In-House Architect & Designer (Project Manager)

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness stipend

Talkspace therapy (4 sessions/mo)

Headspace subscription

MacBook Air

Phone reimbursement

Snacks & Nespresso

Zeta swag & team events

Job summary

Zeta in New York City seeks an In-House Architect or Designer with a Master’s Degree and 5-7+ years of architecture/design and strong project management skills.

The role leads design and construction efforts across Zeta’s school facilities, coordinating external designers and vendors, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring quality, safety, and alignment with Zeta’s design standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in architecture, design, or project management.
• 5–7+ years of architecture or design experience.
• Strong coordination with external designers, consultants, and vendors to deliver projects.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all Zeta buildings are world-class, joyful learning spaces in line with design standards.
• Maintains and improves Zeta design guidelines and bidding documents.
• Develops RFPs and bid scope sheets for new facilities projects.
• Coordinates with contracted architects to align SD/DD/CD with standards, safety, and school model.

Skills

Architecture & design

Project management

Coordination

Problem solving

Education

Master’s Degree in Architecture/Design/PM

Tools

Smartsheet

Procore

MS Project

Job description

In-House Architect & Designer (Project Manager)

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for an In-House Architect or Designer, with a Master’s Degree (in a field such as architecture, design, business, or project management), and at least 5-7+ years of experience in architecture or design with strong skills as a project manager.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong fluency in architecture, construction, and design processes, with experience coordinating external designers, consultants, and vendors to drive projects forward
• Advanced project management and systems-thinking capabilities, including experience using platforms such as Smartsheet, Procore, or MS Project to drive organization, visibility, and accountability
• The ability to step into projects at any stage, quickly assess priorities and risks, and bring structure and clarity to fast-moving or ambiguous workstreams
• A balance of big-picture strategic thinking and hands‑on execution, with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem solving

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that all Zeta buildings are built as beautiful, world-class, and joyful spaces for learning in accordance with our philosophy of design and design specifications.
• Maintains and continuously improves Zeta’s design guidelines and specifications guides, including developing and codifying Zeta’s design guidelines for bidding purposes.
• Supports in developing RFPs and bid scope sheets for Zeta’s new facilities projects.
• Independently drives and works closely with contracted architects to ensure Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD) are 100% aligned with Zeta’s design standards and specifications, safety requirements, and optimized for our school model.
• Driving on-time project completion by managing stakeholder coordination and leading design components, including Design Development milestones, submittal approvals, RFI close-outs, and punch list reviews.
• Ensuring all projects stay within budget by developing budgets, leading value engineering strategies, guiding cost-effective product selections, and negotiating award pricing to achieve savings.
• Serves as the internal expert on all design documents and specifications and maintains a current and real-time log of all issues in an organized and scalable manner
• Develops and maintains project budgets and project schedules; proactively manages and raises issues for any off-track items
• Supports and executes scalable design and decoration of Zeta schools, in close coordination with Zeta’s building design consultant(s)
• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean scale-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child‑like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world‑class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

We are hiring for an immediate opening and accepting applications on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $90,000 and $125,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience in construction project management and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit-based performance bonus.

How does Zeta invest in you?

We offer great benefits:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
• Competitive compensation

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (Gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it's up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace, and a free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air, and specified monthly reimbursement for use of mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC's finest sweet treats

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).