Architectural Project Manager – Education Sector

Spiezle Architecture is a 100% employee-owned firm! When you join Spiezle as an employee-owner, this is YOUR Company. By nature, employee ownership reinforces our culture of transparency and helps fuel our entrepreneurial spirit. As a leading architectural design firm, we collaborate with our clients to create innovative design solutions, build long-term value, and contribute to making our clients’ lives easier daily. Since our founding in 1954, the firm has had remarkable leadership which provided consistent and steady growth over the years and always remained ahead of the competition which is why we are one of the top architectural firms in the region, and within the top 200 firms within the country. Our vision, mission, and values guide us in everything we do, and employee ownership shapes our culture. That means the success of our firm, as well as our future is a direct result of our employee-owners’ efforts. Spiezle’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) makes us accountable not only to ourselves, but to each other. It’s our company, and our actions and engagement make the difference!

Educational Project Manager Employee-Owners wanted! As a nationally recognized and diversified design firm, Spiezle employee owners don’t have jobs, but careers! The Spiezle team has earned a reputation as preeminent professionals who provide the best possible design and service. Such efforts have encompassed more than $1 billion in construction projects in the last decade alone. With over 120 employees and five locations along the East Coast, we assist clients with a variety of project types across the United States. Led by our passionate Thought-Leaders, our work is focused on Education, Healthcare, Senior Living, Corporate, Multi-Family and Government projects. Which of these markets inspires your passion?

We are seeking a results-driven and talented licensed architect for our Educational Project Manager role to lead project teams. This exciting opportunity will allow you to work on both local and national projects. As an integral member of the management team, you will have the opportunity to execute projects to meet design, profitability, and deadline targets. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the selection, development, and retention of team members, mentor project architects and technical staff and take a pro-active approach to staff development.

Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Manage, communicate, and coordinate all technical aspects of the project, delegate components appropriately
• Adherence to schedule, making adjustments when needed
• Manage complex projects and provides guidance to project architects, including monitoring project status and profitability
• Mentoring of project architects and other project team members leading to increasing maturity and soundness of judgment in decision-making and in anticipating and solving project-related problems
• Define and focus the goals of the client and continuously communicate these effectively throughout the project team members
• Develop and maintain a positive leadership image and environment to promote staff morale and teamwork
• Closely interact with client and client representatives

Quality Assurance/Quality Control:

• Review project team’s work
• Schedule and assure fresh eyes review occurs
• Review sub-consultant’s work

Marketing:

• Responsibility in developing leads and maintaining contacts within the field that results in bringing in new work; market clients for future projects in close consultation with the Principal-in-Charge (PIC) and or CEO; “Farming” existing clients, participate in contract negotiations; participates in proposal presentations, including draft budgets/fees; may serve as presenter for interviews and support presenter in interviews for existing and new project pursuits
• Attend networking functions of targeted clients/customers to ensure brand/name recognition in coordination with the PIC

Administration and Financial Management:

• Development, management, and improvement of project management methodologies
• Participates in ongoing Team Performance Management, Training & Development, and Selection of key team members.
• Heavily involved in weekly, monthly and long-term staffing coordination.
• Request appropriate staffing utilizing the schedule and budget as guidelines. Assist the PIC in developing and managing project man-hours and planning schedule.
• Assist in recruitment and interviewing activities.
• Performance management; rewarding and overseeing employees in all aspects of day-to-day activities and issues.
• Business acumen in budgeting, labor forecasting, setting fee to achieve targeted profit level, risk management for projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Design Expertise in Educational Facilities/ Industry Knowledge

• Experience designing for K–12 schools, higher education campuses, and specialty learning environments (e.g., labs, libraries, auditoriums).
• Ability to create flexible, adaptable spaces that accommodate diverse learning methods and future changes.
• Understanding of acoustical design considerations in academic environments.
• Experience with HVAC systems and lighting design to create comfortable, effective learning environments.
• Sensitivity to the needs of students, teachers, and staff, with a focus on creating environments that foster learning, collaboration, and well-being.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including school boards, administrators, teachers, students, and community members, to understand their needs.
• Familiarity with the funding and approval processes for educational projects, including public and private school systems.
• Experience with public and private bidding of work for construction as well as construction, submittal review processes, and construction.

Code Compliance

• Knowledge of building codes, fire safety, and accessibility standards (ADA compliance) specific to educational facilities.
• Awareness of security and emergency planning measures, such as secure entry points, evacuation plans, and safe rooms.

Education, Experience, Skill Sets:

• Bachelors or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited college/university.
• At least 8 years of experience, with demonstrated leadership skills successfully leading project teams, Profit/Loss capability, and project management responsibility for projects of various sizes.
• Architectural License in the United States (or eligibility for reciprocity) required, or other related discipline certification or license
• LEED or equivalent designation in sustainable design preferred but will train
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written format and oral presentation
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities
• Ability to maintain organization in a changing environment
• Ability to serve as an agent of change and foster positive employee morale
• Ability to delegate tasks appropriately
• Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership
• Possess an in depth understanding of most building systems
• Possess a thorough knowledge of contract administration and office procedures
• Possess a thorough knowledge and ability to implement quality project management processes and methodologies
• General knowledge of AutoCAD/BIM/Revit, Bluebeam, Sketchup
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
• Knowledge of Deltek for project planning/budgeting/profitability is preferred but will train

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU!

• We are an employee-owned company and YES, you will be an owner and receive stock without purchase
• Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and year-round Flexible Fridays to jump start the weekend
• The ability to work remote up to 2 days a week once acclimated!
• Flexible work hours
• We offer a robust and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), ESOP, Group Life & Disability, Voluntary Life, plus many more!
• Subsidized AIA membership and Professional License Renewals
• Reimbursement for professional designation exam(s) such as LEED, etc.
• Professional Development opportunities that align with the Firm's leadership succession plan and/or individual development plan because WE WANT YOU TO GET PROMOTED!
• Social and team building events
• We encourage our employees to pursue local and professional advocacy groups
• We provide the opportunity to help with pro-bono initiatives that bring architecture to the community

Spiezle Architectural Group is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/Disability/Veteran. For additional information, please visit our website at www.spiezle.com