Justice Architecture Lead — Hybrid & Growth Leader

Gannett Fleming; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid work environment

Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan

Competitive paid-time-off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking a Justice Architect, Group Leader, to drive market growth and client engagements. Responsibilities include overseeing the Justice Architecture department, developing strategic business plans, and representing the firm in the justice market. The ideal candidate has a degree in architecture, at least 5 years of project management experience, and proficiency with tools like Revit and AutoCAD. A hybrid work environment and comprehensive benefits are offered, with a competitive salary range of $220,000-$250,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams at a principal or senior level.
• 5+ years experience in Project Management and Justice/Correctional design.
• Expert knowledge of justice design standards including ACA and NIC guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Represent the firm in the justice and corrections market.
• Develop and implement business development plans aligned with firm goals.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture

Tools

Revit Architecture

BlueBeam Revu

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

GFT is seeking a Justice Architect , Group Leader to join our team and help advance our unified vision for growth in the justice and corrections market. This strategic leadership position is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels as a subject matter expert , relationship -builder, opportunity creator, and design leader.

As part of GFT's integrated Architecture & Engineering practice, you will collaborate closely with other Justice m arket discipline l eader s and our national team of designers to drive market growth, strengthen client partnerships, and expand our geographic reach. Together, you will help shape a justice practice that combines design innovation with a deep commitment to community-centered, human-focused environments.

At GFT, our architecture team leads with creativity, collaboration, and purpose-designing facilities that uplift communities, advance safety, and promote positive outcomes. Explore our portfolio of signature architecture projects to see how our ingenuity is shaping lives.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Represent GFT in the justice and corrections market, promoting our expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with market discipline leader s to execute a unified growth strategy across regions.
• Develop and implement strategic business development plans aligned with firmwide goals.
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including expansion into emerging geographic areas.
• Oversee the Justice Architecture department including staffing strategy, and talent development.
• Set annual department goals, Key Performance Indicators ( KPI ) , and performance metrics tied to revenue, profitability, quality, and market growth.
• Partner with firmwide leadership to forecast workload, manage staffing plans, and support recruitment.
• B uild and maintain relationships with key agencies, decision-makers, and teaming partners.
• Research client-specific programs, operational models, and standards.
• Attend and represent the firm at conferences, client meetings, and industry events.
• Travel region ally and nationwide as needed.
• Develop and publish articles on justice design trends, policy impacts, and operational innovations; represent the firm as a leading voice in the national justice architecture community.
• Client Engagement & Relationship Development
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact, ensuring long-term relationships built on trust and performance.
• Cultivate partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders to deepen market presence and client loyalty.
• Support the development of strategic pursuits and partnerships that align with client missions and community goals.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development, including writing, design concepts, and quality review.
• Participate in and lead client interviews and presentations, demonstrating subject expertise and team capabilities.
• Work collaboratively with regional and national teams to position GFT for continued success in key markets.
• Represent the firm in justice focused associations such as ACA, NIC, AJA, AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ) .
• Thought Leadership & Technical Expertise
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in justice architecture, spanning adult and juvenile corrections, courts, and public safety facilities.
• Share insights on industry trends, operational innovations, and design best practices to inform client strategies and project delivery.
• Contribute to firmwide thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, speaking engagements, and conference participation.
• Manage select projects - g enerate project scopes, schedules, and budgets and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Lead the development of design concepts and presentations that align with client and community goals.
• Mentor and l ead multi-disciplinary teams through full pursuit and project lifecycle , contributing to a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Coordinate technical documentation with engineering teams, consultants, and subconsultants.
• Oversee preparation of project specifications , code compliance, and quality control reviews .
• Support teams during bid, permit, and construction administration phases.
• Participate in site visits as needed to ensure project goals are achieved.
• Mentor emerging architectural staff, supporting career development and knowledge sharing.

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Justice Architect , Group Leader to join our team and help advance our unified vision for growth in the justice and corrections market. This strategic leadership position is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels as a subject matter expert , relationship -builder, opportunity creator, and design leader.

As part of GFT's integrated Architecture & Engineering practice, you will collaborate closely with other Justice m arket discipline l eader s and our national team of designers to drive market growth, strengthen client partnerships, and expand our geographic reach. Together, you will help shape a justice practice that combines design innovation with a deep commitment to community-centered, human-focused environments.

At GFT, our architecture team leads with creativity, collaboration, and purpose-designing facilities that uplift communities, advance safety, and promote positive outcomes. Explore our portfolio of signature architecture projects to see how our ingenuity is shaping lives.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Market Leadership & Strategy

• Represent GFT in the justice and corrections market, promoting our expertise and capabilities.

• Collaborate with market discipline leader s to execute a unified growth strategy across regions.

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans aligned with firmwide goals.

• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, including expansion into emerging geographic areas.

• Oversee the Justice Architecture department including staffing strategy, and talent development.

• Set annual department goals, Key Performance Indicators ( KPI ) , and performance metrics tied to revenue, profitability, quality, and market growth.

• Partner with firmwide leadership to forecast workload, manage staffing plans, and support recruitment.

• B uild and maintain relationships with key agencies, decision-makers, and teaming partners.

• Research client-specific programs, operational models, and standards.

• Attend and represent the firm at conferences, client meetings, and industry events.

• Travel region ally and nationwide as needed.

• Develop and publish articles on justice design trends, policy impacts, and operational innovations; represent the firm as a leading voice in the national justice architecture community.

• Client Engagement & Relationship Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact, ensuring long-term relationships built on trust and performance.

• Cultivate partnerships with local, state, and federal stakeholders to deepen market presence and client loyalty.

• Support the development of strategic pursuits and partnerships that align with client missions and community goals.

• Project & Pursuit Leadership

• Lead and contribute to proposal development, including writing, design concepts, and quality review.

• Participate in and lead client interviews and presentations, demonstrating subject expertise and team capabilities.

• Work collaboratively with regional and national teams to position GFT for continued success in key markets.

• Represent the firm in justice focused associations such as ACA, NIC, AJA, AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ) .

• Thought Leadership & Technical Expertise

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in justice architecture, spanning adult and juvenile corrections, courts, and public safety facilities.

• Share insights on industry trends, operational innovations, and design best practices to inform client strategies and project delivery.

• Contribute to firmwide thought leadership initiatives, including white papers, speaking engagements, and conference participation.

• Project Management & Team Leadership

• Manage select projects - g enerate project scopes, schedules, and budgets and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.

• Lead the development of design concepts and presentations that align with client and community goals.

• Mentor and l ead multi-disciplinary teams through full pursuit and project lifecycle , contributing to a culture of collaboration and excellence.

• Coordinate technical documentation with engineering teams, consultants, and subconsultants.

• Oversee preparation of project specifications , code compliance, and quality control reviews .

• Support teams during bid, permit, and construction administration phases.

• Participate in site visits as needed to ensure project goals are achieved.

• Mentor emerging architectural staff, supporting career development and knowledge sharing.

Education | Experience:

What you will bring to our firm:

• A collaborative, organized, and positive leadership style.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture .

• Proficiency in Revit Architecture, BlueBeam Revu, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office .

• Experience with t echnical s pecification writing and construction documentation .

• Strong communication , writing, and presentation skills are important.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across offices.

• Comprehensive understanding of International Building Codes, NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related codes and standards .

• Expert knowledge of justice design standards, including ACA and NIC guidelines.

What we prefer you bring:

• Licensed/Registered Architect with in the United States .

• 1 5 + years' experience in Project Management and Justice/Correctional design with demonstrated leadership in courts, detention, jail, or public safety facilities .

• Proven experience leading multi disciplinary teams at a principal or senior level.

• Proven ability to lead teams, win work, and manage client relationships across multiple geographies.

• Prior responsibility for market strategy, department leadership, or business development.

• Experience presenting to elected officials, funding authorities, and community groups.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $ 220 ,000- $ 250 ,000 , depend ing on experience and geographic location .

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.

• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations .

• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of Gannett Fleming TranSystems.

Location:

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary Range: $220,000-$250,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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