Director of Architecture - Philadelphia

Michael Baker International•Philadelphia, PA

22d•$149,000 - $207,000•Onsite

About The Position

We’re expanding our Architecture team in Philadelphia! Michael Baker International is hiring a Director of Architecture to lead strategic growth for our local Philadelphia-based team and strengthen our Integrated Design and Advisory presence. This leadership role will guide architectural resources across our multi-disciplinary practice and evolving market sectors, driving goals, values, and growth strategies. As a champion of the seller-doer model, the Director will focus on leading the teams’ project execution and performance, business development in emerging private markets while supporting established sectors like Transit and Aviation architectural services. The ideal candidate is a licensed Architect in Massachusetts and Connecticut, NCARB-certified, with proven success managing A/E programs and collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams. Strong communication and relationship-building skills—internally and externally—are essential.

Requirements

Strong leadership with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the design, documentation, and management of multi-disciplinary architecture/building engineering projects and staff resources beyond initial licensure.
Experience with local Pennsylvania and New Jersey transit and aviation (transportation) clients.
BS/BA Architecture; Bachelor of Architecture; or MS/MA Architecture. with active licensure as a Registered Architect (RA) in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. NCARB Certification is required, given potential projects geography.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) membership is highly preferred, with active participation with the organization highly preferred.
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C is highly preferred.
Thorough knowledge of the business of Architecture with demonstrated experience leading, directing, and managing people.
Travel within the greater eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersy (20%+/-) is anticipated based on program/project responsibilities. Travel beyond is likely but not frequent.

Nice To Haves

Strong business leadership and financial acumen.
Proficient experience and understanding of interdisciplinary relationships between technical resources, clients, and stakeholders.
In-depth knowledge/proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) [Autodesk Revit Architecture], technical specifications software, as well as applicable building codes, and application project implementation.
Understanding and experience with technical specifications software, including SpecsIntact, MasterSpec, etc., as well as Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and building codes.
Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Adobe, and Bluebeam.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills exhibited through the ability to articulate ideas, both verbally and in writing; personable and outgoing in work relationships, both externally and internally; highly precise, detailed, and self-organized; frank and candid during all business relationships.
Specific experience with Design/Build and other alternate project delivery methods is highly preferred.
Business development experience is highly preferred, including research and developing responses to Requests for Proposals (RFP), as well as an oversight of written and graphic marketing materials.

Responsibilities

Promoting and monitoring technical excellence, creative design, and project performance across Architecture projects
Coordinating staffing assignments, workshare and team utilization across the Market and with other Directors nationally
Leading project planning, quality management, and risk assessment
Ensuring scope, schedule, and budget alignment
Driving proposal development and marketing efforts
Bold leadership through performance management, accountability, flexibility around unexpected issues/challenges, conflict management, and empathy.
Balance technical alignment with staff, projects, and clients. Coordinate throughout IDA leveraging the strength and diverse array of talents throughout our organization to effectively meet our client’s needs.
Ensure consistent use and application of operations management tools and facilitate weekly coordination meetings to facilitate effective resource planning, quality management, and project execution.
Facilitate inter-office/inter-disciplinary collaboration, communication, and cooperation.
Constructively critique individual and team efforts, towards continuous improvement.
Champion staff development through coaching and mentoring.
Work with Operations Managers to ensure staff maintain certifications and current licensing and training requirements to meet government regulatory requirements.
Actively identify and recruit industry talent for strategic growth.
Encourage uniformly high design and production standards and monitors projects to ensure that quality and production standards are met for all design and contract documents.
Foster a continuous learning culture by encouraging communication and the sharing of ideas and technical knowledge through mentoring, in-house presentations, case studies, and continuing education opportunities.
Build rapport and establish positive relationships with existing and prospective clients to ensure client-focused performance.
Actively participate with professional and community-focused organizations to grow relationships and introduce/educate potential clients towards the Architecture/Building Engineering Practice at Michael Baker International.
Establish and promote collective leadership presence within the Philadelphia, PA office, reporting “in-person” to the physical office approximately three (3) days per week.
This local leadership position provides oversight and direction for all our local IDA resources, as well as evolving market sectors; and encompasses establishing and implementing goals and objectives, developing and promoting IDA’s values and strategic plans, and positioning for growth.
Serve as the main point of contact for IDA within the CT and MA offices.
Organize IDA meetings, events, and team-building activities monthly.
Regularly attend local industry and client events representing the comprehensive capabilities of IDA to promote brand awareness.
Collaborate office space needs with Infrastructure Office Executives.
Foster a positive and inclusive office culture.
Provide administrative support to senior leadership as needed.