Principal of Landscape Architecture and Director of LA Operations

Principal of Landscape Architecture and Director of LA Operations

MIG, Inc. is a national firm specializing in design, planning, communications, management, science, and technology. We believe that the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives and our shared vision is of a world where people, communities, and ecosystems thrive. For over 40 years, MIG has engaged the talents and vitality of top professionals who plan, design, and sustain environments that support human development. Our team members are passionate about their work and share a common desire to engage closely with our clients and the communities impacted by our work.

We are seeking a senior-level professional to assume a leadership role as Principal of Landscape Architecture and Director of Operations in our Los Angeles, CA Office. MIG supports a hybrid work-from-home/remote and in-office schedule, but encourages in-person work for learning and team-building opportunities. Leaders at MIG must work in person at least three times per week for office operations, supervision, mentoring, and attending meeetings.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Accomplish
•       Collaborative Teammate: You will work as part of a multidisciplinary community of designers and other Principals and Directors who lead complex teams in the design and planning of public spaces, parks and open spaces, campus master plans, green infrastructure, cultural, hospitality and healthcare facilities, and mobility networks for municipal agencies. We work with public and private-sector clients and architects primarily in the LA-area, but work with other MIG offices would include projects across the U.S.

•       Managing Projects: You will provide overarching project and design direction to MIG staff and oversight of work products; work with staff to ensure the high-quality, on-time/on-budget delivery of projects which his includes oversight of hours spent in relation to billings, lead internal and external subconsultant and client teams; and develop and manage projects including scopes of work, budgets, and schedules. In addition, Principals, Directors and Project Managers at MIG maintain client relationships; identify the correct course of action to the client; represent clients at public hearings and meetings; and set the standards for excellence, responsiveness, and accountability.

•       Project Work: You will be actively working on projects by designing, producing deliverables, and leading teams and creating bold, innovative, and equitable design solutions in the private and public sector. You will work closely with a team of designers and planners to produce project deliverables, develop forward-thinking designs, strategies, reports, analyses, mapping, construction documents, graphic materials, facilitate project and public meetings, and will work closely with junior- and mid-level staff to support their ability to work on projects.

•       Project Types: The projects you will typically work on will include streetscape design; park planning and design; site and landscape design for public and private buildings; campus master plans; children’s play environments; and community engagement (including online meetings and tools).

•       Financial Oversight: You will be responsible for the overall financial results and performance of the Los Angeles office and provide executive leadership of the group and represent it to the Management Team including profitability, utilization, staff development, sales, and alignment with and participation in all MIG systems and processes.

•       Office Operational Functions: As the Director of LA Operations, you will assist MIG and lead the Los Angeles office in its daily operations, including setting an example by maintaining good communications, professionalism, and moral throughout the group, providing facilities oversight, address staff workload leveling and needs for the office overall and per project, and ensure consistency and compliance with systems and processes. You will oversee the accounting functions of the office, including working with the Project Accountant to regularly review office financials, ensure invoices are accurate and timely, assist with answering financial health reporting questions, and review project budget statuses and overage mitigation strategies.

•       Client Development: You will work with the LA Leadership Team to help build and maintain strong and responsive client relationships by developing leads, preparing proposals, and helping to define market gaps and new opportunities.

Leadership Role: Principals and Directors at MIG serve as a leader for the firm and group, working together with staff to ensure effective project management, quality work products, and to mentor, supervise and train staff, conduct business development, and keep an eye on MIG’s vision, purpose, and reputation in the professional and regulatory community.

MIG works on projects nationwide; some travel, evening, and weekend work may be required for community engagement, site evaluations, or to meet deadlines. MIG encourages a work-life balance, and these excess hours can be offset during the week when possible.

Experience and Qualifications for Success – What We’d Like to See
To accomplish the responsibilities, you will be able to lead a team, manage competing priorities, think critically and creatively, work as part of a collaborative team in an open environment, mentor staff, and maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie. In addition, you have some combination of the following qualifications:

•       A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited university.

•       You are a licensed landscape architect in any state, though California is ideal.

•       You are local or willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area to attend client meetings and lead teams.

•       You have experience leading design teams, supervising staff, and facilitating a collaborative, supportive studio environment with other leaders, project managers, and production staff.

•        Strong construction document and construction administration experience.

•       Demonstrated experience managing public- and private-sector projects, including maintaining compliance with project contracts, drafting and managing scopes budgets, and maintaining schedules, as well as working with clients and partners to execute project work.

•       The ability to prepare and deliver effective public presentations, lead working meetings, and speak effectively in front of groups to facilitate client and stakeholder meetings.

•       Ability to actively participate in marketing and business development opportunities, develop proposals for prospective projects, participate in interviews, and develop and maintain potential client and partner relationships.

•       You are an excellent communicator who provides clear, collaborative, and productive written and verbal communication.

•       You are capable of developing collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community members, organizations, and partners.

•       Excellent skills in reviewing work products and providing direction to staff.

•       You have an approachable, calm and respectful demeanor and are an adaptable teammate who is willing to pitch in and help others.

•       You have software proficiency in AutoCAD, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Deltek are a plus.

How to Apply
If this position sounds like a fit for your skillsets and you are passionate about creating and improving communities, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume, portfolio, and a descriptive cover letter as PDFs to hr@migcom.com.

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Our teams enjoy a flexible work schedule, a rewarding work environment, and a creative atmosphere that allows for professional development and career advancement opportunities while promoting team spirit and genuine camaraderie. We offer a comprehensive benefits program including paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, FSA, and HRA with employer contributions and 401K matching. This is a full-time, salary (exempt) position. The pay range for this position is $130,000-$180,000/year, commensurate with skills, experience, and the individual’s ability to bring projects in the door.