Associate / Senior Associate, Operations

About MKThink

MKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to “build less, solve more.” Our data-informed solutions improve human performance at less operational, environmental, and capital cost than conventional approaches. Founded in 2000, MKThink practices from the Pacific Edge of San Francisco to the Oceanic Edge of O‘ahu. At MKThink, we believe we can play a role in helping create a better and more sustainable future by creating intelligent spaces that improve the quality of life. Our greatest resource is our staff and their ability to contribute fully as teammates and individuals. We bring together thinkers from various disciplines to solve problems at the nexus of architecture, culture, and the environment.

The Position

We seek a detail-oriented, analytically minded, and process-driven individual to support MKThink’s Project Management Office (PMO) and Operations team. This is a temporary, contract-based role with the potential to convert to full-time based on performance and business need. MKThink’s PMO operates as an internal consulting team supporting project execution through systems innovation and backend data maintenance and analysis.

The Contract Associate / Senior Associate (20hrs/wk) will support data entry, project controls, database management, and workplan creation across MKThink’s project portfolio, with particular emphasis on data quality control of quantitative analysis. This role will also support the development of AI models for business optimization.

If you are interested in a career track in project controls, operations, or design business administration — with the opportunity to work at the intersection of architecture, data, and process — this might be the job for you.

Responsibilities

Database Management & Quality Control

• Maintain and update project and consultant databases, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and completeness of data across platforms.
• Perform quality control review of quantitative analyses in both simple and complex workbooks
• Reconcile data across multiple systems (project management software, Excel trackers, pdf documents
• Develop and maintain repeatable QC checklists and processes for recurring quantitative deliverables.
• Review AI processes and outputs to ensure accuracy of models and exports
• Perform data entry and recordkeeping in support of project management systems and reporting.

AI-Enabled Workflow

• This role is expected to work fluently with AI tools
• Comfortable performing repetitive, detail-oriented tasks independently and consistently.
• Fluency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Copilot, or similar) for accelerating data entry, database maintenance, and quantitative analysis workflows.
• Skilled at identifying which tasks are appropriate to delegate to AI versus which require direct human judgment.
• Skilled at providing appropriate and relevant input to AI tools.
• Rigorous in reviewing and quality-controlling AI-generated outputs for accuracy before they are used or distributed.

Project Controls & Earned Value Analysis

• Apply earned value management (EVM) methodology to track project cost and schedule performance
• Navigate project, program, and portfolio management
• Navigate opportunities and constraints of different management tools and processes

Graphic Design & Presentation Support

• Ability to negotiate complexity and simplicity in data representation in Microsoft software and project management tools.
• Represent data in graphically clean and simple formats.
• Combine clarity of data and graphic hierarchies in database and visualization tools.
• Track deliverables and process.
• Maintain visual consistency and adherence to MKThink brand and formatting standards across project documents and presentations.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in ongoing training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated fluency in earned value analysis (EVA/EVM),
• Strong background in project management and data analysis
• Demonstrated fluency with AI tools
• High level of proficiency in Excel
• Comfort working with large or complex datasets.
• Strong attention to detail
• Process orientated; comfortable with repetitive, quality-control-oriented work.
• Familiarity with database or project management software.
• Interest in graphic design and information hierarchy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Working with Others

• Self-awareness and the ability to analyze past performance
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and ask for help when needed.
• Flexibility in collaborating with project teams and consultants; ability to receive and clarify feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Kindness, Patience, and support of colleagues.

Interests

• Demonstrated interest in at least two of the following:
• Project Management
• Process Optimization
• The built environment.
• The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, engineering, business, architecture, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Some experience in Project Management. PMP accreditation or CAPM track is a plus.
• Experience with project controls, budget tracking, or earned value analysis is a plus.
• Experience in a consulting, planning, or architectural design environment is a plus.
• Experience in a small business environment is preferred.

How to Apply

• Please click “apply” to submit:
• Resume
• Cover letter describing your fit for the role.
• 3-5 work samples demonstrating your interest or ability to combine project management, data analysis, and graphic design