Project Lead Jobs at GFT with Visa Sponsorship
Project Lead jobs at GFT drive delivery across technology and software initiatives, working closely with cross-functional engineering and client teams. The company has a track record of sponsoring H-1B visas for this function, making it a viable target if you're building a U.S. career in technical project leadership.
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INTRODUCTION
GFT Architects, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Justice Architectural Project Manager to join our team and help advance our unified vision for growth in the justice and corrections market. This strategic leadership position is ideal for a seasoned professional with expertise in justice facility design, client relationship management, business development, team leadership, and project delivery. The successful candidate will be expected to expand client relationships, support revenue growth, and contribute to new business development within the justice and corrections market.
As part of GFT’s integrated Architecture & Engineering practice, you will provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Justice Architecture team while collaborating with market and regional leaders to advance strategic growth initiatives. You will help shape a justice practice that combines design innovation with a deep commitment to community-centered, human-focused environments. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement. Candidates should be available for periodic in-person collaboration at our Justice Architecture mid-atlantic offices based on project and business needs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Oversee and develop our Justice Architecture team while fostering high-quality engagement with clients and design partners.
- Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for GFT within the justice and corrections market, promoting the firm's expertise and capabilities.
- Collaborate with market discipline leaders to execute a unified growth strategy across regions.
- Assist and/or lead project pre-positioning efforts, proposal development and presentations to key clients.
- Maintain a positive, client-focused approach and cultivate trusted relationships with clients.
- Lead by example by driving high-quality production of construction documents, including detailed drawings, specifications, estimates, and constructability assessments.
- Research and maintain a thorough understanding of client requirements, including preferences, programs, guidelines, and standards.
- Develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets while ensuring successful project delivery and achievement of performance goals.
- Direct multidisciplinary project teams to serve clients with the aim of deepening our relationships and growing our market presence in the region.
- Lead the development of design solutions and presentations that clearly communicate project goals and design intent to clients and stakeholders, including government and public entities.
- Ensure that project quality requirements are followed, production reviews are effective, and constructability reviews are completed.
- Conduct and oversee comprehensive code analysis, life-safety reviews, egress evaluations, and product and material research.
- Lead projects from conceptual design through construction completion and client turnover.
- Guide production teams in the development of technical details including coordination with engineering disciplines, partnering designers, and subconsultants.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary team efforts and oversee the production of drawings and technical specifications.
- Supervise project teams during the permitting, bidding, shop drawing review and construction administration activities, including RFI responses.
- Help guide and mentor entry-level and emerging architectural staff.
EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE
What you will bring to our firm:
- Strong client relationship skills with the ability to lead project-focused meetings and presentations.
- Demonstrated success in developing client relationships, securing new work, and contributing to revenue growth within the justice and corrections market.
- Organized individual with a positive team-building spirit.
- 10+ years’ experience working in the justice and corrections market.
- 15+ years’ experience working in the field of architecture.
- Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree.
- Knowledge of justice design standards, including ACA and NIC guidelines.
- Experience leading projects, business development pursuits, and client relationship management.
- Experience with software such as Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, BlueBeam Revu, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Project.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Able to work collaboratively with staff and clients on multiple projects and across multiple offices.
- In-depth knowledge of International Building Codes (IBC), NFPA, ADA, LEED, and related industry standards.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Licensed Architect (Registered Architect) in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to obtain reciprocity where required.
- 10+ years’ experience in Architectural Project Management.
COMPENSATION
- The range for this position is salary range is $180,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
LOCATION
Location: Washington DC & New York
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Full-Time
SALARY
Salary: $180,000 - $200,000
EEO STATEMENT
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Project Lead Jobs at GFT
Frame Your Credentials Around Delivery Outcomes
GFT's Project Lead roles sit at the intersection of technology delivery and client management. Structure your resume around measurable outcomes from software or IT projects, not just responsibilities. USCIS scrutinizes whether the role genuinely requires a specialty degree.
Target GFT's Open Roles by Practice Area
GFT organizes its work across banking, insurance, and capital markets technology verticals. Filtering your search by industry vertical increases relevance and signals to hiring managers that you understand their client base, not just generic project methodology.
Verify Your Profile Is Visible on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to browse active Project Lead openings at GFT filtered by H-1B sponsorship. Applying through a platform that surfaces sponsorship-confirmed roles reduces time spent chasing employers who won't file.
Understand How GFT Structures the LCA Step
Before GFT can file your H-1B petition, it must certify a Labor Condition Application with the DOL confirming your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for your work location. Delays here push back your start date, so ask your recruiter about their typical LCA timeline early.
Time Your Application Around the H-1B Cap Window
Cap-subject H-1B registrations open each March for an October 1 start date. If you're targeting GFT without existing H-1B status, your offer needs to be in place before early March. Missing the window means waiting a full year for the next cycle.
Prepare for a Technical and Stakeholder Competency Interview
GFT's Project Lead interviews typically assess both delivery methodology and client-facing communication skills. Come prepared with examples from software implementation projects where you managed competing priorities across engineering teams and external stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GFT sponsor H-1B visas for Project Leads?
Yes, GFT sponsors H-1B visas for Project Lead roles. The H-1B is the primary pathway for this function because Project Lead positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant specialty field, satisfying USCIS's specialty occupation standard. Sponsorship availability can vary by office location and project pipeline, so confirm directly with your recruiter during the offer stage.
Which visa types are commonly used for Project Lead roles at GFT?
The H-1B is the most common visa for Project Lead positions at GFT. If you're already in the U.S. on a valid status such as OPT or STEM OPT, GFT can file a cap-subject H-1B petition on your behalf. Candidates already holding H-1B status with another employer can transfer to GFT without waiting for the annual cap, which makes the process significantly faster.
What qualifications and experience does GFT expect for Project Lead roles?
GFT typically looks for candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related technical field, combined with hands-on experience managing software delivery projects. Familiarity with agile or scaled agile frameworks is common across their postings. Industry exposure in financial services technology, particularly banking or capital markets, strengthens your candidacy considerably given GFT's core client base.
How do I apply for Project Lead jobs at GFT?
You can browse and apply for Project Lead roles at GFT directly through Migrate Mate, which filters listings by H-1B sponsorship so you know GFT is open to filing before you apply. Applications go through GFT's own hiring process, which typically includes an initial recruiter screen, a technical or methodology interview, and a final round assessing stakeholder management and delivery experience.
How do I plan my timeline if GFT sponsors my H-1B as a Project Lead?
If you're cap-subject, the H-1B registration window opens in March and the earliest employment start date is October 1. That means you need an offer finalized before early March and should expect several months between selection and your start date. GFT will need to file a DOL Labor Condition Application before USCIS can receive the petition, so factor in that preparation time when negotiating your start date with your hiring manager.