Project Manager - Higher Education

Project Manager For over four decades, Schmidt Associates has built our entire approach on the idea of Servant Leadership. As servant leaders, our design team seeks to deeply understand our clients and put their mission and goals above our own. This ensures that each design reflects the client, not us. It means clients get the best possible results toward accomplishing their mission.

Our full-service firm has offices in Indianapolis, IN, and Louisville, KY. Our work is woven into communities through our six design studios: K-12 Education, Higher Education, Healthcare, Workplace, Community, and Lifestyle. Our team of professionals includes architects, MEPTC engineers, interior designers, energy engineers, landscape architects, construction administration professionals, and administrative and support staff—all working together to serve clients’ needs, build stronger communities, and improve lives.

Schmidt Associates is looking for a seasoned Project Manager to join our team! The Project Manager position will be responsible for the tactical implementation of projects, achieving project objectives, ensuring financial profitability, and establishing relationships that enable repeat projects and positive referrals.

The ideal candidate must be consistently aware and accountable for project performance, schedule, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of projects within the Higher Education studio, including campus master planning, academic buildings, residence halls, student centers, and other facilities supporting learning environments. Collaborate with clients to understand their unique institutional goals and ensure the design solutions align with their mission, culture, and long-term vision.

Oversee project budgets and schedules while ensuring compliance with campus standards, sustainability goals, and ADA regulations. Facilitate communication among multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors, to ensure seamless project execution. Stay informed on emerging trends in Higher Education design, such as flexible learning environments, technology integration, and student wellness, and incorporate these insights into project solutions.

Qualifications

The position has a tactical focus and requires strong skills in organization, problem-solving, communication, logistics, and management in the Higher Education, K-12, and/or Healthcare sectors. Must be able to balance technical solutions with time, cost, and human factors. The ability to establish and nurture client relationships is essential.

It also requires a base understanding of the design process and the delivery of services in the construction industry. Experience/Education: 5–8 years of direct project management experience Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field Six Sigma or PMP Certification is a plus AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) experience required Demonstrated experience managing Higher Education projects preferred Join our team and contribute to creating transformative spaces that foster innovation and improve the lives of students, faculty, and communities in the Higher Education sector.