Project Architect

ABOUT DJDS

DJDS is a non profit architecture and real estate development firm that innovates in and around the built environment to address the root causes of mass incarceration with a focus on restorative justice and restorative economics. To achieve this mission the team is comprised of architects, designers, real estate developers, operations/events production  and community organizers within which the production designs and administrative lead is an integrated part of a multidisciplinary team.  This unique position integrates community-led design process with the technical skills of an architect and the management skills of a project lead.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES (Manager level, 7-10 years experience)

• Act as lead driver for DJDS projects, with the internal team and external partners and constituents. 
• Manage  project budgets up to $500k in annual spend.
• Collaborate with Directors in developing project proposals, contracts and schedules
• Craft and maintain work plans tailored to each project 
• Lead project team members.
• Use unique skillset, background, and talents to optimize solutions for assigned projects.
• Responsible for ensuring project staffing is adequate.
• Train team for each project.
• Manage project partner expectations throughout the process.
• Conduct internal milestone and end-of-project review and project close-out.
• Evaluation of project objectives and milestones, with continual refinement of tactical project aspects as necessary
• Research aspects of assigned projects to obtain clear understanding of all influencing factors, or obtain them from the appropriate person in the organization.
• Become familiar with local government officials, policies, laws, and local drivers for assigned projects, where necessary.
• Articulate goals, uncertainties, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders in easily understood formats 
• Advise on opportunities for project funding, if relevant to the project.
• Involve Directors at key stages of the project and inform them of project progress.
• Participate in Project Manager meetings and in the development of organizational processes, procedures and other internal projects.
• Develop familiarity with all project phases involving site acquisition, new construction and rehabilitation, and leasing or sales

POSITION SUMMARY

(Expected duties of a Manager level position)

• Manage progress and budget of assigned projects.
• Communicate necessary deadlines to stakeholders including outlines of solutions for delayed or missed deadlines.
• Lead project meetings and discussions
• Act as key decision maker for progress of assigned projects
• Review and approve expenses for assigned projects.
• Monitor compliance of each project’s contractual obligations.
• Initiate, build and manage relationships with project partners and community stakeholders. 
• Report regular updates to DJDS Leadership team.
• Mentor and guide other members of the team.
• Educate colleagues to elevate the team’s knowledge and skills.
• Coordinate efforts with all departments of the organization: design, real estate, advocacy, and community engagement.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high level of discretion.
• Exceptional skills in cross-disciplinary collaborative team work
• Facilitation skills and conflict management
• Commitment to DJDS’ mission and goals
• Attend and participate in thought leadership of DJDS’s organizational model and financial opportunities to include attending and speaking at relevant conferences and convenings
• Cultural competency for a diverse range of cultures, communities, and lived experiences
• High level of emotional intelligence and ability to apply it
• Commitment to learning and understanding robust community-led processes and practices
• Adaptability to emergent project processes and problem-solving
• Acute understanding of systemic racism and social inequities and its impacts on a range of individuals from systems impacted individuals and their communities of care to elected officials.
• Thoughtful, empathetic negotiation skills 
• The ability to balance the mindset to abundance with the realities of a business needs and flows. 
• Appreciation for aesthetic design
• Undergraduate degree in business, urban planning, architecture or related fields required; Graduate degree preferred

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

• Healthcare benefits with options for medical insurance under the company group plan. Employer contributes 100% of employee healthcare offered under the group healthcare offerings.
• Compensation for this role will not exceed $100,000

TO APPLY

Please send a digital portfolio, following the directions below. If you have a website that includes your portfolio, you may send a PDF of your cover letter and resume, and the appropriate link(s) for the rest. 

Email: resumes@designingjustice.org

Subject Line: Project Architect

Attachment: One multipage PDF not to exceed 3MB

The PDF should include:

• Cover letter (in your cover letter please include (please limit to 400 words max):
  • Your definition of Restorative Justice 
  • Your definition of Trauma-Informed Practice
  • An example where you have observed or participated in Non Violent Communication
  • Your understanding of Emotional Intelligence and it’s relation to personal accountability
• Resume
• Portfolio with the following examples, for which you have primary authorship:
  • Two completed projects for which you served in a leading role
  • Project examples for which you served in a creative leadership role
  • Project examples for which you served in a project manager role

Please, no phone calls or recruiters. All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.