Senior Space Planner

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP); Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University seeks a senior Space Planner to manage space requests, analyze utilization, and develop programs aligned with institutional priorities.

You will collaborate with the Director, coordinate with move coordinators, and prepare reports and presentations for executive review. Strong skills in Archibus/AutoCAD and data visualization are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in space planning or facilities data management.
• Familiarity with space-management software and occupancy metrics.
• Ability to translate data into actionable space plans and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to manage space requests and prepare documentation for committees.
• Coordinate with project managers and move staff to allocate and relocate space.
• Analyze space utilization data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities.
• Develop space programs and diagrams reflecting unit needs and strategic priorities.
• Conduct feasibility studies and occupancy modeling for future space use.
• Support long-term space plans and annual budgeting processes.
• Prepare reports, graphics, and presentations for internal stakeholders.
• Serve as liaison to academic and administrative units for space planning.
• Coordinate moves, renovations, and space assignments with Interiors team.
• Translate stakeholder input into executive-ready planning documents.

Skills

Space planning

Data analysis

Communication

Presentation design

Project coordination

Collaboration

Visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Archibus

AutoCAD

Job description

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to manage space requests, reviewing submissions and developing recommendations aligned with institutional priorities, and preparing documentation for 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in space planning, facilities data management, or related functions in higher education, corporate, or institutional settings.
• Knowledge of space‑management software such as Archibus, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of space‑utilization metrics and how to apply them to planning decisions.
• Analytical skills to analyze space data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong data‑management skills to handle complex datasets and maintain accurate records.
• Coordination skills to work with project managers and move coordinators on space assignments and moves.
• Experience in developing space programs, concept diagrams, and feasibility assessments.
• Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders, including academic and administrative units.
• Self‑propelled and collaborative work style in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into executive‑level presentations and infographics.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in space‑planning processes and technology.

Salary

$125,000 Max; salary commensurate with education and experience.

Application

Apply on George Mason website: JOBS.GMU.EDU