Director of Project Advancement

Director of Project Advancement – Collingwood or Peterborough

Who we are: 

As a growing regional design studio, Unity Design Studio needs the best talent to meet the objectives of our core values. We are an established, B Corp certified studio and are aggressively pursuing bold goals in design and project approach. We support agile and lean design principals and are at the forefront of the introduction of Integrated Project Delivery as it takes hold in Ontario. 

With offices in Peterborough, Collingwood and Kitchener, Ontario, Unity has developed best-in-class expertise in serving the public sector (health, education, municipal, recreation, arts) and non-profit organizations (social services, culture, charities) with designs that are built upon deep stakeholder engagement. Ours is a culture that continually pushes for a deeper vision while respecting clients’ constraints. Above all else, we value relationships, knowing that the best works come from trusting collaborations.  

Our Core Values: 

People 

People are at the centre of all that we do. We seek partnerships with those who share our principles. We build trust and respect through meaningful engagement amongst ourselves, our partners, and the community. 

Culture 

Our culture shapes our work. We cultivate a collaborative, inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. We embrace flexibility and encourage levity alongside discipline.  

Integrity 

As stewards we take responsibility for the impact of our designs. We are committed to creating a state of well-being for individuals, community and the environment.  

Who you are: 

We require a people-focused Director of Project Advancement with a growth mindset who will have a strong sense of accountability to our clients, our team, and the Studio. The ideal candidate will be an individual currently in a supervisory role with experience in managing and mentoring individuals and teams. Excellent written and verbal communication and management skills are essential. This individual will oversee multiple teams at various phases of the design process, ensuring effective collaboration and fostering the professional growth of junior staff. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Mentoring, managing and nurturing relationships throughout architectural projects.  

• Leading and mentoring teams, promoting effective collaboration, and ensuring their professional development.  

• Assisting teams in ensuring the delivery of projects according to established scopes, budgets, schedules, and client expectations.  

• Assisting teams in managing project budgets and costs, including estimating costs, tracking expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.  

• Implementing quality control measures and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. 

• Proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks and issues that may affect project delivery.  

• Acting as the primary point of contact for project teams, maintaining regular communication, providing updates, and managing expectations. 

• Being a liaison between studio leadership and the project teams. 
• Assist in the performance evaluation and hiring of Junior and Intermediate Project Leads.

Key Skills / Experience: 

• Technical education in architecture and/or construction.   

• PMP Certification is considered an asset.  

• Previous supervisory experience in a consulting environment, with a focus on managing projects and teams.  

• Ability to manage multiple teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent communication, time management and multi-tasking skills, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail. 

What we offer: 

• An opportunity to work for the highest-ranking B Corp certified architectural firm in Canada. 

• Minimum salary of $100,000 commensurate with experience.
• Extended Health Benefits (Health, Life and Dental). 

• Professional association fees paid by Unity. 

• Continuing education allowance of $1500.00 annually.  
• This position will work out of our Collingwood or Peterborough Studio.

What you can expect during the hiring process: 

• 2-3 initial pre-screen questions via email. 

• 1st interview with the Administrative Principal and one other member of the leadership team. 

• All applicants will be notified of whether they will advance.  

• Exercise to prepare in advance of the 2nd interview. 

• 2nd interview with all Principals of Unity.

• Decision and offer within 2 weeks of commencing the interview process. 

Unity prides itself on our fair and equitable hiring practices. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of contact and provisions will be arranged.  

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Administrative Principal Kristy Hook at *****@*****************.**

This job posting closes on July 26th, 2024. 

Thank you for your interest in Unity.