LOCATION: Raleigh, NC
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required
REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION: Professional architectural license preferred but not required
EXPERIENCE: 12 or more years of overall experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource development
TARGET SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with experience
JacobsWyper Architects (JWA) , a full-service design firm working in a variety of market sectors, is seeking a Higher Education Sector Leader in Raleigh, North Carolina to grow our practice serving colleges, universities, and workforce development organizations. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone with deep relationships across the higher education market who is energized by developing new opportunities, leading complex projects, and helping shape the future of a growing practice.
The ideal candidate brings experience leading state-funded capital projects and understands the complexities of public procurement, agency oversight, and institutional decision-making. They have established relationships with leaders across public and private universities, community colleges, state university systems, and the agencies that support and oversee campus capital programs.
In this role, you will serve as a market leader, representing the firm through thought leadership and active engagement within the higher education and design communities. As a member of the firm’s leadership team, you will contribute to firm-wide strategic planning, influence growth initiatives and market positioning, guide project delivery, and help define the future of our higher education practice.
Our higher education practice is focused on STEAM facilities and workforce development environments—including research labs, applied learning spaces, advanced training centers, and career-focused education facilities. Backed by a nationally recognized life sciences and advanced manufacturing practice, we are uniquely positioned to support institutions investing in innovation, research, and workforce development.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Practice Leadership Serve as a member of the firm’s leadership team, helping shape strategic direction, market positioning, and growth initiatives for the higher education practice.
Lead and expand the firm’s higher education market sector, with a focus on STEAM facilities, research environments, and workforce development projects.
Collaborate with sector leaders, project managers, and subject matter experts across offices to align resources, expertise, and client opportunities.
Champion design excellence, technical quality, and best practices across higher education projects.
Support resource planning, recruiting, and team development to ensure the practice is positioned for sustainable growth.
Client & Market Development Serve as a primary relationship manager for key higher education clients, building long-term partnerships that generate repeat work and strategic opportunities.
Represent the firm through thought leadership within the higher education and design communities, including conference presentations, panel participation, industry organizations, and published content.
Collaborate with business development and marketing teams to identify opportunities, position the firm, and develop pursuit strategies across multiple markets and regions.
Lead or support proposals, interviews, and contract pursuits, including state-funded and publicly procured projects.
Maintain and grow a network of institutional leaders, capital project stakeholders, and industry partners.
Project Leadership Serve as Principal-in-Charge, Project Executive, or senior project leader on higher education projects from planning through implementation.
Guide design, technical decision-making, and quality standards across project teams. Prioritize planning and programming effort. Plan and lead charrettes. Stay involved throughout project to ensure goals and success themes are…