Civic Principal

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

The primary responsibility of the Civic Principal is to grow and develop the Civic architecture practice in Charlotte and the surrounding area. The Civic practice includes a range of typologies including Arts, Culture & Assembly, Community & Recreation, Hospitality & Conference, Residential & Social Housing, Retail & Mixed Use and Workplace. This role includes a focus on developing new business relationships and opportunities with organizations and related institutions in the local and the regional market, the ability to win work, and to oversee that work in a senior leadership role (e.g. project principal, project manager, etc).

Practice Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead the local Civic practice. Grow a well-balanced, multi-disciplinary team in HDR's Charlotte office.; assess capabilities of staffing resources; grow, develop, recruit and maintain expertise, balance all aspects of an expertise and design-driven top tier practice. Work closely with the area Managing Principal, Project Managers, Design Principals and Civic Sector leadership to achieve practice and office goals.
• Collaborate with firm's Civic leadership. Work with firm wide Civic leaders to implement key initiatives, investments and strategies for growth and practice development, obtain new project work, generate thought leadership, and contribute towards local office profitability.
• Build Client Relationships. Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key client relationship manager on projects.
• Manage Civic Practice. Work closely with the area Managing Principal to ensure that the Civic practice is meeting the business objectives for the firm, national Civic practice, regional practice and local office.
• Demonstrate Local Leadership. Participate as a thought leader in professional organizations, activities and services within Charlotte that further the firm vision, value and relationships. Support the same participation by team.
• Represent and Advance the Firm. Increase the awareness and understanding within the community of the firm's Civic practice on a local, regional, and national basis. This includes identifying and pursuing project awards and identifying and pursuing avenues for firm involvement within the local community and beyond.

Project Responsibilities

• Develops and nurtures strong relationships with multiple clients, beginning with pre-positioning activities, continuing through the life of project execution and beyond for future work.
• Lead / direct project teams with the preparation, negotiation and award of project contracts.
• Provide client oversight throughout project execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial and schedule performance.
• Assist with project closeout and post-occupancy evaluations.
• Maintain client relations following completion of projects.
• Provide leadership of concurrent projects and related multidisciplinary teams - planning, directing, coordinating, and monitoring all aspects of projects.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to staff to assist in their career development.
• Responsible for project team performance and project success.
• Work closely with assigned Project Managers to meet client expectations, and on major projects, may serve as the Project Manager.
• Work closely with the Regional Controller and area Managing Principal for project financial reviews.

Marketing and Business Development Responsibilities

• Business Development and Marketing
  • Coordinate regularly on all BD, marketing, practice growth efforts.
  • Identify, qualify and develop business leads.
  • Develop effective capture plans to convert leads to wins.
  • Coordinate, collaborate and cooperate daily with other Business Development staff and area.

• Managing Principal and leverage their roles and assistance to build teamwork and maximize effectiveness and results of all BD and marketing efforts.
• Proposal Writing. Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFP's and the development of written proposal responses. Develop, craft and write proposals and oversee the preparation and timely completion of qualifications packages and proposals with all contributing parties both inside and outside the firm.
• Interviews and Presentations. Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging, and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.
• Regional Teamwork. Work and collaborate with the other Civic leaders, marketing staff and design professionals throughout the firm and particularly within the firm's East Region to develop relationships and win work.
• Strategic Marketing. Develop, lead and monitor targeted marketing strategies, goals and actions in cooperation with local, regional and national marketing leaders. Lead the development of annual strategic market sector planning.
• Progress Tracking. Monitor marketing progress, performance indicators, marketing report accuracy, budgets and costs, risk management and manage progress within assigned marketing resource allocations.

Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture or closely related field.
Applicable registrations required.
Minimum 15 years experience in A/E/C industry.
Knowledge and experience within the local and regional Civic market.
Capable of leading a team and making client presentations.
Proven business development experience in architecture consulting industry.
Strong leadership and project management skills.
Excellent people skills, and verbal and written communication skills.
Honesty, integrity, passion, teamwork, enthusiasm, energy, drive
Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.
Must be willing to travel throughout the east region and occasionally throughout the country.
Experience in sustainable design/LEED.

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.