Federal Position Descriptions
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Architect of the Capitol

Architect of the Capitol
Responsibility
Management Scope

The Architect of the Capitol had a received $1.344 billion in appropriations in fiscal 2023 and had 2,530 full-time employees.3

Primary Responsibilities
  • Oversees the planning, direction and timely execution of all programs to deliver effective services to various stakeholders.
  • Preserves, maintains and enhances the facilities and grounds that make up the Capitol campus comprised of over 20 buildings, nearly 18.4 million square feet of space and more than 570 acres.
  • Executes maintenance, renovation and new construction in and around the U.S. Capitol Building, the House and Senate office buildings, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Capitol Power Plant.
  • Provides oversight and advice on all operational aspects of business functions, such as design; construction and project management; procurement and contracting; budget and financial management; information technology and human resources.
  • Develops, implements, annually updates and maintains a long-term strategic plan.
  • Establishes and maintains effective communications and working relationships with members of Congress, oversight committees, heads of federal and other appropriate government agencies and external organizations and communities.
  • Serves on interagency, national and/or international special working groups, task forces or expert panels on special projects or studies critical to the resolution of far-reaching operating issues and problems.
  • Translates new legislation into program goals, actions and policies; interprets the impact of new legislative requirements on agency programs.
  • Serves within the following organizational bodies:
  • Member of the Capitol Police Board
  • Member of the Congressional Accessibility Services Board
  • Ex officio member of the United States Capitol Preservation Commission.
  • Member of the District of Columbia Zoning Commission
  • Member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
  • Member of the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission
  • Member of the Art Advisory Committee to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Strategic Goals and Priorities
The Architect of the Capitol has four goals needed to carry out the organization’s mission to serve, preserve and inspire: maintain awe-inspiring facilities, provide extraordinary services, foster an innovative and empowered workforce, operate as one team, dedicated to one mission.
Requirements
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret/sensitive compartmented information security clearance.
  • Possess a degree related to architecture, engineering, urban planning, business administration or a related field. A graduate-level degree in business or a technical field is desirable.
  • Ability to function in a nonpartisan manner.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience as a facilities management executive in a demanding environment. A candidate with architectural or engineering training is highly desired. Exposure to unique and historically significant facilities is highly desirable.
Competencies
  • Maintain external relationships and develop trust with a professional demeanor among contractors, senior officials from other government agencies and the private sector.
  • Proven leadership of significant complexity, size and scope.
  • Possession of exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to deal effectively with adversity.
  • Experience managing programs subject to continual or intense congressional and media scrutiny or controversy is a plus.
  • Ability to prepare and manage a large budget subject to federal oversight as well as operate an agency with multiple types of appropriations is a plus.
Past Appointments
  • Thomas E. Austin PE, CCM, PMP (May 2024 to present): Director of Engineering, Arlington National Cemetery; facility programs division chief, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, U.S. Army Colonel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.4
  • J. Brett Blanton (2020 to 2023): deputy vice president Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; vice president, ATCS, PLC; joint engineer, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Secretary of Defense.5
  • Stephen T. Ayers FAIA, LEED AP (2010 to 2018): acting architect of the Capitol; deputy architect and chief operating officer Architect of the Capitol; superintendent, Library Buildings and Grounds, Architect of the Capitol.6
AGENCY

Architect of the Capitol

Mission: The mission of the Architect of the Capitol agency is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences.1

COMPENSATION

Level II $221,900 (2 U.S.C. §1802)

REPORTS TO

The U.S. Congress

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Footnote
  1. https://www.aoc.gov/
  2. https://www.aoc.gov/about-us/history/architects-of-the-capitol/thomas-e-austin
  3. https://www.aoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/aoc-performance-and-accountability-report-fy-2023-508-highlights.pdf
  4. Leadership Directories.
  5. Leadership Directories.
  6. Leadership Directories.
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