Director of Architecture - Philadelphia

Responsibilities

Lead the overall performance, growth, and direction of the Architecture practice in Philadelphia.

Own operational and financial performance, including staffing, utilization, budgets, and profitability (P&L).

Partner with regional and national leaders to align strategy, resources, and growth initiatives.

Implement and consistently apply operational best practices related to project planning, risk, quality, and execution.

People Leadership & Team Development

Directly lead, mentor, and develop a team of architects and architectural staff.

Drive performance management, accountability, coaching, and career development.

Build a strong, inclusive, and collaborative office culture with an in-person leadership presence (approx. 3 days/week).

Identify hiring needs and actively recruit top architectural talent to support strategic growth.

Client Leadership & Business Development

Serve as a senior client-facing leader, building trusted relationships across public and private sectors.

Support and lead business development efforts, including proposals, interviews, and client strategy.

Expand presence in emerging private markets while supporting established Transit and Aviation clients.

Represent Michael Baker at industry, client, and professional organization events.

Project Oversight & Technical Excellence

Provide leadership oversight across architectural projects to ensure scope, schedule, budget, and quality alignment.

Promote consistent design and documentation standards across teams.

Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration within IDA and across offices.

Professional Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.

Licensed Architect (RA) in Pennsylvania; New Jersey licensure strongly preferred.

NCARB Certification required.

Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience leading architectural teams and projects.

Demonstrated experience with business operations, staff management, and financial accountability.

Background working with transportation-focused clients (Transit and/or Aviation) in PA and NJ.

Strong communication skills and proven ability to lead, influence, and build relationships.

AIA membership and LEED AP BD+C preferred.

Willingness to travel regionally as needed (approximately 20%).

Compensation

The approximate compensation range for this position is $149,000 to $207,000 annually.

About Us

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous. We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life. We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.