Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Assistant Design Manager to join our SIRIS team to support a renovation project at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. This role will support design and contract management activities, coordinate and facilitate communication with the Architect/Engineer (A/E) team, assist with project meetings and meeting coordination, and maintain accurate project documentation throughout the design and construction process.

Project Scope

The project consists of the comprehensive renovation of three floors within the Smithsonian Institution's Museum East Wing, including the removal and replacement of existing exterior windows. The scope will include coordination of architectural, engineering, and construction activities associated with the renovation and exterior envelope improvements, while maintaining the operational requirements and historic character of the museum facility.

Who Will Succeed in This Role

The ideal candidate will be a highly organized and detail-oriented design or construction professional who can effectively support the Design Manager and Smithsonian Team across technical and administrative functions. This individual should be comfortable coordinating with A/E teams, managing project documentation, supporting design reviews, and assisting with construction-phase activities.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience in design management, construction management, architecture, engineering, or project administration.
• Demonstrate strong organization, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Have experience supporting contract negotiations, contract administration, and resolution of project issues.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to meet project deadlines and delivery schedules while managing multiple priorities.
• Have experience coordinating meetings, maintaining project records, and tracking action items.
• Understand design and construction processes, including RFIs, submittals, design reviews, and document control.
• Be comfortable supporting A/E teams with site visits, field investigations, and design coordination.
• Have strong technical research and document review skills, including familiarity with applicable codes and regulations.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF, and project/document management systems.
• Experience with federal, cultural, historic, or occupied facilities is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager with design contract administration and project coordination.
• Coordinate project meetings, agendas, action items, and project documentation.
• Support design reviews, including coordination of comments and responses through I-Manage and Revizto.
• Coordinate A/E team site visits, field surveys, and investigations of existing conditions.
• Assist with reviewing RFIs, submittals, substitution requests, design submissions, and construction-phase documentation.
• Assist with developing A/E scopes of work and Independent Government Estimates.
• Conduct research and support compliance with applicable codes, federal regulations, Smithsonian policies, and historic preservation requirements.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination among the Smithsonian, A/E teams, contractors, and project stakeholders.

Project Considerations

Given that the work takes place within an active Smithsonian Institution museum and involves the renovation of existing historic facilities, the project team must consider the following:

• Maintaining the safety of museum staff, visitors, contractors, and project personnel.
• Minimizing disruption to ongoing museum operations and public access.
• Protecting existing historic, architectural, and museum assets throughout construction.
• Coordinating design activities, site access, and field investigations within an occupied facility.
• Maintaining clear communication and documentation among the Smithsonian, A/E team, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Complying with applicable Smithsonian standards, federal regulations, building codes, accessibility requirements, and historic preservation requirements.

Education & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline; with relevant Design Management experience. Professional registration is Preferred

Certifications

• OSHA 30 Preferred
• CCM, PMP, LEED, AIA, RA, PE, or equivalent Design management credentials Preferred

Experience

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of relevant experience in design management, construction management, architecture, engineering, project administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting federal, institutional, cultural, historic, healthcare, or other regulated projects is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with A/E teams, supporting design reviews, site investigations, project meetings, and construction-phase activities.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, applicable codes, design processes, and document control.
• Experience with RFIs, submittals, design coordination, and project documentation preferred.
• Candidates with a strong combination of relevant experience, technical knowledge, and project coordination skills are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements

• Familiarity with design and construction processes, project coordination, document control, and contract administration.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and attention to detail when reviewing project documentation and coordinating design activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and project/document management systems; experience with I-Manage and Revizto is preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with team members.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Full-time onsite work at an active construction site and office environment
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws

Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (99% of individual base plan paid by company; 50% for dependents)
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Annual bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance

The pay range for this role is:

95,000 - 115,000 USD per year (Washington, DC)