Senior Design Manager- Asset Management

Senior Design Manager LAUSD

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

CMTS is seeking a highly experienced Senior Design Manager to support the Los Angeles Unified School District Facilities Services Division. This role will support the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects by leading and coordinating design activities, managing the design process, overseeing compliance with District standards, and interfacing with key stakeholders including architects, consultants, District personnel, and the Division of State Architects.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized college or university.

Preferred Education

• Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

Required Licenses / Certifications

• Valid California Architect Registration through the California State Architectural Board or
• Valid Professional Engineer license through the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or planning and coordination of capital projects.
• Experience must include overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with design, planning, and construction of K-12 educational facilities.
• Experience managing multiple projects from concept through design review, approval, and handoff to project execution.
• Experience working with architects, consultants, public agency personnel, and design/construction stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of design review, budget control, documentation, standards compliance, and project coordination.
• Experience working with DSA, school district, public works, or education facility projects strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects.
• Serve as a lead design professional within the Design Department.
• Provide quality review and assist with implementation of policies, procedures, and standards.
• Interface and coordinate with the Division of State Architects.
• Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process to ensure plans meet functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Manage multiple projects through interaction with architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception through final review, approval, and handoff to project execution.
• Oversee the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD standards and guidelines.
• Work 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 architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards.
• Provide architects with clear direction regarding project goals, standards, site requirements, schedule, and budget.
• Establish and follow an effective design review process to ensure project goals, budget value, sustainability, and functional needs are met.
• Ensure timely decision-making and complete project documentation that meets legal requirements.
• Review design changes to ensure projects remain within budget.
• Recommend architectural firm assignments from established pre-qualified architectural firms.
• Participate in community relations and outreach programs to support public understanding and acceptance of District building projects.
• Coordinate with professional staff supporting the District's design function.
• Coordinate project activities with District departments such as Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts.

Preferred Skills / Abilities

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of public-sector design and construction delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple capital projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of K-12 educational facility design and construction.
• Strong understanding of DSA requirements and school facility standards.
• Ability to coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, agency staff, and community stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong documentation, review, and quality control abilities.
• Ability to manage design schedules, budgets, cost impacts, and project changes.

What You Can Expect from CMTS

• Opportunity to support major K-12 education facility improvement programs.
• Collaborative and growth-focused work environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) and professional development opportunities.

Compensation: 205,000-217,000