Working/Functional Title
Lead Architect
Position Summary
Salary: $111,100 - $135,800 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits - Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; Eligible to work a partial remote schedule upon completion of probationary or trial period. Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.
This position provides lead architecture oversight or design and applies intensive and diversified principles and practices, making independent design decisions applicable to large academic institutions; visual inspection of construction work as necessary, analysis, and support of maintenance operations. Successful candidate must be innovative and communicate well in a team environment with campus stakeholders. The position may be on-call for emergencies on projects they are assigned outside of normal working hours.
Job responsibilities are as follows:
- 40%: Project Roles and Assignments: Assigned to projects having varying scales and complexities, while generally favoring larger, more complex project assignments. Project budgets may range from $50,000 to $500 Million. Provides guidance and direction on projects to outside design and construction partners. Provides quality assurance for the in-house architectural design of projects. Is responsibly in charge of project compliance with applicable codes, including signing and sealing in-house construction documents requiring plan review by an authority having jurisdiction other than MSU. Has a thorough understanding of and mindset to grow the architectural team's understanding of applicable Michigan Building Codes and Michigan Bureau of Fire Services School Rules for Colleges and Universities. Serves as the point person for interpretations of architecturally applicable, guidelines, technical specifications, and drawn details.
- 30%: Architectural Guideline and Technical Standards Lead: Works with IPF partners to establish and develop organizational, completeness, accuracy, and usefulness of the IPF Planning and Construction Standards. Responsible for the development, accuracy, and upkeep of design guidelines, technical specifications and drawing details for architectural design. Seeks out and reconciles integration with other design disciplines. Coordinates interactions and gains consensus of architecturally related IPF standards general guidelines and planning standards with the IPF principal Planner and Architect and the University Engineer. Coordinates and integrates technical guidelines and standards with other discipline leads. Researches and vets products and systems to be considered in the IPF Planning and Construction Standards.
- 30%: Work loading and Staff Development: They will provide input to the Capital Project Delivery Manager for architectural staff. They will assist with work loading and project assignments (including their own workload). They will consider workload, professional growth, and other factors while making recommendations. They will provide insights and make recommendations for architectural staff development. Their efforts will develop the overall team's knowledge base. They will serve as a resource, and mentor, to the architectural team.
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in an appropriate field of architecture; over eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in project design, specification writing, project management, system development and knowledge of applicable codes, methods and materials; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and registration/certification as an Architect.
Successful candidate must be experienced in design software programs (such as AutoCAD or REVIT) and have extensive knowledge of construction practices. A sound understanding of applicable codes for university facilities. Candidate must have registration/certification as a Professional Architect in the State of Michigan.
Duties associated with this position involves working at construction sites, access to work areas by ladder, scaffold, hatchways, ramps, and similar means; outdoor work on a variety of floor and ground surfaces including climbing and entry into confined spaces. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license is required for this position. The employee must drive a University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the University’s rigorous safe driving standards.
Desired Qualifications
Experienced project design professional with 8 or more years leading complex, multi‑disciplinary project teams from pre-design through construction. Excel as a collaborator, communicator, and mentor, bringing strong verbal and written communication skills and confidence presenting in both formal and informal group settings. Demonstrate significant experience in higher education projects, particularly within university environments involving diverse stakeholder groups. A successful candidate would ideally possess strong design sensitivity, a commitment to universal design, and working knowledge of the ADA and relevant codes and standards. Proficient in key industry software such as Microsoft Suite, BIM platforms, Navisworks, SketchUp, and Bluebeam Studio is preferred.
A lifelong learner and problem solver, bringing robust technical skills and a passion for innovative, mission‑aligned solutions that support Michigan State University’s culture, priorities, and goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and Cover Letter
Work Hours
NON-STANDARD WORK HOURS: may require after hours, weekend, or holiday work dependent on emergencies or unexpected issues.
Website
ipf.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends February 24, 2026, 11:55 PM
