Justice Architectural Project Manager

GFT Architects, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Justice Architectural Project Manager 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 with expertise in justice facility design, client relationship management, business development, team leadership, and project delivery. 

As part of GFT’s integrated Architecture & Engineering practice, you will provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Justice Architecture team while collaborating with market and regional leaders to advance strategic growth initiatives. You will help shape a justice practice that combines design innovation with a deep commitment to community-centered, human-focused environments. The successful candidate will be expected to expand client relationships, support revenue growth, and contribute to new business development within the justice and corrections market.

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 and impacting the built environment.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

• Oversee and develop our Justice Architecture team while fostering high-quality engagement with clients and design partners.
• Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for GFT within the justice and corrections market, promoting the firm's expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with market discipline leaders to execute a unified growth strategy across regions.  
• Assist and/or lead project pre-positioning efforts, proposal development and presentations to key clients.
• Maintain a positive, client-focused approach and cultivate trusted relationships with clients.
• Lead by example by driving high-quality production of construction documents, including detailed drawings, specifications, estimates, and constructability assessments.
• Research and maintain a thorough understanding of client requirements, including preferences, programs, guidelines, and standards.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets while ensuring successful project delivery and achievement of performance goals.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams to serve clients with the aim of deepening our relationships and growing our market presence in the region.
• Lead the development of design solutions and presentations that clearly communicate project goals and design intent to clients and stakeholders, including government and public entities.
• Ensure that project quality requirements are followed, production reviews are effective, and constructability reviews are completed.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive code analysis, life-safety reviews, egress evaluations, and product and material research.
• Lead projects from conceptual design through construction completion and client turnover.
• Guide production teams in the development of technical details including coordination with engineering disciplines, partnering designers, and subconsultants.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary team efforts and oversee the production of drawings and technical specifications.
• Supervise project teams during the permitting, bidding, shop drawing review and construction administration activities, including RFI responses.
• Help guide and mentor entry-level and emerging architectural staff.
• This position offers a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates should be available for periodic in-person collaboration at our Justice Architecture office in Ebensburg, PA, based on project and business needs.

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Strong client relationship skills with the ability to lead project-focused meetings and presentations.
• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships, securing new work, and contributing to revenue growth within the justice and corrections market.
• Organized individual with a positive team-building spirit.
• 10+ years’ experience working in the justice and corrections market.
• 15+ years’ experience working in the field of architecture.
• Bachelor of Architecture Degree 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 software such as Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, BlueBeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Project.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Able to work collaboratively with staff and clients on multiple projects and across multiple offices.
• In-depth knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related industry standards.

What we prefer you bring: 

• Licensed Architect (Registered Architect) in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain reciprocity where required.
• 10+ years’ experience in Architectural Project Management.

Compensation:

• The range for this position is salary range is $150,000- $170,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured 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.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Nationwide
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary: $150,000-$170,000

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Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.