Northern Trust

Practice Leader | Public & Institutional

Northern Trust • $125K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design, master's preferred.
  • Professional registration required.
  • 8+ years of experience in design and leadership.
  • Strong project portfolio in governmental, civic, and educational projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of contract negotiations and administration.
  • Demonstrated project management and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead team and market strategies to enhance project's design and delivery.
  • Advocate for clients and manage relationships effectively.
  • Foster a diverse and inclusive environment in project solutions.
  • Oversee project performance, delivery, and innovation.
  • Establish annual business goals aligning with the national business plan.
  • Develop new client relationships and secure new business opportunities.
  • Represent the firm at industry events as a thought leader.

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid work schedule with three days in-office and two days remote.
  • Opportunity to lead in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
  • Focus on sustainable and community-building design solutions.
Full Job Description
Overview

This role is ideal for a design-forward individual with an entrepreneurial mindset, responsible for advancing a dynamic team on a national scale. The position collaborates closely with design, business development, studio leadership, and other market sector leaders across the country.

Key Responsibilities:

This is a principal-level opportunity, guiding both team and market strategy. As part of an integrated architecture and engineering practice, you will help fulfill the mission to create thoughtful, sustainable solutions and transform the human experience through the power of design.

Team & Project Leadership
  • Serve as a collaborative partner, bringing innovative thinking to projects, the studio, and market delivery, and promoting design research that advances market strategy.
  • Be a leading voice with clients, both regionally and within the firm.
  • Champion diversity, inclusion, and respect for all perspectives, fostering solutions that are resilient, improve the human condition, and strengthen communities.
  • Act as a client advocate and manage client support and relationship responsibilities.
  • Grow and develop a team of direct reports, including supervision, coaching, communication, accountability, and growth planning.
  • Provide project leadership and oversight to ensure quality, efficient delivery, profitable project performance, and innovative, responsive design.
  • Support project management by monitoring project performance and technical quality, and assist with contract and scope/fee negotiations with strategic partners.

Business Development
  • Establish annual business goals, strategies, and tactics that align with the national P+I business plan, including actionable items.
  • Work closely with business development staff to nurture client relationships, develop new business, and secure new clients.
  • Represent the firm as a thought leader in your market, attending industry events, and participating in writing and speaking opportunities.
  • Lead responses to RFPs and solicitations, including building strategic teaming relationships, evaluating opportunities, and collaborating with marketing and project personnel.
  • Achieve annual growth and profitability targets.


Requirements:

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Architecture and/or Interior Design; a Master's in Architecture or Bachelor of Architecture is preferred.
  • Professional registration required.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in design and leadership of related projects.

Required Skills and Competencies
  • Strong project portfolio and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: governmental, civic & community projects, historic/adaptive reuse, workplace, recreation, library, museum, learning, and higher education.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate across multiple locations.
  • Extensive knowledge of fee proposals, negotiations, and contract/subcontract administration.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, supervise, and coordinate technical work, prioritize and delegate assignments, and foster team cooperation.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and business acumen.
  • Creativity, foresight, and sound judgment in solving complex problems, determining program objectives, and developing strategies for market sector projects.

Preferred Qualifications / Skillsets
  • Active participation in social, civic, trade, or professional organizations that support the public and institutional sector and promote the firm's brand.
  • Excellent client management, customer service, writing, and presentation skills, with a proven track record of securing and delivering on A/E contracts.
  • Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and professionally charismatic.

This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of public and institutional design within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

The studio operates on a flexible hybrid schedule with three days in their collaborative office environment and two days working remotely, offering an ideal balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

Please Note: Delays may be experienced if uploading portfolio pdf. Do not exit out of page during upload. We look forward to receiving your application!

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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