Design Studio Manager
Envision Resilience is a nonprofit organization that works to advance innovative city planning and design in the face of climate change through student and community partnerships. By connecting current and future professionals working across disciplines, the organization fosters opportunities for communities to approach complex challenges and inspires resilient climate solutions. Envision Resilience is part of the philanthropic organizations and initiatives created and funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to work toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all.
Envision Resilience is seeking a Design Studio Manager with a background in architecture, landscape architecture and/or urban planning to join its growing team. The Design Studio Manager will run the annual multi-university design studio–now in its fifth year—and manage academic partnerships in landscape architecture, architecture and planning; develop a fellowship program and oversee major academic programming including curriculum, speakers and final reviews. The Design Studio Manager will work in close collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager and support faculty workshops, student site visits, final exhibition and studio reports.
Position Description and Responsibilities:
Design Studio Programming
Manage the annual Envision Resilience Challenge–a multi-university, interdisciplinary, place-based design studio, including partnerships with academic institutions, community stakeholders and external partners.
Develop annual Challenge Brief and design studio curriculum in collaboration with the Envision Resilience team.
Establish a system for cataloging and documenting design studio processes, outcomes, research and theories to publish and present.
Oversee annual cycle of studio proposal submissions and lead Envision Resilience team in decision-making and selection process.
Expand and regularly update programming and curriculum with the latest technology, cutting-edge research and best practice.
Work with Envision Resilience Technical and Academic Advisors to grow network of jurors, speakers and partners for all design studio programming and curriculum.
Manage design studio timeline and work with team on events including faculty workshop, site visits, final reviews and exhibition. (Travel to sites required for community events and programming.)
Work with Community Engagement Manager to establish and streamline systems and communication channels for community engagement with university partners and studio teams.
Manage 1 director report (Research Associate) and research consultants on a project by project basis.
Continually seek opportunities to expand academic partnerships.
Research and Fellowship Programming
Design and launch an Envision Resilience fellowship program.
Manage recruitment and selection processes in collaboration with key partners.
Work closely with grants and finance teams to administer fellowships.
Build and maintain program evaluation and tracking systems and report on metrics and outcomes quarterly and annually.
Manage evolving research initiatives.
Support the expanding work of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Initiative and further incorporate into programming.
Contribute to the Envision Resilience communications and marketing strategy and plan, as it relates to press, conferences and journal publications.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Preferred Experience and Education:
Passion for working toward just, inclusive, adaptive and resilient climate futures.
Demonstrated experience in community-centric and community-based design studios.
Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Environmental Studies, Sustainability or a related field. A Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture or urban planning is preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the design field, with a focus on resilience, planning and community work.
Three or more years of management experience.
Demonstrated community engagement work preferred.
Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD and similar platforms preferred.
Existing academic partnerships and an extensive network within the field of design are preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including academic partners, community leads and fellow team members.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines with a keen attention to detail.
A collaborative and visionary individual who works well in a fast-paced, people-centric environment.
Adaptability and comfort in working in a fast-paced environment to help develop and implement new structures, frameworks and systems.
Compensation and Benefits
Envision Resilience offers:
A competitive salary and strong benefits package. The opportunity to help build a mission-driven organization and grow its impact.
A dynamic, collaborative and forward-thinking team driven by ‘apocalyptic optimism.’
A growing network of resilient practitioners, academics, students and community leaders
Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainability, community resilience and project management.
Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
Networking opportunities with industry experts and stakeholders.
Travel to site required.
Flexible work schedule.
Envision Resilience is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.