Justice Architectural Group Leader

GFT. • New York, NY

24d • $220,000 - $250,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Justice Architect, Group Leader to join our team and help advance our unified vision for growth in the justice and corrections market. This strategic leadership position is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels as a subject matter expert, relationship-builder, opportunity creator, and design leader.
As part of GFT’s integrated Architecture & Engineering practice, you will collaborate closely with other Justice market discipline leaders and our national team of designers to drive market growth, strengthen client partnerships, and expand our geographic reach. Together, you will help shape a justice practice that combines design innovation with a deep commitment to community-centered, human-focused environments.
At GFT, our architecture team leads with creativity, collaboration, and purpose—designing facilities that uplift communities, advance safety, and promote positive outcomes. Explore our portfolio of signature architecture projects to see how our ingenuity is shaping lives.

Requirements

• A collaborative, organized, and positive leadership style.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture.
• Proficiency in Revit Architecture, BlueBeam Revu, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with technical specification writing and construction documentation.
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills are important.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across offices.
• Comprehensive understanding of International Building Codes, NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related codes and standards.
• Expert knowledge of justice design standards, including ACA and NIC guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed/Registered Architect within the United States.
• 15+ years’ experience in Project Management and Justice/Correctional design with demonstrated leadership in courts, detention, jail, or public safety facilities.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams at a principal or senior level.
• Proven ability to lead teams, win work, and manage client relationships across multiple geographies.
• Prior responsibility for market strategy, department leadership, or business development.
• Experience presenting to elected officials, funding authorities, and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Represent GFT in the justice and corrections market, promoting our expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with market discipline leaders to execute a unified growth strategy across regions.
• Develop and implement strategic business development plans aligned with firmwide goals.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including expansion into emerging geographic areas.
• Oversee the Justice Architecture department including staffing strategy, and talent development.
• Set annual department goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and performance metrics tied to revenue, profitability, quality, and market growth.
• Partner with firmwide leadership to forecast workload, manage staffing plans, and support recruitment.
• Build and maintain relationships with key agencies, decision-makers, and teaming partners.
• Research client-specific programs, operational models, and standards.
• Attend and represent the firm at conferences, client meetings, and industry events.
• Travel regionally and nationwide as needed.
• Develop and publish articles on justice design trends, policy impacts, and operational innovations; represent the firm as a leading voice in the national justice architecture community.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact, ensuring long-term relationships built on trust and performance.
• Cultivate partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders to deepen market presence and client loyalty.
• Support the development of strategic pursuits and partnerships that align with client missions and community goals.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development, including writing, design concepts, and quality review.
• Participate in and lead client interviews and presentations, demonstrating subject expertise and team capabilities.
• Work collaboratively with regional and national teams to position GFT for continued success in key markets.
• Represent the firm in justice‑focused associations such as ACA, NIC, AJA, AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ).
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in justice architecture, spanning adult and juvenile corrections, courts, and public safety facilities.
• Share insights on industry trends, operational innovations, and design best practices to inform client strategies and project delivery.
• Contribute to firmwide thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, speaking engagements, and conference participation.
• Manage select projects - generate project scopes, schedules, and budgets and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Lead the development of design concepts and presentations that align with client and community goals.
• Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary teams through full pursuit and project lifecycle, contributing to a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Coordinate technical documentation with engineering teams, consultants, and subconsultants.
• Oversee preparation of project specifications, code compliance, and quality control reviews.
• Support teams during bid, permit, and construction administration phases.
• Participate in site visits as needed to ensure project goals are achieved.
• Mentor emerging architectural staff, supporting career development and knowledge sharing.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level