Description

The Director of Design Review provides executive-level oversight of the Kiawah Island Community Association’s Design Review functions. This position ensures that all improvements, construction, and exterior modifications within the community are reviewed and administered in accordance with the Association’s governing documents, design guidelines, and approved development standards. This role leads the day-to-day operations of the Design Review Office and serves as the primary liaison between architects, designers, contractors, and KICA Members. This position also works closely with the Design Review Board and Design Advisory Committee. 

Responsibilities and Duties

Design Review Administration 

• Manage the Association’s design review process, including application intake, review coordination, approvals and communications with applicants.
• Coordinate all submittals and ensures that all submittals comply with the Associations covenants and bylaws, design guidelines, processes and approved development standards.
• Maintain consistent interpretation and application of all architectural standards.
• Engage consulting professionals when necessary to evaluate complex applications.

Department Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Design Review Department, including staff, consultants, and administrative processes.
• Develop and implement operational procedures that ensure timely and professional handling of design review applications.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, approvals, decisions, and architectural precedents.
• Develop and implement membership disclosures of Association Design Review activities.
• Coordinate with the Director of Human Resources on the hiring and firing activities of the Design Review department, to ensure equitable practices.
• Conduct performance appraisals, commendations, disciplinary action, wage recommendations & bonus recommendations for direct reports.

Compliance and Documentation

• Coordinate with the Association’s compliance or enforcement staff regarding violations of architectural standards.
• Ensure that approved plans are followed during construction through to final inspection.
• Maintain clear separation between the application review process and enforcement activities when required by Association policy.

Design Review Governance

• Initially serve as the staff liaison to the Design Advisory Task Force (DATF) in structuring Association design review functions.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Design Review Group (DRG) and Design Advisory Committee (DAC).
• Coordinate meeting agendas, materials, and supporting documentation.
• Provide professional recommendations and analysis to assist in decision-making.
• Implement and administer decisions of the KICA Board and/or DRG in accordance with established authority.
• Assist in the ongoing review and refinement of architectural standards, design guidelines, and review procedures.

Member & Professionals Communication

• Serve as a key point of contact for KICA Members and their contracted design professionals and contractors, regarding design review procedures and requirements.
• Provide clear guidance to applicants regarding standards, submission requirements, and review timelines.
• Promote transparency and fairness in the architectural review process.
• Exercise appropriate discretion and tact when handling confidential matters involving Staff, Property Owners, Board and Committee members.
• Interact and communicate with the COO, co-workers, committee members, Board of Directors, KICA Members, Realtors, Architects, Contractors, Building Officials, and others.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Develop and administer the department budget for Design Review department.
• Oversee application fees, deposits, and other revenue associated with design review activities.
• Recommend fee structures that appropriately support departmental operations.
• Provide oversight to ensure the areas of operation under his/her control operate in accordance with KICA policies, within approved budgets and in a direction to accomplish the Association’s priorities.

Other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in architecture, construction management, planning, or related field preferred.
• Professional licensure or certification (Architect, Landscape Architect, Planner, or similar) preferred.
• Minimum 5-10 years of administrative, project coordination, or architectural review experience.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects with a strong focus on budget oversight and delivering exceptional client or stakeholder satisfaction.
• Previous experience working with homeowners’ associations, planned communities, or design review boards is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex architectural review processes. Excellent judgement, objectivity and the ability to be solution-oriented.
• Familiarity with architectural software, Microsoft Office Suite, and document management systems. Ability to develop key processes and implement workflow management tools and systems.
• Experience developing and implementing business processes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to recruit and manage full-time staff members.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work in a board and volunteer environment.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
  • Repetitive motion related to normal computer and desk operations.
  • Walking on uneven surfaces during on-site meetings and/or inspections.
  • Ability to work in an outdoor environment, up to several hours.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and driving record check.
  • Maintain a valid South Carolina Driver’s License

Kiawah Island Community Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.