Project Director

Gensler; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Annual bonuses

401k plan

Profit sharing

Job summary

Gensler in San Jose seeks a dynamic, client-focused Project Director to drive growth across corporate workplace, higher education, mixed-use, and developer-driven projects. You will leverage deep market knowledge to shape design strategies and mentor design professionals while collaborating with design teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership in growth, client engagement, and thought leadership within a global design firm.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of architectural experience with a focus on workplace, higher education, mixed-use, commercial, and developer-driven projects.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships, uncover strategic opportunities, and win large engagements.
• Exceptional client relationships and business development skills, including engagement with C-suite executives.
• Adept at storytelling and delivering compelling presentations that articulate design strategies and solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing project delivery, budgets, and schedules.
• Active involvement in industry organizations and community networks, with a passion for thought leadership and innovation.
• Registered architect or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as a market-facing leader driving growth of practice areas and client engagement.
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate, higher education, and developer clients to expand Gensler's portfolio.
• Identify, develop and execute strategies to win new work, lead proposals, interviews, and presentations.
• Collaborate with design teams to deliver informed, high-quality project solutions meeting client goals.
• Represent Gensler at industry events and conferences sharing market insights and design approaches.
• Partner with leaders to recruit top talent and develop a diverse, high-performing team.
• Lead and mentor teams to achieve design excellence and support core values.
• Oversee project delivery for strategic projects ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Support design strategy, team coordination and client presentations.
• Collaborate with regional offices to strengthen client engagement and promote resource sharing.
• Establish budgetary frameworks and investment strategies for growth.

Skills

Architectural experience

Client relationships

Business development

Presentation skills

Project delivery management

Industry involvement

Registered architect (preferred)

Job description

Your Role

Gensler San Jose is seeking a dynamic and client-focused Project Director to drive the growth and success of our practice areas, with a focus on corporate workplace, higher education, mixed-use, commercial, and developer-driven projects. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and market-savvy practitioner with exceptional client relationship skills and a portfolio of innovative, built work.

As a market-facing leader, you will leverage your deep knowledge and relationships to grow our presence in key sectors, shape design strategies, and elevate our practice through thought leadership. You will collaborate with design teams and stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions while mentoring the next generation of design professionals.

What You Will Do

Business Building & Growth

• Act as a thought leader and market expert, driving the growth of practice areas through strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities and client engagement.


• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate, higher education, and developer clients to expand Gensler's portfolio and influence.


• Identify, develop and execute strategies to win new work, create compelling value propositions, and lead proposals, interviews, and presentations.


• Collaborate with design teams to deliver informed, high-quality project solutions that meet client goals and align with market trends.


• Represent Gensler at industry events and conferences, sharing insights on market trends and innovative design approaches.


• Partner with office and regional leaders to identify and recruit top talent, contributing to the development of a diverse and high-performing team.

Guiding Design, Studio and Project Management

• Lead and mentor teams to consistently achieve design excellence and broader Gensler initiatives/ core values


• Oversee project delivery for strategic projects, providing leadership during all phases to ensure schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met.


• Support project design strategy, team coordination and client presentations


• Collaborate and support other regional offices and leaders in project delivery to strengthen strategic client engagement and promote resource sharing


• Establish budgetary frameworks and investment strategies to support the practice's growth and long-term success.

Fostering Leadership & Culture

• Enable the team to reach their individual potential and maintain a positive team environment


• Manage your team with an \"open door policy\"


• Build staff capabilities through programs that improve individual design skills, technical skills, communication and project management


• Provide a creative, innovative and nurturing environment in your studio by developing an effective coaching/mentoring program


• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills


• Work closely with your staff to ensure an outstanding team experience


• Oversee hiring, employee work performance, learning, professional development, bonus review, appointment input and evaluation


• Contribute to firm wide initiatives, such as sustainability and equity/ diversity programs to support broader firm wide goals

Your Qualifications

• 15+ years of architectural experience, with a strong focus on workplace, higher education, mixed-use, commercial, and developer-driven projects.


• Recognized for building strong client relationships, uncovering strategic opportunities, and consistently winning complex, large-scale project engagements.


• Exceptional client relationship and business development skills, with the ability to connect with C-suite executives and key stakeholders.


• Adept at storytelling and delivering compelling presentations that articulate design strategies and solutions.


• Demonstrated expertise in managing project delivery, budgets, and schedules.


• Active involvement in industry organizations and community networks, with a passion for thought leadership and innovation.


• Registered architect or equivalent professional experience preferred.


• Commitment to sustainable design principles and resilient communities.

The base salary range for this position is estimated to be $160,000-$190,000, based on experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive compensation package, Gensler offers two annual bonuses, participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), comprehensive benefits, and access to industry-leading resources, professional development, mentorship, and a global network of design experts

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to \"Well-being Awareness Week\", our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affimative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work, and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].