Project Manager, Climate Action Strategist at Dlrgroup

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. Position Summary As a Project Manager, you will lead the successful delivery of architectural and design projects from planning through completion. You are accountable for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and team coordination, while ensuring an exceptional client experience and design excellence. This role also carries responsibility for the overall financial health of assigned projects. Project Managers at this level typically bring 8+ years of experience in the design industry, including at least 3 years managing projects independently. You may lead projects of varying size and complexity and are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy. A defining aspect of this role is a strong commitment to sustainability and climate action. You will collaborate closely with Climate Action Strategists to integrate net zero, energy performance, and sustainability goals throughout all project phases. What You Will Do Project Planning • Support business development efforts, including participation in RFQs, RFPs, and client interviews • Contribute to negotiating scopes of services, fees, and professional agreements with clients and consultants • Establish complete and accurate project records, including scope, budget, fees, and client objectives • Lead project initiation, including development of staffing plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables • Select and assemble qualified project teams aligned with project needs • Partner with Climate Action Strategists early in project planning to define sustainability goals, net zero targets, performance benchmarks, and certification pathways • Collaborate with market leaders to articulate climate and sustainability differentiators during pursuits Project Management • Manage project execution to meet client expectations for scope, quality, budget, and schedule • Coordinate and direct project teams, consultants, and vendors • Track milestones, monitor progress, and ensure high-quality deliverables • Identify risks, recommend recovery strategies, and manage scope changes and additional services • Support project billing, fee forecasting, and accounts receivable efforts • Monitor progress against sustainability and climate commitments, coordinating corrective actions as needed • Stay informed on relevant environmental and climate policy trends and communicate implications to clients and teams Project Team & Client Management • Provide proactive, inclusive leadership that fosters collaboration, innovation, and design excellence • Clearly communicate project plans and changes to internal teams and external consultants • Assign roles, responsibilities, and authority in coordination with discipline leads • Facilitate and document internal and client meetings • Provide ongoing feedback and performance support to project team members • Maintain strong client relationships through clear, consistent communication • Act as a bridge between project teams and Climate Action Strategists, ensuring climate goals are embedded throughout the design process • Help clients understand sustainability strategies, value, and outcomes across the project lifecycle Design Excellence • Coordinate with Design Leaders to ensure appropriate design expertise and support • Ensure integrated design processes are followed across all project phases • Confirm compliance with quality standards, procedures, and review checkpoints • Monitor design progress to ensure alignment with project goals, design intent, and client expectations • Support or lead integrated design workshops and charrettes focused on climate and sustainability outcomes • Maintain fluency in sustainability rating systems and performance commitments relevant to assigned projects Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related design field • Minimum 8 years of professional experience in the design industry • Minimum 3 years of experience as a project manager managing projects independently • Experience delivering projects with sustainability, energy performance, or climate action goals such as experience meeting California specific code requirements, such as CALGreen and Title 24. • Strong knowledge of all phases of the design and documentation process • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities • Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills • Working knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and project delivery methods • Proficiency with common project management and office software tools • Ability to clearly communicate project goals, progress, and sustainability strategies to clients and teams Preferred Qualifications • Professional licensure in a relevant discipline • LEED AP or equivalent sustainability credential • Familiarity with high-performance design strategies, energy modeling concepts, and carbon reduction frameworks • Experience working with sustainability rating systems such as LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, or similar programs *TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT* Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is: Pay Range$120,000—$160,000 USDDLR 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.