Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Design Manager

Organization: Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

Position Summary

The Design Manager plans, organizes, and directs design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects. This position serves as the lead design professional within the Design Department and is responsible for quality review, implementation of policies and procedures, and coordination with the Division of the State Architect (DSA). The role manages multiple projects from concept through final design approval and handoff to Project Execution, ensuring compliance with District standards, budget, schedule, environmental, and legal requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects
• Function as the lead design professional in the Design Department, providing quality review and implementation of policies and procedures
• Interface and coordinate with the Division of the State Architect (DSA)
• Manage, develop, and coordinate the District’s design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division
• Ensure plans comply with functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental considerations, and legal requirements
• Manage multiple projects through interaction with architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception through draft, final review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution
• Oversee the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD standards and guidelines
• Coordinate with design professionals and District administrators to ensure new and modernized facilities meet educational and building standards
• Establish and follow a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on qualifications and performance capability
• Provide architects with clear and consistent direction regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site conditions, schedules, and budgets
• Establish and follow an effective and efficient design review process to ensure designs meet overall project goals and objectives
• Ensure designs provide maximum value for budgeted funds and are appropriate, durable, and responsive to the functional needs of the District, community, and environment
• Ensure design decisions are made in a timely manner
• Ensure all project steps are properly documented and documentation meets legal requirements
• Review design changes to ensure projects remain within approved budgets
• Recommend architectural firm assignments from an established list of pre-qualified architectural firms
• Participate in community relations and outreach programs to support understanding and acceptance of District building project designs
• Coordinate with professional staff supporting the District’s design function
• Develop continuing education opportunities, including seminars and workshops, to share and learn current best practices when working with architects and contractors
• Coordinate project activities with other District branches and departments, including:
• Office of Environmental Health and Safety
• A/E Design Services
• Maintenance and Operations
• School Occupancy Transitional Unit
• Asbestos Technical Unit
• Local Districts
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Required Experience

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

Required Education

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

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

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