The City of Champaign is seeking a skilled and community-minded Architect Project Manager to serve as our in-house expert for facility improvement and capital project implementation. This newly created role is ideal for an experienced Architect looking to apply their knowledge in a stable, respectful, mission-driven environment where work-life balance is truly supported.

In this role, you’ll directly influence the spaces our community depends on—from fire stations and public works buildings to historic civic facilities. You’ll bring your architectural expertise into a collaborative environment where your judgment, leadership, and follow-through are valued every day.

Responsibilities of Position

This position leads the planning, development, and delivery of architectural projects for City-owned and leased facilities. Primary responsibilities include:

• Managing facility and capital improvement projects from concept through construction completion

• Providing expert architectural guidance, reviewing plans, specifications, and construction documents

• Coordinating closely with Building Services, Building Safety, and other City departments to define needs and develop practical solutions

• Guiding architectural consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure alignment with City standards, budgets, and schedules

• Conducting needs assessments, condition evaluations, and concept development

• Managing project budgets, timelines, reports, and communication with stakeholders

• Serving as a trusted resource for staff and partners throughout each project lifecycle

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from a NAAB-accredited institution

• Substantial professional experience in architectural design, project development, and construction for public or commercial facilities

• Experience directing or overseeing the work of consultants, contractors, or project teams

• Valid license to practice Architecture in the State of Illinois, or an active U.S. license with the ability to obtain Illinois licensure within six months of hire

• Demonstrated ability to provide clear direction, build productive working relationships, and offer expert guidance

• Flexibility to support occasional after-hours meetings, site visits, or project needs

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in municipal, county, state, or other government architectural work

• Background in capital project management, including cost estimating, budgeting, design development, and project delivery

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation or related sustainability experience

• Architectural project management certification or related credentials

• Experience with architectural software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms

• Experience in non-government practice such as private sector work or business ownership

• A collaborative, respectful communication style with consistent follow-through

Other Information.

Drug screening and a driving record check will be required. The annual starting salary range for this position is $ 102,217–$116,370 DOQ, accompanied by an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid leave, 11 holidays, insurance coverage, and pension. If interested, please apply as soon as possible as the position will remain open until filled.

Other Information

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process. The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.

These values guide our work:

Personal Integrity

We act in the best interests of the City

We behave in an ethical and legal manner

We are open and honest

We follow through on commitments

We are loyal to the City

Responsibility

We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities

We take initiative

We act to prevent and solve problems

We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions

We hold ourselves and others accountable

Respect

We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner

We actively listen and seek understanding

We provide a direct response

We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace

We are positive and cooperative

We are willing to apologize

Teamwork

We know and respect our roles and responsibilities

We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately

We define and agree upon the goals

We collaborate to achieve organizational goals

We help others accomplish their goals

We share authority, responsibility, and credit

Results

We take pride in our work

We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget

We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance

We learn from our mistakes

We innovate