Senior Design Manager

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, coordinates and performs a wide range of architectural design and project management activities. Works under the administrative supervision of the Architecture Services Division manager or designated management staff. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over assigned staff.

Note: Effective June 30, 2024 this position will be eligible to receive a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Representative Duties

1. Plans, organizes and supervises the work of professional staff engaged in the design, planning and construction of architectural and park projects. Selects, trains, monitors and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
2. Assists in planning and establishing project management phases and processes for architectural projects, including construction mitigation plans for compliance with the City's sustainable plan.
3. Prepares and reviews requests for architectural consultant services, design and preparation of plans and specifications, and cost estimates, including but not limited to new construction, additions, remodels, space planning, roof repair and roof replacements.
4. Oversees and monitors the work of consultants and contractors for architectural contract and compliance requirements.
5. Conducts and coordinates the technical and project management aspects, including construction administration activities, on assigned projects.
6. Conducts studies and performs and/or provides direction to assigned staff in the preparation of specialized design projects and architectural research and analysis.
7. Prepares cost estimate reports and assesses economic feasibility of proposed designs.
8. Develops and monitors project status, including schedules, budgets, and account balances. Prepares project budgets and recommends strategies to ensure budget compliance and funding of architectural projects.
9. Coordinates and interacts with City staff, outside agencies, local interest and community groups, and the general public to respond to inquiries and resolve disputes and conflicts related to assigned projects and clients.
10. Prepares and reviews grant applications and ensures compliance with grant guidelines.
11. Interprets and applies Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
12. Prepares and presents reports to City Council; City staff; private and public organizations, boards, and commissions; and outside agencies.
13. Visits construction sites to evaluate projects and contracts in progress and ensure compliance with plans, specifications and safety standards.
14. Implements concepts of green buildings, sustainability, and leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
15. May assume the duties of the Division Manager in their absence.
16. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

1. Principles, concepts, and methods of architectural design
2. Project management principles and practices
3. Governmental processes and procedures related to bidding, consultant/contractor selection, design, and construction
4. Basic practices of sustainable and regenerative design
5. Principles, practices, and procedures of budget management
6. Contract administration
7. Building systems
8. Design and documentation software applications
9. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances
10. Safety standards and safe work practices
11. Supervisory principles and practices
12. Effective training and coordinating techniques
13. Effective customer service techniques

Ability To:

1. Select, supervise, motivate, and train staff, including scheduling and evaluating the work of others
2. Read, interpret, and review architectural plans and drawings
3. Interpret and apply building codes, laws, policies, rules, and regulations
4. Analyze complex problems, identify alternatives, and make recommendations
5. Perform field work and conduct job site inspections
6. Prioritize work with frequently changing deadlines
7. Prepare and present clear, concise, and comprehensive reports
8. Make oral presentations
9. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
10. Provide effective customer service
11. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public
12. Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill In:

1. Project management
2. Architectural design
3. Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in architecture, design, planning or a closely related field. A master's degree is desirable.

Experience: Seven years of recent, paid and progressively responsible work experience as a design professional or project manager managing large scale architectural projects, including buildings and parks. At least two years of the required work experience must include supervising or leading and coordinating the work of others. Successful completion of the City of Santa Monica Pre-Supervisory Academy may substitute for one year supervisory or leading and coordinating experience. Municipal architectural design or project management is desirable.

Licenses And Certificates: Possession of a valid class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Registration as a Professional Architect in the State of California is desirable. Possession of LEED Professional Accreditation, or other green building rating system, is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is regularly performed indoors in an office environment, in accordance with the City’s Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy, with multiple assignments and tight deadlines. Office work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen. The incumbent may be required to perform field work, which includes exposure to moving equipment, dust, noise, slippery surfaces and seasonal weather conditions. Physical demands include sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, walking. May be required to climb ladders or scaffolding at construction sites. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.

Supplemental Information:

How To Apply: Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process. You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so will result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate: Training and Experience Evaluation, Oral Interview. If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement: The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and Marine Park Childcare Center.

Closing Date/Time: 8/2/2024 5:30 PM Pacific