Architectural Design and Project Coordinator

Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.

Job Summary:

The Architectural Design and Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall design of construction projects. They will utilize their knowledge of math, science, construction and design to create designs that are both appeasing to the eye, and also are efficient to build. They will collaborate with the management team to determine and ensure the project requirements, budget and schedule. They will also provide assistance and support the Real Estate Development and Management Team with various administrative tasks.

Essential Functions:

• Effectively research real estate entitlement information, rental and sale comparables, market data, property ownership, planning documents, and funding applications along with the necessary requirements.
• Assist with completing applications to secure funding from various sources.
• Meet to discuss design requirements for new constructions, alterations, or repairs.
• Gather necessary measurements, dimensions, and other routine calculations for design layouts.
• Provide suitable design recommendations based on factors such as budget, the building site, and recent trends.
• Utilize CAD software and manual drawing techniques to produce architectural plans for approval.
• Rework and modify designs based on comments and reviews from management and clients.
• Provide management with estimates on cost, time, machinery, construction, and other specifications as needed.
• Ensure all vital information and documentation is recorded and maintained.
• Conducting research and attending workshops and conferences to remain up to date with the latest design trends.
• Ensure all layouts and blueprints are compliant with industry codes and legal standards.
• Maintain and update reports for various databases.
• Assist with administrative tasks including but not limited to: document scanning, document filing, and document retrieval.
• Learn and facilitate the ongoing development of filing systems and coordinate the storage and compiling of records to meet administrative, legal, and financial requirements.
• Schedule meetings, create agendas and prepare and disseminate minutes/notes from meetings.
• Assist with the creation of calendar reminders to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Assist with project acquisition activities and feasibility assessments.
• Assist in the creation of documents for presentations tailored to community groups, potential funders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Education:

Undergraduate Degree in Architecture is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience:

• Ability to understand financial return metrics (IRR, ROE) and valuation techniques
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) and Adobe Acrobat
• Knowledge of fundamental accounting and finance principles
• Possess interpersonal skills to foster working with others to elicit information, ability to think critically and creatively, and also to work independently
• Preferred candidate has knowledge of HOME, MSHDA funding and other utilized resources
• Possess strong work ethic and demonstrates initiative; shows commitment and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent oral, written, and presentation skills

Competencies:

To perform the duties and functions of the role successfully, an individual should demonstrate and/or possess the following competencies:

• Self-starter
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• Organizational skills
• Ability to type, file, enter data, and perform entry level bookkeeping.
• Teamwork
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Flexibility
• Detail Oriented

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance:

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.