Education and Science Principal

HDR, Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR's Denver Architecture studio is seeking an Education and Science Principal to lead the sector in Colorado and Wyoming. You will set the vision, guide strategy, and ensure excellence in design, project delivery, and client satisfaction across large-scale education and science initiatives.

You will mentor staff, pursue major client engagements, and collaborate with leadership to strengthen HDR’s position in the market while advancing an inclusive, employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent required.
• 15 years related experience in design consulting preferred.
• 7+ years project management experience.
• Licensed/Registered Architect required.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and vision for HDR Education and Science sector in the region.
• Develop capture plans and pursue key clients in Colorado and Wyoming.
• Maintain active sector presence and mentor staff.
• Oversee project proposals, contracts, and performance against budgets.
• Coordinate with local and national design leadership to elevate the practice.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic vision

Project management

Presentations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Education and Science Principal - (193855)

HDR’s Denver Architecture studio is searching for a Principal to join our growing practice and world‑class Education and Science expertise. In this role, you will establish the vision and guide the overall direction of the market sector in Colorado and Wyoming as part of the Central Region, nurture a diverse client base, and elevate the HDR Education and Science team’s reputation.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and visioning for the sector in the region.
• Developing capture plans and initiating relationships with key clients.
• Maintaining an active and visible presence in the sector.
• Allocating time in proportion to annual fee goals for the local region.
• Help develop qualifications and proposals for pursuits.
• Lead pursuit go/no‑go and strategy discussions.
• Direct interview strategies and implementation.
• Prepare and negotiate project contracts.
• Serve as Principal‑in‑Charge as appropriate.
• Work closely with local leadership to maintain project oversight throughout execution, ensuring conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to staff in support of career development.
• Partner with local and national Design and Operations Leadership to elevate the practice, augment our inclusive culture, build the team, and deliver on promises.
• Develop abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, and project outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on large-scale science and education projects.
• Experience with biotech, pharma, and corporate science clients.
• Experience with general higher education academic buildings and programs.
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional science and education market.
• Proven business development experience in education and science consulting industry.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 15 years related experience.
• Minimum 7 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience on large-scale projects.
• Ability to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational, and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee‑owned culture.

Job Details

Primary Location: Denver, CO

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Jul 7, 2026

EEO Statement

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.