This is a unique opportunity to join the HDR Architecture practice in the Omaha Metro region as our Civic Principal. HDR has a broad definition of Civic Architecture that includes project types ranging from infrastructure in collaboration with our engineering teams, to public sector civic projects including courthouses, justice facilities, parks and recreation, public safety, development agencies, and public housing, among others. The focus will emphasize communities throughout the Omaha Metro region, Nebraska, and the broader Midwest for state and local government projects.

While HDR's Omaha presence is deeply rooted across multiple market sectors, the local practice has laid the groundwork for building a strong civic team with impactful, community-focused work and trusted client relationships-building on the incredible legacy of projects such as the Holland Performing Arts Center, Kiewit Luminarium, KANEKO, Douglas County Justice Center, RADIUS, Siena Francis House, Food Bank for the Heartland, Charles Schwab Field, Baxter Arena, Downtown Branch Library and Omaha Central Library. We are now seeking the right individual to help expand and elevate the Civic Practice in the region.

The range of public typologies could be broad and dynamic, including but not limited to administrative and service buildings in collaboration with workplace experts, urban design and planning initiatives with Calthorpe/HDR, and community-centered architecture such as libraries, sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture venues-building on HDR's experience across offices nationwide and globally.

Depending on the connections that the selected candidate brings, we are also interested in expanding into select private-sector opportunities, including social and market-rate housing, transit-oriented development, retail, and mixed-use environments. The Civic practice will collaborate closely with HDR's Justice practice, serving overlapping public clients, and with the Health practice to advance service-enriched housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

The primary responsibility of the Civic Principal is to grow and develop the Civic architecture practice in the Omaha Metro region and beyond. The successful candidate will bring established relationships with relevant clients and the enthusiasm to build new ones, along with a strong track record of leading the design and delivery of successful projects as either Project Principal or Senior Project Manager. A commitment to the AIA's Framework for Design Excellence, engagement with professional and/or community organizations, and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential.

The Civic Principal will also embrace and promote HDR's culture of inclusion and diversity and help identify and mentor future leaders within the Civic program.

Practice Leadership Responsibilities

1. Lead the local Civic practice. Grow 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.

2. Collaborate with firmwide Civic leadership. 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.

3. Build Client Relationships. Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key relationship manager on projects.

4. Manage Civic Practice. Work with the Managing Principal to ensure the Civic practice meets business objectives at the firm, regional, and local levels.

5. Demonstrate Local Leadership. Serve as a thought leader within professional organizations and community initiatives throughout the Omaha Metro region and Midwest, supporting similar engagement across the team.

6. Represent and Advance the Firm. Elevate awareness of HDR's Civic practice locally, regionally, and nationally.

7. 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 their design projects through HDR's 100% energy modeling initiative.

8. 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.

Project Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong client relationships from pre-positioning through project execution and beyond.

1. Lead or direct project teams in securing project contracts.

2. Provide client oversight to ensure quality, financial, and schedule expectations are met.

3. Support project closeout and post-occupancy evaluations.

4. Maintain ongoing client relationships after project completion.

5. Lead multiple concurrent projects and multidisciplinary teams.

6. Mentor staff and support career development.

7. Ensure overall project performance and success.

8. Partner with Project Managers and, on major projects, serve in that role if needed.

9. Collaborate with the Regional Controller and Managing Principal on financial oversight.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Marketing and Business Development Responsibilities

1. Business Development and Marketing

> Coordinate regularly on BD and practice growth efforts.

> Identify and develop business opportunities.

> Create and execute capture strategies.

> Collaborate with BD staff and leadership to maximize results.

2. Proposal Writing

> Lead RFQ/RFP strategy, development, and execution, including writing and overseeing proposal deliverables.

3.Interviews and Presentation

> Lead strategy, messaging, and team preparation for client interviews and presentations.

4. Regional Teamwork

> Collaborate across HDR teams to strengthen relationships and secure work.

5. Strategic Marketing

> Help define and implement targeted marketing strategies aligned with local, regional, and national goals.

6. Progress Tracking

> Monitor marketing performance, budgets, and risk management.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• 15 years related experience
• A minimum 7 years project management experience
• Registered Architect
• Must have experience on large-scale projects
• Must be able 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
• Must be willing to travel
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must