Coordinating Architect

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Department of Capital and Facilities Operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of CPS schools, modular buildings, annexes, and administrative offices. The department ensures that the district’s schools and facilities are clean, safe, heated and cooled, and dry. 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Executive Director of Capital Planning and Construction, the Coordinating Architect role provides oversight establishing processes and procedures that reduce cost and increase the reliability of the delivery of the projects and the implementation of these initiatives. This role ensures that projects are formulated correctly, designed to perform consistent with the facility requirements, and constructed within time and budgetary targets. This role will concentrate on the capital program projects, but will also be responsible for working with and advising operation teams on small capital and maintenance projects. Capital program projects range from $35,000 to over $20,000,000 and span a wide range of project types: new construction, additions, annexes, large complex renovation projects, selective renovation projects for educational program initiatives, facility upgrades, playgrounds etc. 

The Coordinating Architect will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Supervises the work of  planning and design staff (contracted consultants); Oversees consultants and supervises the work of in-house architectural staff engaged in establishing design criteria, project schedules and cost estimates for architectural projects. Plans and implements work standards and evaluates the performance of architectural staff (contracted consultants).

• Reviews completed design plans to ensure compliance with project specifications, space requirements, and funding guidelines

• Conducts site visits to monitor work in progress and to ensure adherence to project schedules, contract specifications, and budget targets

• Represents Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in City Council matters, Department of Buildings and Zoning meetings, and community forums; Act as a direct liaison between departments

• Supervises the preparation of administrative and technical reports to keep leadership apprised of all project life cycles

• Serves as the primary contact for ADA-related inquiries and provide annual updates to CPS Design Standards

• Supervises furniture contracts, including specification development, ordering, and installation

• Coordinates the implementation and maintenance of capital project data systems and programmatic software

• Other duties as assigned