Ralph Appelbaum Associates

Ralph Appelbaum Associates is seeking a full-time, US-based Senior Project Manager. This position is based out of our New York City studio, but is remote optional.

The Project Management team is responsible for the efficient, coordinated development and delivery of each project’s contracted scope of work. Project Managers oversee day-to-day communication among RAA’s studio disciplines, consultants, subcontractors, clients, architects, and other members of the wider project team. They are expected to understand how complex design projects move from concept through documentation, fabrication, installation, and closeout, and to anticipate the coordination required at each stage. Project Managers are also responsible for tracking and reporting on project profitability, staffing utilization, schedules, risks, deliverables, and adherence to RAA’s contractual requirements.

The Senior Project Manager will be a highly motivated problem-solver with a proven history of successfully managing and delivering projects in museums, exhibitions, and other cultural or corporate visitor center projects from conception to completion, or similar experience in similar architectural or construction industries. The position is responsible for helping to ensure that each project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest creative standards.The candidate must be self motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be able to balance the artistic integrity of the design with the financial requirements of the project. Further, the candidate must be able to coordinate and assign tasks across design disciplines (architectural, graphics, lighting, content, research, media, etc), be adept at steering multi-faceted client teams to consensus, and be fluent in coordination with external technical and architectural partners.

In addition to their project-specific responsibilities, they contribute to the cross-project Project Management department through studio staffing, operational initiatives, marketing efforts, knowledge sharing, and long-term strategic planning.

• Oversees the management of multiple projects and/or large and complex projects, including design/build contracts
• Establishes and oversees the RAA contract, overall project schedule, work plans, staffing plans, and project fees
• Works with the RAA management team on new business proposals
• Establishes project schedule and pacing, and ensures milestones deliverables conform to contractual requirements
• Reports project progress to team and firm leadership
• Attends key client presentations
• Identifies out-of-scope work, and works with clients to establish additional services
• Understands roles and tasks for all disciplines (Physical Design, Visual Design, Content) in order to balance workload within budget parameters
• Leads coordination efforts with technical and architectural partners
• Communicates project status to clients, stakeholders, and key project participantsWith Creative Director, serves as client liaison for reporting project progress
• With Creative Director, serves as client liaison for reporting project progress

• BA in a design-related field, other advanced degree, or equivalent years of experience
• 10+ years of professional project management experience
• Background or training in a design or architectural discipline required
• Experience working in or with Physical Design, Visual/Graphic Design, and/or Content Disciplines
• Experience in technical detailing and production phases
• Familiarity with products, materials and specifications
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Proactive approach to task management
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong negotiation, management, and leadership skills
• PMP certification a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint and/or SmartSheets a plus
• High degree of familiarity with contract documents and subcontract documents, including typical terms and conditions
• Demonstrated on-time and on-budget project delivery
• Experience working concurrently with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work efficiently across a wide range of activities and projects
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

RAA offers a competitive benefits package to our full-time staff, including: medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401k enrollment; generous paid time off. Additional benefits are offered at no cost to employees, including short- and long-term disability and life insurance. Flexible benefits are also available for employees to make tax-advantaged contributions toward medical expenses, transportation and parking costs, and childcare.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each applicant. Qualified candidates will be contacted via email regarding our interview process. To apply for this role, please send a cover letter, CV, and portfolio to humanresources@raai.com.

RAA is an equal opportunity practice that is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion in our studio. RAA does not discriminate in employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of: race; color; creed; religion; gender; gender identity or expression; sex; sexual orientation; national origin or ancestry; citizenship status; health or genetic information; age; marital status; mental or physical disability; pregnancy; political affiliation; arrest record; past, present, or future service in the uniformed services; or any other legally protected status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all personnel practices, including, but not limited to, recruitment, project assignments, professional development, compensation, or any other employment practice. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and candidates from other underrepresented communities to apply.

All applicants for RAA open positions based in the United States have rights under federal employment laws. Links to the pertinent postings follow.

Notices:
Employee Rights: Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
The Family and Medical Leave Act