Senior Space Planner

Society for College and University Planning; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 112,500 - 137,500; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Space Planning & Analysis professional to collaborate with the Director to manage space requests, develop recommendations, and coordinate moves across academic, administrative, and research units.

The role emphasizes data-driven space utilization, dashboards, and visuals using Archibus, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Teams to support executive decision-making and long‑term planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Generally, a minimum of 5 years 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.
• Skill in analyzing space data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Skill in coordinating space assignments and moves with project managers and move coordinators.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director to manage space requests and develop recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
• Ensure collaboration with project managers and move coordinators to assess space needs, assign space, and coordinate moves.
• 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 and institutional priorities.
• 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.
• Participate in planning meetings with unit stakeholders to gather requirements and propose solutions.
• Maintain awareness of industry benchmarks and trends in higher education space planning.

Skills

Space planning

Facilities data management

Archibus

AutoCAD

Space utilization metrics

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Independent and collaborative work

Feasibility assessments

Develop space programs

Move coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Archibus

AutoCAD

Microsoft Teams

Job description

About This Organization

George Mason University

Job Duties

Space Planning & Analysis

• Collaborate with the Director to manage the space request, 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 shall 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Generally, 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.

Fairfax, VA

$125,000 Max; Salary commensurate with education and experience

Other Info

Apply on George Mason website: JOBS.GMU.EDU