MASS is seeking a highly skilled design director to join the leadership team in its Kigali, Rwanda design studio.

Position overview

This important role will serve as a key team member on a multi-year, multi-country grant program focused on maternal and newborn health (MNH) design and capacity building. This exciting, ambitious, and impactful program is highly complex, requiring a director who can effectively multi-task, operate across various scales, and maintain focus on achieving key objectives. The ideal candidate has a background in healthcare design and prior experience working in resource-limited settings.

This position also offers an opportunity to actively contribute to the Kigali design studio culture and leadership, including strategic planning, critical decision-making, and strengthening partnerships through thought leadership and external communications.

Summary of key responsibilities

The design director is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of projects in alignment with contractual obligations, donor commitments, and MASS principles, as well as contributing to broader studio leadership.

Program-specific duties and responsibilities (in addition to general MASS duties and responsibilities listed below):

serve as project manager, overseeing the design of a portfolio of MNH facility interventions across multiple countries (Malawi, TBD)
provide design leadership, leveraging and building upon existing expertise in designing healthcare facilities in resource-limited settings, specifically maternal and newborn care, and sharing this knowledge with the team
manage multiple complex projects concurrently, including budget, schedule, and quality management
effectively manage team members working both in-office and on a remote basis
coordinate among project stakeholders and subconsultants to deliver quality design deliverables
guide the team in applying design principles related to appropriate material selection, environmental strategies, design aesthetic, and construction detailing
travel to countries where project sites are located for site visits as well as stakeholder meetings

General duties and responsibilities:

lead large projects (greater than $1M fee budget) and teams; demonstrate capacity to oversee and produce seminal design work
hold and manage client relationships; manage external client communications with minimal support from the principal in charge
internally manage project teams and directly oversee projects of all scales
oversee architectural design, including conceptual and technical development through all phases (concept, schematic, DD, and CDs)
work in a self-directed manner, consulting with the Principal as needed to ensure project success
demonstrate fluency in software and comfort with technical development of all project aspects with minimal support or oversight
lead coordination with engineering subconsultants and other disciplines
adeptly manage internal and external communications, schedules, and budgets
provide strong mentorship and capacity development for junior staff
responsible for the development of technical expertise within the team, including training, professional development, and project team assembly
set and manage team performance expectations
support/teach creativity and innovation within teams
contribute to thought leadership through a domain, focus-area, or research
participate in office leadership (including the planning of events, retreats, etc.)
ensure behavior and performance demonstrate alignment with MASS values
apply MASS methodology and processes to advance projects
represent the organization both internally and externally
lead business sevelopment initiatives, developing and maintaining relationships with potential clients
estimate fees, determine scope of work, and prepare proposals and contracts for new work
contribute positively to the global office culture

Desired skills/experience*:

Education and experience:

ten plus years’ of related architectural design and project-based experience.
Prior experience in healthcare design and working in resource-limited settings is required
a professional degree in architecture (B.ARCH or M.ARCH)
working towards Architect Registration or a Registered Professional status
experience with building codes, regulations, and building permit procedures

Design and technical skills:

a strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in design iteration, concept development, and visual/written communication
capacity to contribute across all project phases, from conceptual design through construction documentation and project implementation
command of REVIT as the primary tool for architectural drawing is a must; proficiency in Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, and/or other software, with the ability to work seamlessly between platforms
demonstrated interest in low-carbon design & construction and building performance

Leadership and communication:

demonstrated organizational leadership skills
ability to work collaboratively in team settings while exhibiting individual initiative
comfortable coordinating interdisciplinary teams, managing project schedules and budgets, and effectively communicating with sub-consultants
ability to communicate effectively across a broad group of stakeholders, including senior staff, partners/clients, and the communities they serve.

Candidates who are found to be highly qualified but do not meet all of the experience criteria may be considered at the senior architect level with the opportunity to grow into the design director role through demonstrated capability.

Key benefits:

health and pension: medical insurance and pension savings
relocation to Kigali (Non-Local Staff): air ticket at the beginning and end of the assignment, two months of accommodation to assist with settling in Kigali, and payment for one extra checked suitcase
work visa facilitation
work/life balance: hybrid work policy with flexible hours (work from home two days/week) and a paid Christmas break
paid public holidays and 18 annual leave days

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