Associate Principal – Education & Science

HDR; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an Associate Principal for Education & Science in Atlanta. You will guide the EdSci sector in Georgia, position HDR for growth, and lead a dynamic, multidisciplinary team across higher education and research projects.

You will develop client relationships, oversee project delivery, ensure quality and schedule adherence, and mentor project managers while shaping HDR’s regional presence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• 10 years related architecture experience.
• Minimum 5 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Ability to lead a team on projects.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Knowledge of local and regional market.
• Mentoring skills and active participation in employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the EdSci sector in the Georgia region.
• Develop capture plans and client relationships.
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the EdSci sector.
• Direct staffing strategies and workload planning across teams.
• Champion QA/QC to maintain design excellence and technical rigor.
• Mentor Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Guide projects from initiation through close-out with quality and schedule adherence.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

Associate Principal – Education & Science

HDR is looking for an Associate Principal to join our Education and Science Architecture Practice in Atlanta. In the role of Associate Principal for our Education and Science (EdSci) practice, you will help guide the overall direction of the EdSci sector in the Georgia market and surrounding area and be part of a dynamic and growing Higher Education and Science team in Atlanta. You will also contribute to broader regional growth strategies and help position the practice for long-term expansion. The successful candidate must possess the drive, skillset, and charisma needed to develop a client base and to augment an unrivaled reputation for the core EdSci Team throughout the region.

• Contribute to the leadership and visioning for the EdSci sector in the Georgia region.
• Develop capture plans and initiate relationships with key new clients.
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the EdSci sector.
• Develop qualifications and proposals for EdSci pursuits.
• Contribute to or leading pursuit go/no-go and strategy discussions.
• Contribute to or direct interview strategies and implementation.
• Prepare and negotiate project contracts.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and/or Project Manager on projects as appropriate.
• Maintain project oversight throughout execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence.
• Oversee financial performance across projects, including proactive budget management, forecasting, and alignment of resources with strategic priorities.
• Direct staffing strategies and workload planning across multiple teams to ensure efficient and successful project delivery.
• Champion and ensure implementation of QA/QC procedures to maintain design excellence and technical rigor across all deliverables.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams, building a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Facilitate coordination and alignment among internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to drive successful project outcomes.
• Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, from initiation through close-out, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to project teams.
• In collaboration with EdSci subject matter experts, and independently when appropriate, develop abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, project outcomes, lessons learned, trends, etc. related to facility design.
• Contribute to thought leadership and represent HDR in industry forums to strengthen market presence and influence.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years experience with higher education architecture projects
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills
• PMP certification or demonstrated leadership of large, complex projects or programs
• Proven experience leading higher education, science, or research portfolios, including client development and repeat business success
• LEED Accreditation, with demonstrated leadership in sustainable and regenerative design strategies (low-carbon design, LEED, SDGs, Living Building Challenge)
• Familiarity with Fitwel, WELL, and AIA Framework for Design Excellence, with the ability to integrate these at a program or portfolio level
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale priorities while balancing strategic leadership and project oversight
• Established or emerging network within the Georgia market with the ability to expand HDR’s regional presence, local candidates are preferred

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum 5 years project management experience
• Registered Architect
• Must be able to lead a team on projects
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Good planning and mentoring skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:United States-Georgia-Atlanta Industry:Architecture Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:EdSciSport ARC Job Posting:Jul 22, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Aff… (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.