Architect
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a distinguished public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of architect. This is an on-site professional leadership role within Facilities Planning and Engineering.
WSSU is a premier institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. WSSU is proud to be North Carolina's only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). Situated in the City of Arts and Innovation, WSSU offers a vibrant, supportive academic environment dedicated to health sciences, business, education, and the humanities.
Reporting directly to the director of design and construction within Design and Construction, the architect manages assigned capital improvement projects from inception through design review, bidding, construction contract award, construction, and closeout. Serving as a key project manager and technical lead, this individual helps manage the department's aggregate capital project load, ensuring that all University facilities and infrastructure development meet rigorous programmatic needs, safety standards, state regulatory requirements, timelines, and budgets. The incoming architect joins a six-member team during a period of transformative campus expansion, contributing to major, high-profile projects—including the $64.7 million K.R. Williams Auditorium and Fine Arts addition and the $26.6 million Hauser Hall School of Music renovation—and the implementation of Winston-Salem State University's (WSSU's) newly completed Ten-Year Campus Master Plan.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in architecture and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in architectural planning, project management, and design review are required. Candidates must hold a valid license to practice architecture granted by the North Carolina Board of Architecture (or possess NCARB certification enabling licensure in North Carolina through reciprocity). A valid driver's license is also required.
The successful candidate will possess thorough technical knowledge of architectural programming, space planning, building code compliance, construction cost budgeting, and architectural design contract management. Direct experience managing projects within a university setting, familiarity with the North Carolina State Construction Office (SCO) procedures or equivalent state agency protocols and state reporting systems (Interscope), and proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit are highly desirable. Essential attributes include exceptional organization, strong decision-making capabilities, sound problem-solving skills, and effective verbal and written communication skills. A collaborative, customer service-oriented mindset, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and an appreciation for the mission of a HBCU will be important considerations in the selection of the next architect.
Application and Nomination
Winston-Salem State University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. To ensure full consideration, interested individuals should submit materials by the priority deadline of November 5, 2026. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/9883157
- Contact Kelly Brooks at mailto:dkb@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
- Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email mailto:info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the Winston-Salem State University website at http://www.wssu.edu/
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all members of the University community and an institutional environment free from unwelcome and unwarranted prohibited conduct. The university strongly condemns all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking offenses.
Winston-Salem State University complies with the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all activities in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX helps to foster a safe university environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors from sex/gender-based discrimination.
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