Justice Architectural Project Manager

GFT • Washington D.C., DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT Architects, Inc. is seeking a senior Justice Architectural Project Manager to lead and grow its justice and corrections practice. The role provides direct leadership and mentorship to the Justice Architecture team and collaborates with market and regional leaders to advance strategic growth initiatives. The successful candidate will expand client relationships, support revenue growth, and contribute to business development while helping shape community-centered, human-focused justice environments. The position is hybrid, with periodic in-person collaboration at the firm’s Justice Architecture mid-Atlantic offices based on project and business needs.

The project manager will lead multidisciplinary teams and projects from conceptual design through construction completion and client turnover. The role includes developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets; directing design and technical production; coordinating with engineering disciplines, partner designers, and subconsultants; and overseeing quality, constructability, permitting, bidding, and construction administration. The successful candidate will also represent GFT in the justice and corrections market, lead client engagements and presentations, pursue new work, and mentor emerging architectural staff.

The position is full-time, located in Washington, DC or New York, with core business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The salary range is $180,000–$200,000, dependent on experience and geographic location. GFT is a privately held AEC firm with more than 5,000 employees. Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience working in the justice and corrections market.
• At least 15 years of experience in architecture.
• Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree.
• Knowledge of justice design standards, including ACA and NIC guidelines.
• Experience leading projects, business-development pursuits, and client relationship management.
• Experience with Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, BlueBeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Project.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with staff and clients across multiple projects and offices.
• In-depth knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related industry standards.
• Strong client-relationship skills, including the ability to lead project-focused meetings and presentations.
• Demonstrated success developing client relationships, securing new work, and contributing to revenue growth in the justice and corrections market.
• Organized, with a positive team-building spirit.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Architect (Registered Architect) in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain reciprocity where required.
• At least 10 years of experience in architectural project management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and develop the Justice Architecture team and foster high-quality engagement with clients and design partners.
• Represent GFT as a visible leader and ambassador in the justice and corrections market, promoting the firm’s expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with market discipline leaders to execute a unified, cross-regional growth strategy.
• Assist with or lead project pre-positioning, proposal development, and presentations to key clients.
• Maintain a positive, client-focused approach and cultivate trusted client relationships.
• Promote high-quality construction-document production, including detailed drawings, specifications, estimates, and constructability assessments.
• Research and maintain a thorough understanding of client requirements, preferences, programs, guidelines, and standards.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure successful project delivery and achievement of performance goals.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams to serve clients, deepen relationships, and grow the firm’s regional market presence.
• Lead development of design solutions and presentations that communicate project goals and design intent to clients and stakeholders, including government and public entities.
• Ensure project quality requirements are followed, production reviews are effective, and constructability reviews are completed.
• Conduct and oversee code analysis, life-safety reviews, egress evaluations, and product and material research.
• Lead projects from conceptual design through construction completion and client turnover.
• Guide technical-detail development and coordinate with engineering disciplines, partner designers, and subconsultants.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary team efforts and oversee production of drawings and technical specifications.
• Supervise project teams during permitting, bidding, shop-drawing review, and construction administration, including responses to RFIs.
• Guide and mentor entry-level and emerging architectural staff.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Parental leave.
• Pet insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development, including access to internal and external training programs and support for participation in professional organizations.

What This Job Offers

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