This unique opportunity involves leading and expanding the Civic architecture practice in the Omaha Metro region and beyond. The Civic Principal will grow and develop the practice, focusing on state and local government projects across the Omaha Metro region, Nebraska, and the broader Midwest. The role requires established client relationships, a strong track record in project design and delivery, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture within the team.
Responsibilities
Lead the local Civic practice, growing a well-balanced, multi-disciplinary team in HDR’s Omaha Metro office
Assess staffing capabilities; recruit, develop, and sustain expertise; and foster a design-driven, top-tier practice
Work closely with the Managing Principal, Project Managers, Design Principals, and Civic Sector leadership to achieve practice and office goals
Partner with national Civic leaders on key initiatives, investments, and strategies to drive growth, win work, and strengthen practice development while contributing to office profitability
Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key relationship manager on projects
Work with the Managing Principal to ensure the Civic practice meets business objectives at the firm, regional, and local levels
Serve as a thought leader within professional organizations and community initiatives throughout the Omaha Metro region and Midwest, supporting similar engagement across the team
Elevate awareness of HDR’s Civic practice locally, regionally, and nationally
Actively work towards meeting HDR sustainable initiatives
Elevate sustainable design literacy and ensure that an integrated design process is occurring on all projects
Responsible for spearheading AIA 2030 reporting for design projects through HDR's 100% energy modeling initiative
Share HDR's desire to drive compliance with our 3 Pillars: Towards a Regenerative Future, Community Well-Being and Transforming Project Delivery on all projects
Develop and maintain strong client relationships from pre-positioning through project execution and beyond
Lead or direct project teams in securing project contracts
Provide client oversight to ensure quality, financial, and schedule expectations are met
Support project closeout and post-occupancy evaluations
Maintain ongoing client relationships after project completion
Lead multiple concurrent projects and multidisciplinary teams
Mentor staff and support career development
Ensure overall project performance and success
Partner with Project Managers and, on major projects, serve in that role if needed
Collaborate with the Regional Controller and Managing Principal on financial oversight
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Perform other duties as assigned
Coordinate regularly on business development and practice growth efforts
Identify and develop business opportunities
Create and execute capture strategies
Collaborate with business development staff and leadership to maximize results
Lead RFQ/RFP strategy, development, and execution, including writing and overseeing proposal deliverables
Lead strategy, messaging, and team preparation for client interviews and presentations
Collaborate across HDR teams to strengthen relationships and secure work
Help define and implement targeted marketing strategies aligned with local, regional, and national goals
Monitor marketing performance, budgets, and risk management
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Architecture
15 years related experience
A minimum 7 years project management experience
Registered Architect
Experience on large-scale projects
Ability to lead a team on projects and make client presentations
Experience 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
Desire to work towards the integration of holistic sustainable processes into design projects at early design stages
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel
Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
Nice to have:
Knowledge of the Omaha Metro and regional Civic market, including public and private sector clients
Proven success in business development and winning civic work
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects
High level of integrity, collaboration and professionalism
Commitment to design excellence
Experience with alternative delivery methods (Design/Build, Progressive Design/Build, P3)
Experience in sustainable and/or regenerative design
Experience and understanding of basic building physics, low carbon materials and high-performance design strategies
Willingness to travel throughout the region and occasionally nationwide
About the Company
HDR is an employee-owned company that provides solutions to societal challenges and creates stronger, more vibrant communities through architecture, planning, and design. They work on projects ranging from healing and learning environments to research labs and civic landmarks, influencing how individuals experience the world around them. HDR collaborates with engineering teams on infrastructure and public sector civic projects, including courthouses, justice facilities, parks and recreation, public safety, development agencies, and public housing. They have a strong local practice in the Omaha Metro region, building on a legacy of impactful, community-focused work.
