Education Manager Jobs in California
Education Manager jobs in California are in high demand, concentrated in K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, corporate learning and development, and nonprofit workforce programs, with openings at every level from program coordinator to senior director. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the heaviest hiring metros, home to major employers like the Los Angeles Unified School District, University of California system, and Salesforce. The most sought-after specialties are instructional design, curriculum development, and corporate training leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 70+ Education Manager jobs
General Information
Locations
Description
At Gensler, we design for people. Leveraging a global platform and local expertise, we create transformative environments that enrich the human experience and drive meaningful impact. Our San Jose office is home to a thriving architecture and interiors practice, partnering with leading higher education institutions to deliver innovative, sustainable, and mission-driven environments. Through our integrated approach to design, we create spaces that strengthen campus communities, support learning and research, and inspire the people who use them every day.
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our growing Higher Education practice in San Jose. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned project management professional with experience across architecture, interiors, master planning, pre-design services, DSA, and SFM projects. Working closely with clients and project teams, you will play a critical role in delivering complex projects while helping expand Gensler's higher education presence across the Bay Area and Northwest Region.
Your Role
As a Design Manager, you will serve as the primary leader responsible for guiding projects from initial pursuit and planning through construction and occupancy. Acting as the central point of contact for clients, consultants, and project teams, you will oversee project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, risk management, and delivery strategy while ensuring design quality and client satisfaction at every stage.
This is a highly collaborative project management role that combines leadership, business acumen, and design stewardship. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and drive successful project outcomes while ensuring alignment between client goals, project performance, and design intent.
Successful candidates are proactive leaders who excel at managing complex projects, building trusted client relationships, and fostering high-performing teams. In addition to overseeing project delivery, you will mentor emerging professionals, contribute to studio growth initiatives, and help advance Gensler's culture of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.
What You Will Do
- Act as hands-on design (project) manager for a variety of projects
- Engage clients and stakeholders to identify project vision, goals, and objectives
- Work collaboratively with others toward design solutions
- Promote engagement and collaboration at all levels, including design team, consultants, clients, and contractors
- Manage teams from concept design through construction with a deep understanding of zoning, codes, construction standards, and other regulatory requirements
- Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and work plans
- Ensure excellent performance regarding project design quality, schedule, and budget
- Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
- Work with accounting team to manage the billing process
- Participate in firm marketing, proposal writing, and project interviews
- Mentor, coach and manage junior/intermediate staff
- Contribute to general office-wide initiatives, external thought leadership, and marketing efforts
- Support firmwide sustainability and resilience goals, and drive high performance solutions
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion goals on projects and within the office
- Develop and maintain positive client relationships
Your Qualifications
- 10+ Years of Design Management experience in an Architecture firm
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture required, Master’s Degree preferred
- Track-record of success with education, sciences, civic, and other mission-driven institutional projects
- Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design and architectural projects
- Strong user engagement, programming, and pre-design planning skills a plus
- Ability to provide excellent client service and assure project profitability
- Ability to work in person in the office 4-5 days a week
- Collaborative spirit and desire to mentor junior/intermediate staff
- Knowledge of state and local building codes including accessibility
- Sustainable design experience, including hands-on experience with LEED, LBC, and other certification systems
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Project), and AutoCAD required
- Revit, SketchUp and Photoshop skills are a plus
**The base salary will be estimated between $135K - 165K plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
For consideration, please submit cover letter, resume and portfolio in PDF format.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions and hackathons, to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our teams’ diverse interests.
We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
#LI-SK1
General Information
Locations
Description
At Gensler, we design for people. Leveraging a global platform and local expertise, we create transformative environments that enrich the human experience and drive meaningful impact. Our San Jose office is home to a thriving architecture and interiors practice, partnering with leading higher education institutions to deliver innovative, sustainable, and mission-driven environments. Through our integrated approach to design, we create spaces that strengthen campus communities, support learning and research, and inspire the people who use them every day.
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our growing Higher Education practice in San Jose. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned project management professional with experience across architecture, interiors, master planning, pre-design services, DSA, and SFM projects. Working closely with clients and project teams, you will play a critical role in delivering complex projects while helping expand Gensler's higher education presence across the Bay Area and Northwest Region.
Your Role
As a Design Manager, you will serve as the primary leader responsible for guiding projects from initial pursuit and planning through construction and occupancy. Acting as the central point of contact for clients, consultants, and project teams, you will oversee project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, risk management, and delivery strategy while ensuring design quality and client satisfaction at every stage.
This is a highly collaborative project management role that combines leadership, business acumen, and design stewardship. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and drive successful project outcomes while ensuring alignment between client goals, project performance, and design intent.
Successful candidates are proactive leaders who excel at managing complex projects, building trusted client relationships, and fostering high-performing teams. In addition to overseeing project delivery, you will mentor emerging professionals, contribute to studio growth initiatives, and help advance Gensler's culture of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence.
What You Will Do
- Act as hands-on design (project) manager for a variety of projects
- Engage clients and stakeholders to identify project vision, goals, and objectives
- Work collaboratively with others toward design solutions
- Promote engagement and collaboration at all levels, including design team, consultants, clients, and contractors
- Manage teams from concept design through construction with a deep understanding of zoning, codes, construction standards, and other regulatory requirements
- Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and work plans
- Ensure excellent performance regarding project design quality, schedule, and budget
- Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
- Work with accounting team to manage the billing process
- Participate in firm marketing, proposal writing, and project interviews
- Mentor, coach and manage junior/intermediate staff
- Contribute to general office-wide initiatives, external thought leadership, and marketing efforts
- Support firmwide sustainability and resilience goals, and drive high performance solutions
- Support diversity, equity, and inclusion goals on projects and within the office
- Develop and maintain positive client relationships
Your Qualifications
- 10+ Years of Design Management experience in an Architecture firm
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture required, Master’s Degree preferred
- Track-record of success with education, sciences, civic, and other mission-driven institutional projects
- Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design and architectural projects
- Strong user engagement, programming, and pre-design planning skills a plus
- Ability to provide excellent client service and assure project profitability
- Ability to work in person in the office 4-5 days a week
- Collaborative spirit and desire to mentor junior/intermediate staff
- Knowledge of state and local building codes including accessibility
- Sustainable design experience, including hands-on experience with LEED, LBC, and other certification systems
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Project), and AutoCAD required
- Revit, SketchUp and Photoshop skills are a plus
**The base salary will be estimated between $135K - 165K plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
For consideration, please submit cover letter, resume and portfolio in PDF format.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions and hackathons, to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our teams’ diverse interests.
We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
#LI-SK1
See All 70 Education Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Education Manager JobsEducation Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Education Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Construction & Real Estate
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in education manager jobs across California.
- California Teaching Credential or equivalent credential recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Bachelor's or master's degree in education, instructional design, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training programs or curriculum
- Familiarity with California state education standards and compliance requirements
- Strong leadership and team management experience in an educational or learning setting
- Proficiency with learning management systems and digital instructional tools
Education Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a education manager in California?
The path depends on your sector. In K-12 or publicly funded education, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing oversees credentials, and many education manager roles require an administrative services credential or a valid California Teaching Credential plus teaching experience. In corporate or nonprofit settings, a bachelor's or master's degree in education or instructional design combined with program management experience is the standard path. California employers across both sectors consistently prioritize demonstrated curriculum or training leadership over credentials alone.
How much do education managers make in California?
Education managers in California earn a median of about $156,260 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,900 for the lowest 10% to over $274,960 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire education managers in California?
Employers hiring education managers in California right now include STV, Google, and Kindred Hospitals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of large school districts, University of California and California State University campuses, and major technology and healthcare headquarters creates a broad and sustained market for this role.
Which California cities have the most education manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose have the most education manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates due to the scale of LAUSD and the density of universities and corporate headquarters, while San Francisco and San Diego benefit from large tech employers with robust learning and development functions and prominent research university campuses driving consistent demand.
Are there remote education manager jobs in California?
Yes, though availability varies by sub-role. About 42% of education manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a split market. Corporate instructional design and e-learning roles are the most remote-friendly, while K-12 curriculum leadership and on-site training management positions continue to require regular in-person presence at California campuses or facilities.
How can I get hired as a education manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is moving into a coordinator or specialist role first, such as training coordinator, instructional designer, or program coordinator, within a California school district, community college district, or corporate learning team. Large employers like the Los Angeles Unified School District and the California State University system regularly post associate-level education and curriculum roles that serve as direct pipelines to management. Building a portfolio of curriculum samples or facilitation work and pursuing a California Teaching Credential or an instructional design certificate substantially strengthens a candidate's profile.
Where can I find and apply to education manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to education manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across K-12, higher education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 70 Education Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Education Manager Jobs