Chief Architect – Citywide Design & Construction Leader

Personnel Board of Jefferson County; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Birmingham is seeking an experienced Chief Architect to perform advanced professional and administrative architectural work within the Architecture Division of the Planning, Engineering and Permitting Department.

The Chief Architect oversees design, construction and remodeling of City buildings, resolving complex issues and supervising architects, senior plans examiners and staff involved in review and processing of architectural plans.

Qualifications

• Licensed architect in Alabama or NCARB cert with licensure in Alabama within six weeks.
• Experience managing a multi-project portfolio through all phases of project administration.
• Experience in procurement of design and construction services including bid and award.
• Experience in compliance with federal, state, and local construction requirements (ADA, EPA, IBC).
• Experience developing contract documents (owner-architect, owner-contractor, owner-special service).
• Experience coordinating activities and schedules of clients and professional staff throughout construction.
• Experience using drawing software such as AutoCAD or Revit.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates advanced/complex projects by planning, designing and scheduling activities within the Architecture Division.
• Oversees contract administration including bidding, consultant review, and documentation compliance.
• Performs administrative duties including writing reports, maintaining records, and responding to inquiries.
• Supervises staff by assigning work, monitoring progress, and training.
• Conducts periodic field reviews and site inspections to verify project performance.
• Analyzes property documentation for site development.
• Makes presentations to Mayor and officials for Public Works projects.

Skills

Portfolio management

Procurement

Regulatory compliance

Contract documents

Coordination

Staff supervision

AutoCAD/Revit experience

Education

Architect license / NCARB

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

The City of Birmingham is seeking an experienced Chief Architect to perform advanced professional and administrative architectural work within the Architecture Division of the Planning, Engineering and Permitting Department.

The Chief Architect oversees design, construction and remodeling of City buildings, resolving complex issues and supervising architects, senior plans examiners and staff involved in review and processing of architectural plans.