Justice Architectural Group Leader

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Represent GFT in the justice and corrections market, promoting our expertise and capabilities.
• Collaborate with market discipline leaders 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.
• Build 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 regionally 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.
• 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).
• 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 - generate 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 lead multi-disciplinary teams through full pursuit and project lifecycle, contributing to a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Cookordinate 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.

Requirements

• 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 technical specification 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.

Qualifications

• Licensed/Registered Architect within the United States.
• 15+ years’ experience in Project Management and Justice/Correctional design with demonstrated leadership in courts, detention, jail, or public safety facilities.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary 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.

Skills

• Leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Technical proficiency in design software.
• Client relationship management.
• Strategic business development.
• Project management and coordination.
• Technical writing and documentation.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards.
• Subject matter expertise in justice architecture.

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.

Pay

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

Schedule

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status

Full-Time