Architectural Project Manager - Federal Programs

Your Opportunity + Impact

The Architectural Project Manager – Federal Projects leads the successful delivery of complex federal architectural projects from planning through closeout. This role is ideal for a seasoned project manager who excels in highly regulated environments and understands federal design, procurement, and compliance requirements. Leveraging a strong foundation in the PMI Competency Framework and AEC best practices, the Project Manager oversees multidisciplinary teams, manages budgets exceeding $1 million, and ensures projects are delivered on scope, on schedule, and in compliance with federal standards. This position serves as a key client-facing leader, balancing technical coordination, risk management, and quality to achieve exceptional project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive project management plans that align with federal agency requirements, organizational objectives, and industry best practices.
• Cook up and manage multidisciplinary teams while serving as a primary point of contact for federal clients and stakeholders.
• Lead all phases of the project lifecycle—including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closeout—in accordance with PMI and federal project delivery standards.
• Define, manage, and control project scope using formal change management processes, documenting impacts to cost, schedule, and risk.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, track milestones, and ensure timely completion of deliverables and agency submissions.
• Direct project cost estimating, budgeting, financial forecasting, and Earned Value Management (EVM) to maintain alignment with federal funding and project objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement cost control strategies and optimize project value and efficiency.
• Manage contract administration and performance, including coordination with federal contracting officers, approval of modifications, and support of negotiations.
• Establish, implement, and maintain quality standards that meet federal regulations, agency design criteria, and firm QA/QC requirements.
• Conduct quality audits, document findings, and implement corrective and preventive actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with technical and discipline managers to ensure appropriate staffing, resource allocation, and workload balance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and execute project communication plans to keep federal clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Prepare and present clear, concise project status reports addressing progress, financial performance, risks, and key issues.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, maintaining active risk registers and implementing proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support federal procurement activities, including consultant selection, contract coordination, and issue resolution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal clients, ensuring satisfaction, resolving concerns, and supporting repeat work.
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and accountability, setting a strong example for project teams.
• Mentor and develop associate project managers and team members, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Stay current with PMI standards, federal project delivery requirements, and AEC industry trends to continuously enhance project performance and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Master’s degree, preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of job-related experience, preferably in the A/E industry.
• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
• Desired Characteristics: Demonstrates a strong desire to expand knowledge and take on new responsibilities within the field.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook) and MS Projects or Primavera.
• Soft Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet project deadlines effectively. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a project team. Ability to interact with clients, project team, vendors, and other external groups in a professional manner.