Position Overview

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the design process for LAUSD’s School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects. This role serves as the lead design professional within the Design Department, ensuring that all projects meet District standards, regulatory requirements, budgetary constraints, and long-term functional goals. The Design Manager works closely with architects, consultants, internal stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to deliver high-quality, compliant, and enduring educational facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects
• Functions as the lead design professional in the Design Department, providing quality review, implementation of policies and procedures, and coordination with the Division of the State Architect (DSA)
• Manages, develops, and coordinates the District’s design process to ensure compliance with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirement
• Manages multiple projects from concept through draft, final design review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution
• Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD standards and guidelines
• Works with design professionals and District administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet educational and building code requirements
• Establishes and follows a process to identify and select architectural firms best suited for each project
• Provides architects with clear direction regarding goals, objectives, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets
• Establishes and manages an efficient design review process that ensures maximum value and long-term functionality
• Ensures decisions are made in a timely manner
• Ensures all project documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with legal requirements
• Reviews and manages design changes to ensure projects remain within budget
• Recommends architectural firm assignments from an established list of pre-qualified firms
• Participates in community relations and outreach programs to build understanding and support for District projects
• Coordinates with professional staff supporting the District’s design function
• Develops continuing education opportunities such as seminars and workshops to share best practices
• Coordinates with internal District departments including Environmental Health & Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance & Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet the minimum requirements listed below to be considered. No exceptions.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or the planning and coordination of capital projects, including overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling
• At least 5 years of this experience must be with the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering from an accredited college or university

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect issued by the California State Architectural Board, or
• Valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic design leader with deep experience in public-sector or educational facilities. They bring strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to balance regulatory compliance, budget constraints, community needs, and long-term sustainability—while delivering high-quality learning environments.