Design Manager

Design Manager

Location: NYC Office

Grade/Classification: 6 (D1) Senior Professional

Salary Range: $107,231 - $133,274 (Includes downstate location differential of $5,054)

Bargaining Unit: CSEA

FLSA Status: Exempt

Last Revised: July 23, 2026

Primary Purpose

The Design Manager performs design project management, design review and construction observation for DASNY's construction projects, and provides third party reviews of projects for conformance with DASNY and customer agency guidelines, project goals and objectives, and for compliance with applicable codes and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Manages the project development during the pre-design and design phases of the project, including meeting with clients and consultants and providing assistance, and managing all aspects of consultant contracts including review and approval of consultant requests for payment, amendments, extensions of schedule and contract closeout.
• Perform periodic site visits to projects under construction and monitor the quality of design and construction work performed by architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and sub-contractors.
• Monitor construction activities including the review and approval of construction change orders and performance of interim and final project inspections on large and complex projects.
• Review highly technical designs, plans, specifications, addenda and change orders.
• Review highly technical architectural/engineering reports and studies
• Provide technical assistance and recommendations to unit staff, Project Management staff and client representatives
• Coordinate with Project Management to resolve project and/or program issues.
• Perform independent, in-depth investigations of specific problems including architectural/engineering analysis and recommendations.
• Consult with regulatory agencies regarding interpretations and applications.
• Monitor the services provided by professional consultants and meet to review and assist them in their submissions.
• Prepare reports for management and clients.
• Assist in the development, compilation and distribution of technical data.
• Act as liaison between DASNY and clients and/or government agencies.
• Provide plan reviews for healthcare projects under Title 10 Public health Law for Article 28 certified facilities.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and/or testing of computerized systems/applications.
• Assist in the preparation of internal design work and modifications, sealing documents as required.
• Assist in the preparation of requests for proposals and the evaluation and selection of consultants.
• Identify new projects and violations requiring completion and dismissal.
• May train and evaluate employees.
• Assist Management in the development of policies.
• Develop, document and implement procedures.
• Assess, develop and implement internal controls, and oversee the review and testing of same.
• Undertake special assignments as directed.
• Must maintain regular attendance in accordance with DASNY attendance and leave policies.
• Must adhere to the NYS Information Security Policy Standards established and issued by the Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination. (Standards can be found on the Intranet.)

Supervision

May supervise one or more employees.

Physical/Mental/Visual Demands

Frequent travel is required (three to six days per month on average), using public transportation, DASNY vehicle, rental vehicle or personal vehicle. This travel may include overnight stays at public accommodations and related establishments. Requires exposure to weather and temperature extremes, loud noises, heights (climbing ladders, scaffolding, etc.) and other work safety hazards (chemicals, fumes, etc.) of a construction site. Must be able to work overtime or extended work hours as needed.

Work Environment

Official station is a standard office environment. Observation and testing are completed at construction sites, buildings and other facilities, where the use of Technical Services related equipment is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; minimum five years' relevant architectural experience with building and/or facilities construction and two years of supervisory experience or successful completion of designated supervisory training during probation. Associates degree may be substituted with at least eight years of relevant experience and two years of supervisory experience or successful completion of designated supervisory training during probation. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, licensed and registered in NYS as a Registered Architect; five or more years relevant post-license experience in the design and construction of higher education and/or health care facilities. Minimum two years supervisory experience. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Proficiency in PC applications, such as Outlook, Excel, Word, Access.
• Knowledge of Project Management software and ability to adapt to evolving technology.
• Ability to read and interpret Codes and regulatory requirements, and to review for compliance.

Benefits information:

• Choice of several health insurance plans
• Dental & vision insurance
• Membership in the NYS Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
• 13 vacation days per year
• 13 sick days per year
• 5 days of personal leave per year
• 12 paid holidays per year (plus one float day)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training & development opportunities

We offer additional benefits, which includes:

• Limited Work from Home (LWFH) additional telecommute days according to DASNY's Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Eligibility applies after 6 months of employment.
• DASNY is a government employer for purposes of the Public Services Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF Program). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance of certain student loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. For more information regarding PSLF Program and whether you qualify please visit the Studentaid.gov website.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.