Architectural Associate (Design)

Job Title: Architectural Associate (Design) 

Department: Capital Planning 

Reports To: Design Director 

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

Grade:6 

Salary: $53,565 - $58,922 

About MSBA 

The Massachusetts School Building Authority ("MSBA") is a quasi-independent government authority created to reform the process of funding capital improvement projects in the Commonwealth’s public K-12 schools. The MSBA strives to work with local communities to create affordable, educationally appropriate, sustainable, and energy efficient schools across Massachusetts and is seeking qualified individuals interested in joining our team of professionals in the continued efforts of the MSBA’s mission.    

Job Summary 

The MSBA’s Architectural Associate provides technical assistance associated with all aspects of the architectural and programming work that will be part of the application, due diligence, approval, design development and review process of Core Program projects. The Architectural Assistant supports the efforts associated with reviewing Core Program project submittals, conducts technical analysis, and generates internal and external communications and presentations.   

• Provide technical support for Core Program projects as they proceed through study, design, bidding, construction, and commissioning. 
• Provide support associated with the technical review of feasibility studies, schematic designs, cost estimates and other technical documents for Core Program projects as they proceed through the feasibility, schematic design, and construction administration phases. 
• Provide support for technical reviews of plans, specifications and cost estimates prepared by consultants to ensure compliance with program criteria, building code requirements, and procurement regulations and statutes. 
• Support architectural and project management staff in issuing memoranda and other documentation associated with internal document review findings and recommendations including opportunities to meet and discuss findings with other MSBA staff members, design consultants, owner’s project managers, and local school district representatives. 
• Assist project management staff in evaluating plans and specifications for Core Program projects as part of the MSBA’s Design Standards/Design Review process. 
• Assist project management staff in conducting technical evaluations to support studies of school design challenges and concepts, building code impact, project cost data, and proposed legislation and regulations to determine the potential impact to MSBA programs. 
• Assist in documenting MSBA standards, procedures, and advisories as required. 
• Assist in the development and participation of training programs targeted to programmatic, procedural, and technical challenges intended to enhance and develop K-12 school construction and modernization procedures and policies. 
• Carry out and/or manage special technical studies independently and/or with other MSBA staff. 
• Provide technical and administrative support associated with the preparation of technical reports, project reviews, and MSBA Board of Directors recommendations, internal and external training program materials, and presentation materials. 
• Support the Design Director and Deputy Design Director regarding project compliance with MSBA sustainability policies. 

• Potential participation in the preparation and coordination of documents and/or presentation materials required for MSBA subcommittees and Board of Directors meetings. 
• Potential to assist in the creation and delivery of MSBA training and public outreach presentations and/or publications. 
• Potential to perform other duties as assigned. 

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture / Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited program; preparing for architectural licensure, and 
• Minimum of three years related architectural experience (AIA Emerging Professional on the Path to Licensure Levels 1-2), and 
• Active enrollment and in good standing in the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) Architectural Experience Program (AXP). 

• Demonstrated experience associated with public construction and/or educational facilities, knowledge of Massachusetts public bidding laws, and/or previous experience working with federal, state, county, or local government. 

• Possess a thorough understanding of the design process from conceptual phases through construction documents.  
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks including gathering, analyzing, and presenting complex technical information in a clear, concise, and comprehensible manner. 
• Ability to prioritize work assignments.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.   
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present data and technical information in a clear, concise, and comprehensible manner.  
• Possess good attention to detail.  
• Possess proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 software applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Knowledge of Tableau software is a plus.   

This job description is intended to be general and will evolve over time. The description is subject to periodic updating.  At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.