Office Director

Responsible for the balanced growth and successful performance of an office. The Office Director is accountable for the success of the office. The Office Director is an identifiable leader, both externally and internally to establish and reinforce HKS in the market as thought leaders with clients.,

• Oversees the office and all its staff, building the practice in concert with the HKS strategic plan
• Guides growth and development of office as cohesive unit, engaging staff as appropriate to facilitate and encourage participation
• Oversees claims/risk management related to projects for the office
• Partners with practice leaders and Studio Practice/Design Leaders to ensure HKS standards are followed and projects adhere to schedule and budget
• Oversees and maintains accountability over staffing, collaborate with Studio Practice Manager and with respective practice leadership
• Works with project teams to coordinate and participate in evaluation of staff performance
• Ensures that the office evolves in a manner which is consistent with HKS's core values and purpose
• Demonstrates an innovative and collaborative approach to planning and design consistent with HKS strategic priorities
• Emphasizes and incorporates HKS strategic priorities, such as responsible design, into project teams and client solutions
• Ensures policies and practices of the firm are deployed and followed in the office
• Deploys firmwide initiatives in the office, including but not limited to being a champion for J.E.D.I., Research, Enterprise strategies, Top Projects
• Operates with "ONE Firm" mindset, minimizes the sector and operational variables within the office and between offices
• Integrates HKS services, expertise and innovation in all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate HKS best practices, sustainable design solutions, subject matter expertise and resources strategically and efficiently for the client, user and community
• Partners with studio and office leadership to further the strategic goals of the firm, sector and office
• May act as local senior PIC for specific clients
• Maintains and build client relationships across multiple practices as needed
Cultural
• Establishes and maintains the culture of the office
• Helps nurture and guide leadership development of staff within the office in multiple roles
• Models and holds others accountable to the firm's cultural values, including a commitment to quality, innovation, learning and growth
• Oversees and actively invests in the professional development of staff through mentoring, performance management and career planning
• Coordinates efforts in attracting, training, retaining, growing and recognizing diverse talent
• Partners with office leadership to facilitate yearly promotions process, such as vetting for candidates in the office with the region and coordinating with sector leaders and office leaders to provide a comprehensive recommendation to the promotions committee
• Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
• Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with teams, including promoting communication and creating approachability
• Actively promotes and incorporates the firm's principles of Design and Technical Excellence through the integration of responsible and sustainable design practices with the art of design
Financial
• Collaborates with studio leaders to develop annual office budget/business plan in concert with HKS budgeting process, including reviews and develops strategies and tactics for the office consistent with sector and regional priorities and HKS strategic plan; reviews and submits fee projections, develops budget for office expenses and investments, reviews and develops pipeline projections and staffing projections
• Drives ongoing financial performance of office by reviewing and approving office expenses and investments, reviewing and developing quarterly fee projections, and reviewing consultant fees and agreements as needed
• Reviews project contracts with in-house legal counsel and recognizes additional services as needed
• Maintains awareness of project financial performance, including overseeing office invoicing and collections
• Oversees and communicates with project teams on project job costs, budget, associated schedule and architectural monthly earnings to monitor expenses to project and office budget and adjust in future to maintain profitability
• Coordinates with fellow Office Directors on labor transfers between offices
• Applies skills to minimize risks, maximize value and seeks means to improve efficiencies and reduce costs
• Manages project staffing needs and assignments, monitoring staff development, utilization and growth
Revenue or Opportunity Generation
• Works closely and coordinates with the Regional Director, Studio Practice Leaders and other leadership to leverage HKS strengths on the pursuit of work
• Assists in and stays aware of development of fee proposals for marketing proposals
• Secures appropriate architectural projects to meet the office's overall business goals
• Works with the senior staff, office leadership team and business development, within the "ONE Firm" philosophy, to develop a plan to build and maintain a base of clients, consistent with those on which HKS's reputation has been established (e.g. large, complex, program-driven projects with a significant intellectual component) to expand the practice
• Actively participates with time and resources in leadership roles within professional organizations that focus on architecture and/or local communities and client's common good
• Where appropriate, engages and networks with local community to elevate HKS's role in the business community
• Identifies, maintains and cultivates essential relationships including consultants, contractors and jurisdictional/approval agencies
  
  Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related field
• Licensure or certification in chosen field required
• Typically 15+ years of experience, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work and talent/resource development
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred
• Familiarity in the capability and benefits of design-related software preferred
• Familiarity in the functionality of Vision
• Experience in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams preferred
• Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Successful track record in directing and providing leadership for the office teams to follow
• Successful track record in success building, nurturing and fostering new client relationships
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and developing/nurturing talent
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and relationship management skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to work closely with design leaders to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firm
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Travel will be required