Space Planning Manager; Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

4d

About The Position

Manage and drive the operational framework for space strategy at Wake Forest University (WFU). Support the Director of Space Strategies with the management of space for all WFU locations and run tactical operations for the Space Strategies group. The Space Planning Manager is the primary liaison for space-related requests at the university. This position is responsible for leading and governing the full lifecycle of space management. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus a minimum of four (4) years of professional-level experience in campus planning, space management, real estate, project management, facility data management, facilities assessment, space utilization analysis, or related fields, with at least two (2) years demonstrating project or program ownership. Equivalent experience is acceptable for the role instead of a degree.
• Adept with multiple space-related software systems and the ability to navigate related systems of varying complexity.
• Demonstrates ability to be a self-starting catalyst for change, expertly advocating for the organization and leading constructive dialogue, expressing disagreement tactfully.
• Skills to seek out information from internal and external stakeholders to ensure forward momentum of projects, priorities, and initiatives.
• Understands and actively supports organizational mission and goals; aligns own actions and priorities to achieve long-term organizational objectives.
• Understands formal and informal organizational structures and constraints. Recognizes and addresses underlying organizational issues.
• Utilizes innovative strategies to set and achieve challenging goals, measure performance, and improve outcomes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), web-based software applications, and familiarity with AI software.
• Ability to travel to on and off-campus locations for business activities.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record; must be insurable.
• Regular exposure to physical demands and hazards associated with active construction sites.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of higher education space standards (e.g., APPA, SCUP guidelines).
• Experience with AutoCAD, Archibus, and familiarity with GIS mapping software.

Responsibilities

• Space Request and Space Information Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for Wake Forest University space requests. Manage space request intake and maintain ownership of the space request log. Conduct stakeholder outreach and document evaluations of space needs. Proactively engage and consult with stakeholders to conduct in-depth assessments of functional space requirements given departmental program information. Engage with space governance committees to ensure and promote compliance with campus space standards. Collect and maintain space inventory data, ensuring its accuracy and integrity. Perform needs analysis to support the appropriate allocation of university space resources. Support periodic audits of space information systems through field and site inspections to verify use and occupancy of campus space and to ensure data integrity. Update and maintain the Space Strategies team's web presence. Lead the development and maintenance of space-occupancy software and drive ongoing improvements.
• Space Standards and Space Programming: Lead the development, University-wide implementation, and continuous development of space standards and guidelines. Function as a primary resource for campus constituents, providing authoritative interpretations and responses regarding space data and policies. Prepare communication materials that clearly articulate space management processes, recommendations, and scenarios for various audiences. Collaborate with department representatives to fully understand and document their programmatic space needs and requirements. Conduct studies and needs assessments to determine space requirements for institutional adaptation, such as new programs, enrollment changes, and departmental realignments. Prepare and evaluate alternative space scenarios to help optimize the university's resources. Collaborate with project managers, architects, and facilities staff to ensure space plans are executed accurately. Provide data and analytical support to senior leaders and committees to drive and inform space-related decision-making. Lead post-occupancy evaluations to verify space effectiveness, compliance, and data accuracy.
• Divisional Functions: Partner with Facilities teams to support campus departmental moves and other logistical aspects of the space plan execution. Partner with the Buildings, Space, and Archives team on effective signage solutions. Partner with Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning groups to ensure institutional space strategies are incorporated and aligned with capital and renewal projects.
• Collaborative Communications Initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University while maintaining effective working relationships within a diverse population and various cultural backgrounds. Consult with campus customers on an ongoing basis to identify needs and explore opportunities for operational improvement. Respond to inquiries and concerns from faculty, staff, students, administrators, and the public regarding services, and autonomously resolve as appropriate. Interface with other campus departments that use space systems to store space utilization or location information, and coordinate, synchronize, and work toward standardizing the data across systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees