Senior Project Executive (Design)

As a Senior Project Executive (Design) at NYC Department of Design and Construction, you'll oversee the entire design process of the Borough Based Jails (BBJ) Division. This involves managing the Program Management Consultant firm, ensuring compliance with NYC and NYS regulations, supervising multiple project executives and managers, and preparing contract documents. Your role will also include collaboration with various city agencies and stakeholders, following design-build excellence principles, and ensuring that all projects remain on schedule and within budget.

To qualify for the Senior Project Executive (Design) position at NYC Department of Design and Construction, candidates must hold a valid New York State Registration as an Architect and have at least six years of full-time paid experience in architectural work. Importantly, a minimum of two years of this experience should be in a managerial role as an administrative architect, showcasing your leadership and design management skills.

The NYC Department of Design and Construction is committed to fostering a diverse workforce and providing an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment. They believe that a variety of perspectives leads to better solutions, and they actively recruit and retain employees from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included within the organization.

The Borough Based Jails (BBJ) Division represents a transformative shift in New York City's correctional facilities, focusing on humane design and modern architecture. As a Senior Project Executive (Design), your oversight will directly influence the creation of four state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize safety, functionality, and community integration, ultimately reshaping the approach to incarceration within the city.

While the specific tools may vary, proficiency in design software, project management tools, and coordination platforms is highly beneficial for the Senior Project Executive (Design) role at NYC Department of Design and Construction. Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is often essential, as they facilitate effective design collaboration and management throughout the project's lifecycle.

To effectively answer this question, highlight specific projects where you managed the design and construction phases. Detail your role, the teams you led, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured compliance with regulations. Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and best practices is key.

In your response, emphasize your familiarity with applicable codes and regulations. Discuss the steps you take to ensure compliance, such as regular consultations with legal or compliance teams, thorough documentation reviews, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific challenge. Focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and how you collaborated with your team or other agencies to resolve the issue while keeping the project on track.

Discuss specific strategies you implement for prioritizing tasks, maintaining clear communication, and ensuring that all deadlines are met. Mention tools or methodologies you use, such as Agile or Lean project management principles, to enhance coordination among your teams.

Explain your approach to fostering relationships and maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders. Discuss the importance of regular meetings, transparency, and how you ensure all parties are informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

Articulating a clear understanding of design-build principles is crucial. Discuss the benefits of this approach, including increased collaboration, efficiency, and improved communication, as well as how you would implement these principles to streamline project delivery.

Describe your approach to project monitoring and control. Highlight any software tools you use for tracking progress and expenditures, as well as your communication strategies for addressing potential delays and budget overruns proactively.

Provide insights into your conflict resolution strategy. Discuss the importance of fostering an open environment where team members can voice concerns and how you facilitate discussions to reach a resolution while maintaining project momentum.

Discuss the quality assurance practices you incorporate into your workflow. Emphasize the importance of regular design reviews, adherence to standards, and how you gather feedback from team members to enhance the overall design output.

Your response should reflect your interest in public service and urban development. Discuss your alignment with the organization’s mission and values, and elaborate on how your skills and experience can contribute to the city’s growth and infrastructure improvements.