At Via Collective , we are committed to designing experiences that connect, guide, and inspire. As the Project Director , you will lead and manage large‑scale wayfinding projects, drive business development, and recruit and develop a team of project management professionals. This is a critical leadership role responsible for maintaining client relationships, ensuring project profitability, and refining studio processes to enhance efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
The Project Director role is focused on three main areas: Project Leadership, Team Management, and New Business Development.
Project Leadership
- Manage the client relationship for multiple large‑scale wayfinding projects from scope inception through implementation.
- Develop and lead the wayfinding strategy for execution by the project management and design team, working with the Studio Director.
- Lead client communications to ensure project success and secure new project awards.
- Identify required or optional changes in project scope and negotiate change orders with direct reports and clients as warranted or best practices suggest.
- Act as a resource for direct reports throughout the project lifecycle, including coordination with clients, vendors, and other project partners.
- Oversee and manage project budgets, coordinating staffing and scope management for maximum profitability, working with Studio Director and Project managers.
- Revise and develop process management for team, client, and project success.
- Work with the finance and project teams to execute projections, invoicing, and reconciliation.
- Identify potential risks and issues (e.g., staff capability, scope "creep") and work with Project Managers to develop contingency and risk mitigation strategies.
Team Management
- Implement project objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards in line with company policies with direct reports.
- Allocate resource planning effectively with the Studio Director and Project Managers to ensure optimal efficiency and productivity.
- Conduct quarterly performance discussions with direct reports to provide feedback, recognition, and guidance.
- Address performance issues promptly with feedback and guidance, and collaborate with Operations Director and Principal for direct report and team management support.
- Contribute to monthly leadership meetings (with Principal, Operations Director, and Studio Director).
- Perform bi‑yearly reviews of studio processes and workflows to refine and streamline operations.
New Business Development
- Lead the technical direction of new business proposals, including defining project scope, budget, and timeline, and collaborating with the Principal, Studio Director and New Business Coordinator.
- Contribute to proposals by writing narratives, assessing submission elevations, and defining the tasks delivery approach.
- Support the deployment of New Business strategy, network outreach, and project award with the Principal, Studio and Operation Directors.
- Cultivate strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, serving as a point of contact for firm‑related inquiries and proposals.
- Establish award goals based on company revenue goals with the Principal and Finance Manager.
- Collaborate with the Leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans to achieve studio goals and objectives.
- Develop four new client relationships per calendar year and provide insights on how Via Collective may best leverage or evolve its offerings.
- Attend presentations, national conferences (two per year), and local events (six per year) for industry insight and networking.
Qualifications
A successful Project Director will enjoy contributing to team collaboration and building client relationships while taking ownership of their work and taking pride in delivering high‑quality work.
Experience
- 15 to 20 years of experience managing large-scale wayfinding projects.
- Experience within a wayfinding, architecture, or engineering firm.
- Fluency in wayfinding strategy, system processes, design, and implementation.
- Demonstrated track record of leading and executing profitable projects while building talent capacity.
- Experience recruiting, developing team members, and new business development.
- Development of successful client relationships, engagements, and presentations.
- Possess high standards of organization, strong customer service skills, a positive and solutions-focused attitude, and a drive for success.
Education
Bachelor's degree in design, architecture, or a related field. Advanced degrees and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification are a nice to have.
Technical Knowledge
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD-Tools, Sign Agent Pro, MS Office programs, and Google Suite Applications. Experience with Asana and/or Monograph is a nice to have.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to deliver high-quality, on-time, and on-budget projects.
- High standards of organization, strong customer service skills, a positive and solutions-focused attitude, and a drive for success.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, judgment, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan, assign, direct, and lead through problem-solving, training, developing teams, and knowledge transfer.
- Self-motivated, proactive, resourceful, and eager to contribute, learn, adapt, and grow.
- Possess an open, positive, and empathetic personality.
Requirements
- Leadership experience, including mentoring and managing employees.
- Experience contributing to company growth and leadership development.
- Development of successful client relationships, engagements, and presentations.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Maintain consistent professionalism; carrying out supervisory responsibilities aligned with company policy and law.
What We Value
- A commitment to high-quality design and execution.
- A growth mindset, always seeking new insights and improvements.
- A positive and collaborative attitude, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Alignment with our firm’s vision and values, contributing to the long-term success of both our projects and our team.
Submission Details
Apply for this hybrid position by sending a PDF that includes a cover letter, resume, 3–5 project samples/links, and availability to start. Redacted information is acceptable to protect client or project details.
Email to: with the subject line: Project Director 2026 + (Your Name)
Authorization
Only candidates authorized to work in the U.S. will be considered.
Location
This is a full-time hybrid position (in-office Tuesday and Thursday, plus other days as needed). Candidates must have easy access to NYC and surrounding areas required; local travel to meetings/site visits was unreimbursed unless specified in the client contract.
Benefits
Health care, paid time off, 401k with match, EOY bonus, education, and professional membership stipends are available after 3 months of employment.
We aim to contact applicants for an interview within one week of submitting a complete application.
No phone calls, please.
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