Regional Sector Leader, K-12 Education

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

We have an opening for a Regional Sector Leader, K-12 Education. We operate a hybrid work model, allowing flexibility between office time and work from home. Considering this model, this role could be based in the following cities:

• Chicago

About K-12 Education at DLR Group:

Our team of educators, researchers, anthropologists, planners, architects, engineers, building performance experts, and interior designers draw from evidence-based design to aid schools in bridging the gap from old and new to improve all facets of operations, and elevate learning through design. Understanding the rapid pace of technological, social, and cultural change, our K-12 Education Studio works with schools across the country to navigate this change to better serve communities and improve educational experiences and outcomes for students.

Position Summary:

As a Regional Sector Leader (RSL), you will drive the growth and profitability of your sector. Collaborating with global and regional leaders, you will oversee the pursuit, award, and execution of projects, ensuring alignment with the sector's business plan. Your leadership will help secure high-quality projects and advance the firm's success while ensuring adherence to best practices in business development 

What you will do: 

• Participate in strategies and collaborate with leaders to win, pursue, and execute projects  


• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment by providing mentorship and guidance, empowering team members to develop their skills and achieve their professional goals. 


• Develop an annual business plan outlining client opportunities and growth strategies for your region 


• Provide fiscal leadership to achieve profit and growth targets 


• Regularly report on sector performance and strategic direction 


• Select and mentor personnel  


• Influence industry thought leadership through publications, public speaking, and presentations 


• Actively engage in national forums and knowledge-sharing activities 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Design, Interior Design, Engineering, or a related field 


• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the K-12 Sector  


• Proven leadership in managing teams and driving strategic growth 


• Excellent communicator, skilled in client relations and team coordination. 


• Advanced knowledge of design, construction methods, and sales/marketing principles. 


• Ability to manage multiple tasks, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality results. 


• Professional license or certification in discipline   


• Ability to work on K12 projects without non-compete clause or covenant restrictions 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in sales and marketing principles specific to the design and construction industry 


• Recognition as an industry expert, with participation in speaking engagements and publications 


• Connection to partners and School District representatives as foundation for client development 

*TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.

We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Through our values – commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork – we elevate the human experience through design, together.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.