Architect

The Spelman & Johnson Group; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Spelman & Johnson Group is seeking an architect with strong project management and design review expertise to lead university capital projects. This role reports to the Director of Design and Construction and collaborates with campus partners to ensure code compliance, buildability, and alignment with university standards.

The ideal candidate will hold NC licensure or NCARB certification, possess AutoCAD and Revit proficiency, and have experience managing complex renovations and new

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture is required.
• Licensed architect in North Carolina or NCARB certification enabling licensure is required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit; knowledge of state SCO procedures and Interscope is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned capital improvement projects from inception through closeout, including design review, bidding, construction contract award, and commissioning.
• Perform design reviews for code adherence, buildability, and alignment with university standards.
• Coordinate with campus partners (Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Facilities Operations, IT, EHS, Campus Police) to reconcile comments and ensure compliance.
• Administer construction phases, attend pre-construction conferences, monitor progress, review pay applications, and manage change orders.
• Assist in budgeting and tracking project expenditures to ensure funding compliance and timely completion.
• Establish and enforce project schedules with designers and contractors to minimize disruption to campus operations.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

Project management

Code review

Stakeholder coordination

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Architect license (NC or NCARB for NC licensure)

Tools

Interscope

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

• Reports to: Staci Manter, Director of Design and Construction

Kelly BrooksSearch Consultant – Athletic Practice Leader

Reporting directly to the director of design and construction within Design and Construction, the architect manages assigned capital improvement projects from inception through design review, bidding, construction contract award, construction, and closeout. Serving as a key project manager and technical lead, this individual helps manage the department’s aggregate capital project load, ensuring that all University facilities and infrastructure development meet rigorous programmatic needs, safety standards, state regulatory requirements, timelines, and budgets.

While the role primarily serves as a project manager and compliance reviewer rather than a primary architectural designer, professional architectural expertise is essential for evaluating work produced by external consulting firms for code adherence, buildability, and alignment with University standards. The architect collaborates closely with campus partners across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Facilities Operations, IT, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and Campus Police, ensuring all project reviews are reconciled and communicated effectively.

The incoming architect joins a six-member team during a period of transformative campus expansion, contributing to major, high-profile projects—including the $64.7 million K.R. Williams Auditorium and Fine Arts addition and the $26.6 million Hauser Hall School of Music renovation—and the implementation of Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU’s) newly completed Ten-Year Campus Master Plan.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Capital Project Management: Manage multiple assigned capital improvement projects (formal and informal) from project inception through bidding, contract award, construction, and closeout.
• Design and Code Review: Participate in document reviews across all design phases (schematic, design development, and construction documents) for adherence to North Carolina building codes, University design standards, buildability, and functional appropriateness.
• Campus Stakeholder Coordination: Manage the collection, reconciliation, and mediation of review comments across campus units, including Facilities Operations, IT, EHS, Campus Police, and academic/administrative end-users, distributing designer responses and ensuring compliance.
• Construction Administration and Inspection: Administer construction phases by attending pre-construction conferences and progress meetings, performing regular build site inspections, auditing contractor pay applications, and managing change order recommendations.
• Budget Tracking and Control: Assist in initial project budgeting requests, track project expenditures throughout the lifecycle, and maintain detailed financial records to ensure completion within authorized funds.
• Schedule Oversight: Establish, monitor, and enforce project timelines with designers and contractors to minimize disruptions to campus operations and academic schedules.
• Designer and Contractor Selection: Participate in the selection process for external architects, engineers, and contractors, including advertising, shortlisting, and interviews.
• State Agency Approval and Reporting: Facilitate necessary approvals through the North Carolina State Construction Office (SCO) and maintain state reporting tools, including Interscope.
• Quality and Cost Control: Evaluate building envelope detailing, material appropriateness, and system efficiency to ensure long-term constructability, maintainability, and weatherability.
• Project Closeout and Assessment: Ensure all closeout documentation and record drawings are finalized, conduct project postmortems to refine University design guidelines, and complete formal evaluations of designers and contractors.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

A bachelor’s degree in architecture and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in architectural planning, project management, and design review are required. Candidates must hold a valid license to practice architecture granted by the North Carolina Board of Architecture (or possess NCARB certification enabling licensure in North Carolina through reciprocity). A valid driver’s license is also required.

The ideal candidate will possess thorough technical knowledge of architectural programming, space planning, building code compliance, construction cost budgeting, and architectural design contract management. Direct experience managing university capital projects, familiarity with North Carolina State Construction Office (SCO) procedures or equivalent state agency protocols, knowledge of state reporting tools like Interscope, and proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit are highly desirable.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• Team-Oriented and Egoless Leadership: A collegial, humble approach to leadership with a genuine “team player” mindset, willing to roll up their sleeves, take pride in both small refreshes and major capital projects, and lean on colleagues in a supportive environment.
• Customer Service and Exceptional “Bedside Manner”: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to explain state regulatory guidelines, building codes, and project constraints to non-technical campus clients with empathy, transparency, and diplomacy.
• Decisive and Organized Multitasker: High level of personal structure, time management, and organization to handle the demanding workload, navigate competing priorities, and meet strict project deadlines.
• Cross-Campus Collaborator: Proven ability to listen, build consensus, and foster strong, trusting working relationships across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Campus Police, IT, EHS, and Facilities.
• Inclusive and Respectful Collaborator: Cultural self-awareness and a deep commitment to treating all colleagues, including maintenance personnel, and external contractors, with equal respect, fairness, and professional courtesy.
• Self-Starter with High Integrity: Confident in making independent decisions, proactive in solving problems, adaptable when resources are tight, and committed to transparency and accountability in managing state-appropriated funds.
• HBCU Mission Alignment: An appreciation for the rich history, culture, and vibrant school spirit (“RAMily”) of Winston-Salem State University, alongside a dedication to creating functional physical environments that support student success, belonging, and well-being.

Historically, this role serves as a crucial project management and technical lead for the campus. While the position functions primarily as a project manager rather than a direct conceptual designer, a strong professional architectural background is critical for reviewing work produced by external consulting firms for code compliance, buildability, and adherence to university standards. The architect manages diverse projects spanning from simple room refreshes to full building renovations and new construction.

The position became vacant in June 2026 when the previous incumbent, who served in the role for two years, left to join a private architectural firm. The incoming architect will join a six-member Department of Design and Construction and reports directly to the Director of Design and Construction, Staci Manter.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

In transitioning into the role of architect at Winston-Salem State University, the successful candidate will encounter a dynamic mix of high-impact opportunities and nuanced professional challenges, as highlighted by key campus stakeholders:

• Shape Major Transformative Campus Projects: Directly manage high-profile capital developments, including the flagship $64.7 million K.R. Williams Auditorium & Fine Arts Addition and the $26.6 million Hauser Hall School of Music renovation, leaving a lasting physical legacy on campus.
• Implement the New Ten-Year Campus Master Plan: Play an active role in executing WSSU’s newly finalized Master Plan, helping guide future space allocation, building refreshes, and campus expansion for the next decade.
• Join a Collaborative, Re-Energized Team: Benefit from the leadership of the director of design and construction and collaborate within a supportive six-person team that values open communication, team synergy, mutual accountability, and work-life balance.
• High-Impact Stewardship: Work across a wide spectrum of project scales, from $100K interior renovations and accessibility upgrades to multi-million-dollar state capital builds, ensuring every project directly improves student, faculty, and staff daily experiences.
• Engage with a Vibrant HBCU Community: Experience the rich cultural heritage, pride, and active community of a premier HBCU, building strong relationships across diverse academic, administrative, and student groups.

Challenges & Considerations:

• Navigating State SCO Regulations & Bureaucracy: Managing project milestones through the rigorous review, code compliance, and reporting processes required by the North Carolina State Construction Office and Interscope, which demand patience, meticulous documentation, and strict adherence to state mandates.
• Managing High Volume with Balanced Resources: Overseeing up to one-third of the aggregate campus capital project workload within a lean department, requiring strong prioritization skills, decisive management, and efficient delegation.
• Managing Client Expectations: Translating complex architectural standards, budget constraints, and state code requirements to campus stakeholders who may have competing priorities or lack technical backgrounds, requiring exceptional communication and diplomacy.
• Balancing Legacy Infrastructure with Modern Needs: Balancing the preservation and upgrading of historic campus facilities with modern technology, accessibility standards, and sustainability goals within defined fiscal budgets

Measures of Success

The items listed below will define the architect’s success throughout the first year of employment:

• Seamless Integration into the Team: Establish strong, collaborative working relationships with the director of design and construction and department colleagues, acclimating quickly to WSSU’s internal workflows, project management systems, and campus dynamics
• Effective Capital Project Management: Successfully assume full oversight of assigned capital projects, maintaining project momentum across design, bidding, construction, and closeout phases while adhering to approved budgets and schedules.
• Mastery of State Regulatory Processes: Build positive, effective working relationships with the North Carolina State Construction Office personnel and consistently maintain accurate, up-to-date project data within Interscope.
• Strong Campus Partner Relationships: Cultivate open, transparent, and service-oriented communication channels with key internal clients across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Facilities Operations, IT, EHS, and Campus Police, ensuring user feedback is reconciled and addressed thoughtfully.
• Thorough Architectural and Code Reviews: Deliver rigorous, detail-oriented technical reviews of external consultant design submittals, identifying code compliance, maintainability, and structural issues early to minimize change orders and delays.
• Advancement of Major Capital and Master Plan Priorities: Actively support the ongoing design, review, and execution of flagship capital initiatives, including the K.R. Williams Auditorium & Fine Arts Addition and Hauser Hall renovation, while aligning campus building updates with the newly completed Ten-Year Campus Master Plan.
• Vendor and Consultant Accountability: Establish clear performance expectations and constructive oversight for contracted architects, engineers, and general contractors, conducting thorough post-project evaluations to inform future selection processes.

Overview of Design and Construction

Design and Construction ( F D&C) is responsible for administering the planning, design, and construction of most University projects completed by contractors. F D&C is also responsible for implementing the University’s Physical Master Plan. Likewise, F D&C is responsible for providing guidelines and direction for all architectural (exterior and interior) issues involving University facilities.

The types of projects that require the involvement of FD&C:

• Major Building Renovations
  • architectural and building systems renovations
  • repairs to campus roads and parking lots
  • repairs to campus utility systems
  • performance energy contracts
• Construction of New Facilities
• Engineering and Feasibility Studies
• Campus-wide Aesthetic Considerations
  • sculpture installations
  • building signage
  • exterior material selection

Divisional Leadership

Gregory Bryant

Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Gregory Bryant currently serves as deputy chief operating officer and associate vice chancellor for finance and administration at Winston-Salem State University, where he provides executive leadership and operational oversight across a broad portfolio of campus services. His responsibilities include parking and transportation, emergency management, auxiliary services, design and construction, mailroom operations, environmental health and safety, campus card services, conference and event services, real estate, and space planning. He also supports institutional emergency preparedness, business continuity, risk mitigation, fiscal management, contract administration, and strategic operational planning.

Prior to joining Winston-Salem State University, Bryant served as assistant vice president of auxiliary services and a member of the president’s executive committee at Prairie View A&M University, where he provided strategic direction and financial oversight for a diverse portfolio of revenue-generating services. During his tenure, he increased net revenue to more than $3.2 million, secured $250,000 in bookstore investment and $50,000 in scholarship funding, reduced staffing costs by more than $127,000, and led a major RFP process that secured $6 million in donations over the life of a contract.

His career also includes senior leadership roles with Florida Southwestern State College, Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Clark Atlanta University, Miami Dade College, Strayer University, and Florida International University.

Director of Design and Construction

Staci Manter, director of design and construction, has almost 15 years of experience with the UNC University System. Manter has worked for three of the 17 universities comprising the UNC System during her career. She has served as the director at WSSU for two years, following approximately 18 months as interim director at North Carolina A&T State University. Prior to her time within the UNC University System, she worked at an Architectural firm for over 10 years. Staci is NCIDQ certified and graduated from Indiana University.

Winston-Salem State University is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. Founded in 1892, WSSU enjoys a distinguished reputation as a historically black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina that offers a rich curriculum rooted in a high-quality, liberal education.WSSU is proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE).WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the University fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known as the City of Arts and Innovation,WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering students, faculty, staff, and family members unique collaboration opportunities, professional development pathways, and an excellent quality of life. With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

The Student Body

Undergraduate: 4,529

Graduate: 681

Male: 26%

Female: 74%

African American/Black: 79%

Asian: >1%

White: 3%

Two or More Races: 2%

Unknown: 11%

Institutional Leadership

Bonita J. Brown

Chancellor

Bonita J. Brown is the 14thchancellor of Winston-Salem State University.She was elected by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, following her nomination by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans. Brown assumed the role of WSSU chancellor on July 1, 2024. Previously, she served as the interim president at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). During her tenure at NKU, she led the campus through a leadership transition and navigated significant financial challenges and declining enrollments. Before becoming interim president, she served as vice president and chief strategy officer at NKU, where she led the campus in implementingSuccess by Design, the university’s strategic plan focused solely on student success, which increased retention and persistence rates by over five percent.

Brown previously worked as the vice president of network engagement at Achieving the Dream, a national non‑profit leader that champions evidence-based institutional improvement in community colleges across the country. In that role, Brown was responsible for supporting a network of over 220 community colleges in 41 states as they worked to implement sustainable, campus‑wide student success efforts.

The UNC System and its constituent institutions offer a flexible and comprehensive package of benefits, along with valuable work and family programs. These programs can help employees attain retirement savings and career goals, as well as help meet everyday needs. These programs are designed to allow employees to tailor a benefits package that best meets their unique needs. Review the current benefits summary(PDF) .