Principal Space Planner

Overview

The salary range for this position is $7300 - $8300 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

Position is open until filled with first review of candidates on September 8, 2025.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

The SDSURF’s Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) department participates in the university’s mission of research excellence by supporting and housing funded research in research foundation-owned and leased properties. The model of asset management performance balances research, university, and commercial space occupancies to maximize research opportunities, university needs, and utilizes commercial rent revenue to offset operational expenses. We are a team who collaborate on all daily functions while playing an integral role in the support and success of SDSU researchers.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

As the Principal Space Planner, reporting to the Director of FPM, you are a contributing force to the organization’s mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and objectives.  You will play a key role in our FPM team’s efforts to manage space occupancies, increase space efficiencies, and support the overall research activities of SDSU faculty housed in our buildings.  This work is vital to our operations and requires the use of advanced planning concepts and objectives to perform complex tasks and provide high level expertise in space/occupancy planning, architecture, data analytics and various other core facilities-related areas. You will be responsible for interfacing with senior executives, university representatives, faculty, tenants, vendors, contractors, and a variety of external agencies.  This work is performed using considerable judgment, and involves management of critical data, integrating processes and collaborating with others within an organization to maintain core services which support and foster research. 

Responsibilities

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

As a key player in the success of the FPM department and the Research Foundation, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

Space Planning, Occupancy Analysis and Space/Project Management 60%   

• Performs high level planning services through the application of advanced concepts in space and occupancy planning and organization. Includes design of interior spaces, plan/construction document and specifications generation, and management/administration of selected tenant improvement projects from concept to completion, following State and local jurisdictional codes and guidelines and Research Foundation / SDSU policies. Represent Research Foundation on SDSU-related projects.
• Analyze space requests and requirements, and proposals for sharing of facilities for greater efficiency, productivity, and cost containment and make recommendations for leadership review.
• Conduct bench marking and test-fit studies with respect to the application of space utilization objectives, occupancy strategies, and space utilization data management.
• Assist in discussions and policy development for allocation, management, utilization and ownership of Research Foundation space; develop implementation strategies for management review.
• Assist with space relocations, consolidations, back-fill of space, and development of space options for planning studies and analyses.
• Perform complex analyses to determine long range facilities planning requirements that guide key capacity and space implications for the Research Foundation.
• Develop conceptual budgets for relocations, tenant improvements, renovations, and furniture procurement to aid in the project planning process, ensuring alignment with Research Foundation strategic goals, capital improvement program, and long-range plans.
• Assist with updates to the Research Foundation’s Facilities Information System. Provide ad-hoc assistance to Research Foundation / campus staff on facilities systems and facilitate the flow, understanding and comprehension of facilities data.
• Assist with special projects including mapping of physical property data; coordinate and integrate data from various software programs (AutoCAD, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, the complete Microsoft Office suite, etc.)

Facilities/Property Data and Process Coordination 25%

• Analyze data, develop models, and provide responsive research, analysis and reporting in support of evolving planning efforts. This includes, but not limited to, data analytics for work orders, facilities lifecycles, utility trends, and other facilities / operational metrics for budgetary planning.
• Collaborate with department staff on various process improvement efforts including developing operational responsibilities and plans, utilizing facilities/maintenance datapoints.
• Manage occupancy planning-related activities (in particular utilization analytics) and integrate with broader workplace and real estate lifecycles to provide more holistic advice and outcomes for clients and the Research Foundation.
• Assist the Director and CFO in handling real estate acquisitions and dispositions as part of the real estate services provided to The Campanile Foundation.
• Create interpretive reports, graphic presentations, and other assessment tools to communicate research insights effectively.  Establish and maintain standards for data visualization design to ensure consistency and usability across dashboards.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in data visualization, recommending enhancements to existing designs.

Administrative Support 10%

• Provide administrative support by conducting research, preparing reports, handling information requests, and performing senior level clerical functions.
• Assist with regulatory/permit compliance for laboratories, in coordination with SDSU EH&S.
• Coordinate communications issued by the department.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings and conference calls using various technologies (Zoom, etc.)
• Create and maintain PowerPoint presentations, agendas, minutes.
• Edit and proofread confidential plans, correspondence, strategic plans.
• Create queries, data dumps, and analysis with pivot tables.
• Perform special projects as required.

Other Duties as Assigned 5% 

Qualifications

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD, architectural planning, and interior space planning/design. Experience developing and working with architectural drawings/floor plans.   
• Must be able to interpret policies, regulations and codes, and apply pertinent industry procedures and practices.
• Ability to read, understand and analyze information, reports, and research data, and communicate analysis succinctly and cogently.
• Ability to provide accurate analyses, graphic illustrations and information, as well as recommendations for strategies, for management review/decisions.
• Advanced skills in architectural/construction project management, as well as facilities/space management concepts.
• Ability to develop and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to apply knowledge, plan, prioritize and organize a wide workload and adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to be a highly resourceful team player, and work independently with little direction, with staff, tenants, consultants, contractors and vendors.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and good judgment, with drive to meet division objectives, plan and organize work, and reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to seek out new work methods and principles and to incorporate them into existing practices.
• Must be customer-focused; flexible; and forward thinking. Must be proactive; resourceful and reliable.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Must possess strong typing, spelling, punctuation, and editing skills with thorough knowledge of grammar.
• Must be highly skilled in Microsoft Office programs, specifically Word and Excel.
• Working knowledge of budget policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures including integrity and sound business ethics.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and ethical practices, analyze situations, and adopt effective courses of action.  Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment. 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong fiscal and analytical skills are essential.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and provide quality control and an outstanding level of customer service.
• Ability to understand standard office procedures; to operate standard office equipment; to learn office technology systems; to perform basic arithmetic calculations; and typing and keyboard skills.  
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly – e.g. AdobeSign, Smartsheet, Google Looker Studio Pro, etc.
• Ability to successfully establish and maintain positive and goal-oriented working relationships with a diverse population, demonstrating a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity, and display sensitivity to ethnically and culturally diverse individuals.

Education & Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
• 6-years of progressively responsible experience performing varied or specialized administrative and analytical duties and/or service as a program administrator.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Degree and advanced knowledge/skills in architecture and/or planning, or other planning-related field.
• Experience working within a higher education or research facilities management setting.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete.  Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• The salary range for this position is $7300 - $8300 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.