Deputy Director for Engineering and Design

The Deputy Director for Engineering and Design provides leadership and direction to a multidisciplinary staff of engineers, architects, planners, technical and support employees responsible for the planning, design, construction, revitalization, and stewardship of Smithsonian facilities. The incumbent is responsible for the safety, cost effectiveness, efficiency and overall quality of all engineering and design projects for the Institution.

The incumbent serves as a principal advisor on all aspects of facilities engineering, architecture, design excellence, accessibility and the stewardship of Smithsonian facilities. Advises senior leadership on broad policy, design standards, code application, program and human resource matters affecting facilities engineering and design of SI programs and operations. Advises senior leadership on architectural and engineering approaches that balance functionality, life-cycle performance, sustainability, preservation requirements, visitor experience, and SI mission needs. Oversees strategic and business planning, goal setting, quality implementation, organizational performance measurement, and reinvention efforts to ensure alignment with the vision, values, and goals of the Secretary, and Director for Office of Planning, Design and Construction (OPDC). Leads the architectural and engineering design program to ensure projects achieve excellence in design quality, functionality, durability, sustainability, accessibility and compatibility with historic and cultural resources. Successful adoption of these best practices and standards is essential to maximize the Institution's buying power and to help reduce the more than $1.5 billion backlog in revitalization projects. In addition, the incumbent will continue to oversee existing priorities, including facilities safety and security, energy efficiency, historical preservation, and public access in facility projects and construction criteria. Manages the completion of an aggressively changing project that includes responsibilities that may evolve in its complexity. During the next ten years the Institution will invest to revitalize aging facilities and construct new facilities to support additional exhibits and programs. The project workload will require the incumbent to establish policies, processes and procedures, and to develop a training program that will ensure appropriate performance standards are achieved throughout the division. Oversees the established control systems to monitor and ensure adherence to the budgetary commitments allotted to the engineering and design initiatives and services. Responsible for assessing the effectiveness of these control systems to ensure the engineering and design division remains within budget. Adheres to financial management policies and procedures contained in the Institution's Office Memorandums. Serves as SI's expert in the development of policy, standards, and procedures to ensure operation of an effective and efficient engineering and design program for all SI facilities. Develops, implements, and assesses processes and systems involved in capital improvement initiatives, new construction, and repair and revitalization projects and contracts. Leads studies on current and innovative approaches to providing quality driven engineering and design functions and customer services. Provides expert technical advice and guidance to SI leadership on various contracts (i.e., internal engineering and design services, supervision and inspection) and facilities planning and programs. Ensures the Quality Control and Quality Assurance of engineering and design work products, whether internally or externally developed, reflect the commitment to excellence and outstanding service that establishes the division's credibility, authority and efficient operations. Oversees engineering and design services and program functions and resolves issues that are outside the purview of engineering and design branch staff. Oversees the fulfillment of the division staff Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) responsibilities to meet division's contract administration and inspection functions. Keeps abreast of the latest private and public sector developments and innovations related to architecture, engineering and design; maintains liaison with counterparts in other federal agencies and external stakeholders such as universities and the cultural community; evaluates the applicability of those developments for SI engineering and design services and incorporates into SI programs as appropriate. Oversees architectural planning and design activities for new construction, major revitalization, preservation, and adaptive reuse projects. Ensures compliance with applicable design standards, historic preservation requirements, accessibility guidelines, and SI engineering and design criteria. Reviews and evaluates conceptual, schematic, and architectural designs to ensure alignment with SI objectives and long-term facility goals. Ensures appropriate consideration of cultural landscapes and architecturally significant facilities while balancing operational, programmatic, life-safety and sustainability requirements. Through subordinate supervisors the incumbent: plans, organizes, and directs the personnel and activities of OPDC's, Engineering and Design Division.

Meet the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below: