Columbia University · 13 hours ago
Space Planning and Design Manager
New York, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$78K/yr - $85K/yr
3+ years expColumbia University is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. They are seeking a Space Planning and Design Manager to support the School of Engineering and Applied Science in managing space data and capital project initiatives, while collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the physical environment of the school.
EducationHigher EducationMedicalTrainingUniversities
Responsibilities
Manage and maintain SEAS’s proprietary space data management system, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and completeness across the School’s space portfolio
Conduct semesterly space utilization surveys for laboratories, classrooms, offices, and student spaces
Develop reports, layouts, and visual materials (e.g., spreadsheets, dashboards, diagrams) to support planning analyses and leadership decision-making
Manage space request proposals submitted to the University, including preparation of justifications and impact assessments
Partner with academic departments, centers, and faculty to assess space needs, identify utilization opportunities, and support long-term planning
Identify space opportunities in support of pre-award grant proposals and provide post-award planning deliverables
Collaborate closely with SEAS Facilities and Operations on space management activities and provide backup support as needed
Contribute to special projects and initiatives as assigned
Represent SEAS in design, construction, and consultant meetings; document key decisions, milestones, and action items for leadership review
Develop comprehensive project presentations and reports to support fundraising, communications, and stakeholder engagement
Coordinate with University partners—including Environmental Health & Safety, Operations, Capital Finance, CUIT, Public Safety, and the Office of Sustainability—through all phases of design and construction for the new engineering building
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Office of Space Planning and Design, ensuring priorities are executed efficiently and aligned with SEAS strategic goals
Manage and analyze planning data to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic resource allocation
Develop and implement administrative systems, workflows, and documentation practices that enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability
Prepare executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations synthesizing data analysis, trends, and strategic recommendations for SEAS leadership
Track progress on SEAS-wide and departmental initiatives, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and follow-up actions
Document planning activities, decisions, and performance metrics to support long-term planning and institutional compliance
Proactively identify operational challenges and recommend process improvements or technology solutions
Serve as a key operational advisor to the Executive Director, providing analytical insight and guidance related to space planning and resource management
Develop and monitor budgets for space planning, renovation, and capital projects
Prepare cost analyses and maintain cash flow models for active and planned initiatives
Manage cost reconciliations and collect financial data related to operational and project expenses
Support SEAS Finance and SEAS Operations with procurement and financial coordination
Participate in financial discussions and negotiations related to space acquisition, in collaboration with SEAS leadership and the University Real Estate group
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience required. Preferred fields include architecture, planning, facilities management, or project management
At least 3 years of experience in space planning, facilities management, project coordination, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to manage space portfolios and planning initiatives aligned with institutional priorities
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management or scheduling software
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
Preferred
Experience in higher education or a complex institutional environment
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while working collaboratively within a team
Familiarity with construction project workflows, space transition planning, or occupancy management
Company
Columbia University
Columbia University is a research institution and Ivy League school for undergraduate and graduate students across various fields
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Columbia University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (433)
2024 (353)
2023 (333)
2022 (370)
2021 (283)
2020 (221)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$21.84MKey Investors
ValeNational Institutes of HealthNational Science Foundation
2024-09-24Grant· $0.02M
2023-08-17Grant
2023-05-04Grant· $20M
Leadership Team
Jeannette Wing
Executive Vice President for Research and Professor of Computer Science
Asaf Cidon
Assistant Professor, EE and CS
Recent News
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