Principal in Charge – Education

HMC Architects

. Plan, coordinate, and oversee major education projects through all phases of development .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesLead💰 $171,323 - $264,070 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in managing architectural projects, client relationships, and business development within the education sector. Proven ability to lead teams, oversee project phases, and ensure compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Licensed ArchitectArchitectural DegreeProject ManagementBusiness DevelopmentClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Architectural PracticeDocument CoordinationBudget ManagementProposal PreparationContract NegotiationQuality Compliance ReviewProject SchedulingStaff ManagementRFP PreparationValue Analysis

Soft Skills

LeadershipMultitaskingPrioritizationCoachingRelationship Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Licensed Architect in California

Industry Keywords

Education ProjectsPreK-12Higher EducationGovernment EntitiesDSA Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan, coordinate, and oversee major education projects through all phases of development
Lead client relationships and serve as primary point of contact for client issues
Assign and direct staff, consultants, vendors, and project teams
Procure and manage an average of $4M in gross project revenue annually
Achieve an average of $5.3M in new contracts annually through existing clients and new business development
Lead project pursuits, Go/No Go decisions, presentations, interviews, and competitive project wins
Identify architectural opportunities and generate new business development leads
Prepare qualifications, proposals, RFPs, marketing materials, articles, and presentations
Negotiate contracts and fees with clients and consultants
Maintain client, agency, industry, and community relationships
Attend conferences, events, and networking opportunities
Manage budgets, schedules, staffing plans, workloads, profitability, invoicing, and collections
Ensure adherence to HMC procedures, standards, technical protocols, and contract requirements
Coach, mentor, and provide performance feedback to staff
Coordinate project work with team members and consultants
Review specifications, cost estimates, value analysis, drawings, and deliverables for quality and compliance
Resolve plan-check, approval, client, consultant, staffing, and construction-phase issues
Ensure materials and systems meet HMC and client standards and remain within budget
Provide leadership and support to other offices, studios, and groups
Participate in design charrettes, critiques, and pin-ups
Sign and approve drawings as required by HMC policies if licensed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Architectural degree from an accredited university
Licensed architect, preferably in California
Minimum of 12 years’ experience in production and coordination of documents in all phases of architectural practice and management of education (PreK-12 and/or Higher Education) architectural projects
Minimum of 5 years’ recent experience with school districts, private school systems and/or higher education clients, municipalities, and government entities such as DSA
Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a senior leader, leading project teams and engaging in successful business development
Must be on-site in an HMC studio to lead staff a minimum of 3 days per week
Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee major projects through all phases
Ability to manage client relationships, budgets, schedules, contracts, and project activities
Strong ability to multitask and prioritize
Ability to oversee several groups performing or supporting work
Ability to maintain a consistent backlog of work
Ability to establish productive relationships with clients, consultants, government agencies, and team members

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employee ownership after one year with company-provided shares at no cost
Company-paid wellness courses
On-site gyms at select locations
Access to financial advisors
Discounts to wellness platforms and gyms
LinkedIn Learning access
Business development training
Supportive mentorship
Company-paid ARE study materials
Company-paid exam fees
Licensure completion bonuses
Bonus opportunities
Equity/employee stock ownership grants
401(k)
Student loan repayments
Wellness programs
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Holidays above industry standard
Flexible work arrangement with work-from-home Mondays and Fridays
Fridays are half days