Principal Architect - Higher Education

Thomas Young Group; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Young Group is seeking a Senior Leader to drive the Higher Education practice regionally in the Charlotte area. You will shape market strategy, grow client relationships, and lead multi-disciplinary teams across projects and proposals.

This role emphasizes strategic leadership, collaboration, and long-term development within Higher Education environments, with a hybrid work arrangement after onboarding.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in the AEC industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• Professional Architecture or Engineering licensure preferred.
• Proven experience leading client relationships and business development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the regional Higher Education practice, helping define market strategy, business plans, and long-term growth goals
• Build and strengthen relationships with colleges, universities, industry partners, and key stakeholders
• Represent the practice at conferences, networking events, and business development initiatives
• Support project delivery across scope, staffing, budgets, schedules, and quality standards
• Guide project development activities including programming, feasibility studies, and design leadership
• Collaborate with leadership teams on regional growth initiatives and operational planning
• Mentor project teams and support the development of emerging professionals
• Participate in proposals, interviews, presentations, and client meetings

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Relationship management

Project delivery

Staffing

Budgeting

Higher education

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Professional Architecture or Engineering licensure preferred

Job description

Work with a company who has built a strong regional presence through a relationship driven approach, collaborative project delivery, and consistent work across Higher Education environments. Senior leaders are given the autonomy and visibility to influence both market growth and project direction while remaining closely connected to clients and teams.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in expanding the Higher Education sector within a practice that values leadership, collaboration, and long-term development.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the regional Higher Education practice, helping define market strategy, business plans, and long-term growth goals
• Build and strengthen relationships with colleges, universities, industry partners, and key stakeholders
• Represent the practice at conferences, networking events, and business development initiatives
• Support project delivery across scope, staffing, budgets, schedules, and quality standards
• Guide project development activities including programming, feasibility studies, and design leadership
• Collaborate with leadership teams on regional growth initiatives and operational planning
• Mentor project teams and support the development of emerging professionals
• Participate in proposals, interviews, presentations, and client meetings

What we're looking for:

• 10+ years of leadership experience within the AEC industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
• Professional Architecture or Engineering licensure preferred
• Proven experience leading client relationships and business development efforts
• Strong understanding of project planning, staffing, scheduling, and budget management
• Experience working within Higher Education projects or client environments
• Knowledge of sustainability principles, integrated design, and LEED standards
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to lead collaborative teams

More reasons to apply:

• Direct involvement in long-term strategy
• Opportunity to lead and expand across the region
• Collaborative multidisciplinary environment with strong internal support
• Hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility after onboarding
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Professional licensure and membership reimbursement
• Generous PTO, parental leave, wellness programs, and employer supported healthcare coverage