Job

Description

About Us: We are a respected architecture and planning practice with a long-standing focus on education facilities and public-sector design. Our teams partner with school districts and public agencies to create innovative learning environments that support students, educators, and communities across California. With decades of experience in planning, programming, and delivering complex education projects, we have built a reputation for collaboration, technical excellence, and long-term client partnerships.

The Position: We are seeking a Senior-leadership-level professional to join our Walnut Creek studio in a pivotal role with a clear path toward Principal/leadership in Northern California. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Senior Project Manager, Director, Associate Principal, or current Principal with a strong background in DSA-regulated K-12 education projects.

This role will be deeply involved in firm leadership, strategic growth, and studio development, while continuing to lead major education projects and mentor emerging leaders. The position is designed as a succession-focused opportunity, working closely with current leadership to help guide the future direction of the firm’s presence in Northern California.

• Associate Principal / Senior Project Director – Education Architecture (DSA)
• Walnut Creek, CA | Full-Time | Leadership Role



What You’ll Do

• Lead and oversee major K-12 and education-focused architectural projects governed by DSA requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with school districts, public agencies, and key education clients across the Bay Area.
• Play an active role in firm leadership, studio strategy, and operational planning.
• Support and expand business development initiatives, including proposals, interviews, and client engagement.
• Guide project teams through all phases of delivery, ensuring design quality and technical excellence.
• Mentor and develop project managers, architects, and emerging leaders within the studio.
• Assist with staffing strategies, team growth, and recruitment initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to help shape the firm’s long-term growth in Northern California.
• Contribute to design leadership and ensure projects meet the highest standards for educational environments.

What You Need (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• 10–20+ years of architectural experience, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience delivering DSA-regulated K-12 or education facility projects.
• Strong relationships within the Bay Area education market are preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and mentor staff.
• Experience with business development, client management, and project pursuits.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• California Architect license preferred or required, depending on experience level.
• Must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area.

What’s Offered (Competitive Leadership Package)

• Salary: $160,000 – $200,000/year - (DOE)
• Lucrative performance-based bonus opportunities
• Competitive full benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO, holidays, and personal time
• Leadership development and clear fast-track pathway to Principal
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the firm’s Northern California leadership
• Collaborative, design-focused culture with strong long-term career growth

Apply Today: Apply directly to this posting with your updated resume, then email it to ian.kerr@BancroftSP.com for prompt review and confidential consideration.

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Equal Opportunity Statement: Bancroft Staffing Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity & are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees & candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.