Senior Space Planner

SmithGroup; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Hybrid work environment

PTO 3 weeks

Paid federal holidays

Fridays off

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Wellbeing resources

Paid parental leave

Flexible spending account

Voluntary insurance options

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Career coaching

Professional development

Salary range $129,000 to $152,000 per

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

SmithGroup in Chicago seeks a Senior Space Planner to drive research, data-driven planning, and client-focused solutions. You will lead analyses, develop space models, and deliver cohesive presentations with internal teams and clients.

The role collaborates with data analysts and contributes to thought leadership through publications. A professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Data Science or related field is required, with 10+ years of experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Lead in research, analysis, and data-driven planning solutions for higher education.
• Manage projects: scopes, fees, contracts, deliverables, and fee management.
• Collaborate with data analysts to create space models and analyses.
• Present findings to clients and internal teams.
• Develop project presentations, reports and deliverables.
• Build and maintain positive client relationships and satisfaction.
• Develop new tools and data visualizations; contribute to thought leadership.
• Attend conferences and contribute to publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with leadership to meet targets and participate in business development.
• Contribute to recruiting, coaching, and career development.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the research, analysis, and distillation of primary and secondary research and data to generate hypotheses and planning recommendations.
• Manage projects by developing scopes and fees, negotiating contracts, overseeing deliverables and quality.
• Work closely with data analysts to create detailed space models and analyses.
• Participate in and often lead presentations with internal colleagues, consultants, and clients.
• Lead production of project presentations, plan reports and deliverables for cohesive outcomes.
• Develop and manage client relationships and advocate for client satisfaction within contractual bounds.
• Lead or assist in developing new tools and data visualizations.
• Advance space planning thought leadership through writing and conference presentations.
• Work with CS&A leadership to meet technical and administrative targets.
• Participate in business development and proposal support; recruit and mentor staff.
• Demonstrate SmithGroup's values: passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, integrity.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Client relations

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Data Science or related fields

Registration or licensure in relevant field, if applicable

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Archibus

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

The Chicago office of SmithGroup is looking for a Senior Space Planner to join our team.

Working with us, you will:

• Lead in the research, analysis, and distillation of primary and secondary research and data (quantitative and qualitative) to generate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development of planning solutions and organizational recommendations.
• Manage projects by developing project scopes and fees, negotiating contracts, overseeing deliverable production and quality, and fee management. Manage whole or potions of large-sized planning projects.
• Work closely with data analysts to create detailed space models and perform analyses for clients.
• Participate in, and often lead, presentations involving internal colleagues, consultants, and/or clients to share findings and recommendations.
• Lead efforts around production of project presentations, plan reports and all project deliverables to ensure an integrated and cohesive outcome.
• Develop and manage positive client relationships and work as the client’s advocate by balancing client expectations within the context of contractual obligations, studio goals, and client satisfaction.
• Lead or assist in the development of new tools and data visualizations.
• Advance SmithGroup's space planning thought leadership through writing, analysis, and presentations at local, regional, and national conferences.
• Work with the Director of CS&A to meet technical and administrative targets.
• Participate in business development efforts through participation in professional organizations and supporting proposal development and interviews.
• Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.
• Consistently exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to SmithGroup's core values - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity.

An ideal candidate has:

• A professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Data Science or related fields
• Minimum 10+ years related experience preferred
• Experience with higher education planning, space management, and/or institutional research
• Proficient understanding of space types and space planning practices in higher education at both building and campus levels
• Knowledge of data-based information and analytics; familiarity with data visualization software is preferred
• Demonstrated thought leadership through written publications and conference presentations
• Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations
• Registration or licensure in relevant field, if applicable
• Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team-based setting, collaborating, mentoring and client satisfaction
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite; experience using Tableau, Power BI, and Archibus
• Ability to travel regionally and/or nationally approximately 25-30%.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind.

• flexible scheduling
• hybrid work environment
• 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off
• 8 paid federal holidays
• 15 extra Fridays off
• medical coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• wellbeing resources
• paid parental leave
• flex spending account
• voluntary insurance options
• 401(k) program with employer matching
• tuition reimbursement program
• one-on-one career coaching
• professional development opportunities
• salary range $129,000 to $152,000 annually
• performance-based bonus each year

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.