areas, with a focus on higher education, civic, mixed-use, commercial, and developer-driven projects. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and market-savvy practitioner with exceptional client relationship skills and a portfolio of innovative, built work.
 

As a market-facing leader, you will leverage your deep knowledge and relationships to grow our presence in key sectors, shape design strategies, and elevate our practice through thought leadership. You will collaborate with design teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions while mentoring the next generation of design professionals.
 

What You Will Do
 

Business building & growth

Act as a thought leader and market expert, driving the growth of practice areas through strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities and client engagement.

Build and strengthen relationships with corporate, higher education, civic, and developer clients to expand Gensler’s portfolio and influence.

Identify, develop and execute strategies to win new work, create compelling value propositions, and lead proposals, interviews, and presentations.

Collaborate with design teams to deliver informed, high-quality project solutions that meet client goals and align with market trends.

Represent Gensler at industry events and conferences, sharing insights on market trends and innovative design approaches.

Partner with office and regional leaders to identify and recruit top talent, contributing to the development of a diverse and high-performing team.
 

Guiding Design, Studio and Project Management

Lead and mentor teams to consistently achieve design excellence and broader Gensler initiatives/ core values

Oversee project delivery for strategic projects, providing leadership during all phases to ensure schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met.

Support project design strategy, team coordination and client presentations

Collaborate and support other regional offices and leaders in project delivery to strengthen strategic client engagement and promote resource sharing

Establish budgetary frameworks and investment strategies to support the practice’s growth and long-term success.
 

Fostering Leadership & Culture 

Enable the team to reach their individual potential and maintain a positive team environment 

Manage your team with an “open door policy” 

Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual design skills, technical skills, communication and project management 

Provide a creative, innovative and nurturing environment in your studio by developing an effective coaching/mentoring program 

Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills 

Work closely with your staff to ensure an outstanding team experience 

Oversee hiring, employee work performance, learning, professional development, bonus review, appointment input and evaluation 

Contribute to firm wide initiatives, such as sustainability and equity/ diversity programs to support broader firm wide goals
 

Your Qualifications

10+ years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on higher education, civic, mixed-use, commercial, and developer-driven projects.

Proven track record of identifying leads, cultivating relationships, and winning significant projects.

Exceptional client relationship and business development skills, with the ability to connect with C-suite executives and key stakeholders.

Adept at storytelling and delivering compelling presentations that articulate design strategies and solutions.

Demonstrated expertise in managing project delivery, budgets, and schedules.

Active involvement in industry organizations and community networks, with a passion for thought leadership and innovation.

Registered architect or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Commitment to sustainable design principles and resilient communities.
 

**The base salary range will be estimated between $160,000 - $175,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions and hackathons, to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our teams’ diverse interests.

We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.