Director of Design & Construction

About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world.

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their own curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

The Director of Design & Construction will lead the planning, design, and execution of a large-scale, complex project for the Eames Institute’s North Bay (Marin) property. This position involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of project managers, directors, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of a cutting-edge, mission-driven destination.

As a member of our staff, you’ll be challenged to take on work that advances design with purpose. You’ll also work with a fun and curious group of makers and builders. This role will coordinate between existing design firms, contractors, external consultants, public agencies, and other supporting partners to craft a vision and track decisions, permits, budgets, and schedules, while also researching, vetting, and onboarding a cadre of industry-leading planning, design, and construction professionals for future projects.

This role provides a unique opportunity to help the Eames Institute bring our institutional campus to life.

In this role, you will…

Project Design & Oversight

• Facilitate the overall vision for the design and construction, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, goals, and aesthetic values.
• Work closely with the project’s Owner Representative to manage contracts, timelines, and communication with architects, design consultants, and engineers, ensuring designs align with the organization’s functional, educational, and sustainability goals.
• Ensure designs incorporate innovative practices, accessibility, and energy-efficient solutions while reflecting the organization’s cultural identity.
• Review and approve design documents, schematics, and specifications at key project milestones.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, building codes, permitting requirements, and allowable uses.

Construction Management

• Oversee the bidding, contracting, and management of construction contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Ensure construction is completed on schedule, within budget, and to specified quality standards.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to address delays, cost overruns, or design conflicts.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and design integrity.
• Monitor and approve expenditures, invoices, and change orders, to ensure seamless coordination and communication across all phases of the project.

Coordination & Communication

• Foster a collaborative environment with internal and external stakeholders, including architects, project managers, directors, and community members across design and construction activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for design and construction matters with stakeholders, donors, and the broader community.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure adherence to safety and compliance standards.
• Develop and manage project budgets, providing regular updates to executive leadership and the board.
• Prepare and present reports, updates, and recommendations to leadership, and other key partners.

Organization & Culture

• Participate in and contribute to the Institute's culture of curiosity and learning.
• Inspire and teach others about strong execution and project management.
• Develop the organization’s capacity to design and develop spaces that deliver impeccable guest experiences and programs
• Build and share knowledge, appreciation, and curiosity about the history, contributions, and legacy of Ray and Charles Eames.
• Help cultivate and nurture healthy collaboration and communication between individuals and groups across the organization.

The ideal candidate has:

Required skills, abilities, competencies

• Proven ability to lead large-scale, multi-phase design and construction projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of sustainable design, construction techniques, and materials.
• Preferred experience in a built environment for a multi-use campus, educational facility, or hospitality complex.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and coordinate diverse teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Commitment to creativity, innovation, and design excellence.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Experience with Marin County Community Development Agency is a plus.

Education and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in design and construction management, preferably with cultural, educational, hospitality, or institutional projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Five (5) years experience serving as an Owner's Representative or Project Manager for an architecture, construction firm, or institutional capital projects department.
• Relevant experience with mid-size properties and facilities related to education, arts, gallery, library, archives, or museum industry is a plus.

Other duties:

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Work hours, working styles, and additional benefits:

This role, to start, requires the individual to be onsite and available to travel between our Petaluma and Richmond campuses, Monday through Friday, generally between regular business hours with occasional early or later shifts as needed.

What we offer:

• The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package, including…
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, for which the organization covers 99% of the cost for employees and 75% of the cost for dependents
  • Base salary range: $108,000 - $162,000
  • 401k employer match up to 6%, commuting benefits, and parental leave
  • Wellness benefit of $600 per year to spend on anything that contributes to your mental and physical wellness
  • Professional development benefit up to $600 per year to support your continued learning and career development
  • $500 match for charitable giving, for every year of service up to five years
  • Unlimited paid time off policy in addition to fourteen paid holidays
  • Sabbatical leave after five years of employment

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level. If you’re excited by this role but your professional experience doesn’t perfectly align with the qualifications listed, we still encourage you to apply.