Senior Space Planner

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lots of leave

Free tuition for employees

Commuter transit benefit

Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan

Patriot Perks discounts

Health/dental/vision

Tuition dependent benefit

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Senior Space Planner to support strategic and operational space planning across its Fairfax, Manassas, Arlington, and satellite locations. You will report to the Director of Interiors and Space Planning and collaborate with project managers and move coordinators to optimize campus spaces.

The role requires at least five years in space planning or related fields, with strong data management, Archibus, and AutoCAD skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of space planning or related experience in higher education, corporate, or institutional settings.
• Experience with space management software and metrics.
• Ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate complex space assignments and moves.
• Experience in presenting to executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to manage space requests and develop recommendations aligned with priorities.
• Coordinate with project managers and move coordinators to assess and allocate space.
• Analyze space utilization data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for redesign.
• Develop space programs and diagrams reflecting unit needs and campus planning.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and contribute to long-term space plans.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to support executive decision‑making.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements and document space needs.

Skills

Space data analysis

Data management

Project coordination

Stakeholder communication

Independent work

Infographics & presentations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Archibus

AutoCAD

Lambent

Job description

Senior Space Planner – Role Overview

Senior Space Planner supports strategic and operational space planning across George Mason University’s campuses, including Fairfax, Manassas, Arlington, and satellite locations. Reports to the Director of Interiors and Space Planning.

Benefits

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two‑week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval)
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary.
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!

Additional Benefits

• Health/dental/vision benefits
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply)

Responsibilities

Space Planning & Analysis

• Collaborate with the Director to manage the space request including reviewing requests and developing recommendations aligned with institutional priorities. Prepare documentation to include justification, options, and recommendations for review by the Space Administration Committee.
• Ensure collaboration with project managers, and move coordinators to assess space needs, assign space, and coordinate moves across academic, administrative, and research units.
• Analyze space utilization data to identify inefficiencies, opportunities for consolidation, and areas for reallocation or redesign.
• Develop space programs and concept diagrams that reflect unit needs, institutional priorities, and progressive space use models (e.g., shared workspaces, hoteling, hybrid work).
• Conduct space feasibility assessments, including adjacency studies, occupancy modeling, and fit plans.
• Support the development of long‑term space plans as part of the annual budget cycle, incorporating historical context, leadership vision, and competing priorities.
• Participate in planning meetings with unit stakeholders to gather requirements, document space needs, and propose solutions.
• Maintain awareness of industry benchmarks and trends in higher‑education space planning to inform recommendations.

Space Data Management & Software Use

• Ensure space data supports the Director’s strategic planning efforts by maintaining accuracy and providing actionable insights within Archibus and Lambent. Records must be accurate and up‑to‑date, including room attributes, occupancy, departmental assignments, and utilization metrics.
• Coordinate with Facilities IT and external consultants on software upgrades, integrations, and enhancements from a user perspective.
• Collaborate with Facilities IT to ensure space standards and guidelines are documented and integrated into planning workflows.
• Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations using Archibus, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Teams to support space planning and executive decision‑making.
• Develop and deliver user training for departmental Archibus users and support onboarding of new users.
• Document and implement continuous process improvements in space data workflows and reporting.

Reporting & Surveys

• Prepare recurring and ad‑hoc reports, graphics, and presentations for internal stakeholders, including space utilization metrics, occupancy data, and planning scenarios.
• Support the bi‑annual SCHEV Space Inventory and Classroom Utilization Reporting in coordination with Institutional Effectiveness and Planning.
• Assist with Facilities & Administrative (F&A) audits and functionalization surveys in collaboration with Fiscal Services.
• Lead or support twice‑yearly academic and administrative unit location inventory audits, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Respond to data requests from university committees, leadership, and external agencies, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key liaison to academic and administrative units for space planning and data validation.
• Collaborate with Interiors and Space Planning team members to coordinate moves, renovations, and space assignments.
• Facilitate discussions with unit stakeholders to understand operational needs, constraints, and long‑term goals.
• Translate stakeholder input into actionable planning documents and visual presentations for executive review.
• Communicate planning recommendations and committee decisions to stakeholders in coordination with the Director.
• Support space‑related initiatives and committee work as assigned by the Director.

Other Related Duties

• Related tasks assigned by the supervisor and department head.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in space planning, facilities data management, or related functions in higher education, corporate, or institutional settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of space management software such as Archibus, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of space utilization metrics and how to apply them to planning decisions.
• Skill in analyzing space data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Skill in managing complex datasets and maintaining accurate records.
• Skill in coordinating space assignments and moves in collaboration with project managers and move coordinators.
• Skill in developing space programs, concept diagrams, and feasibility assessments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including academic and administrative units.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into executive‑level presentations and infographics.
• Ability to support continuous improvement in space planning processes and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• B.S. in interior design preferred.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience supporting move coordination and space assignment processes.
• Knowledge of SCHEV reporting requirements and F&A functionalization audits.
• Familiarity with GIS, Lambent, eBuilder, and Microsoft Teams integration for space planning.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.