SmithGroup
Join us as a
Higher Education Design Strategist
at
SmithGroup , an integrated design firm renowned for cultivating a top‑ranked culture while pioneering award‑winning, innovative design solutions. Our teams create exceptional design solutions across healthcare, science, technology, workplace, mixed‑use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks, open spaces, and urban environments. We are seeking passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries, and create a more resilient future.
Responsibilities
Plan and lead early‑phase client strategy engagements (programming, master planning, feasibility study and/or concept design).
Lead all aspects of design research, research execution, and analysis (data gathering and research, engaging diverse stakeholders, and assembling multiple stakeholder perspectives).
Structure, analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary research and data (quantitative and qualitative) to generate actionable materials.
Articulate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development of design solutions and organizational recommendations.
Produce high‑quality deliverables such as client presentations, strategic design briefs, and collateral materials.
Lead programming efforts (observations, data gathering, interviews and workshops), development of program and space requirement reports.
Work collaboratively with other team members to integrate specialized technology and equipment requirements.
Develop design strategy briefs through writing, analysis, and graphic content development.
Work with project teams to implement strategy through planning and design concepts.
Support and partner with strategy team and others to create thought leadership.
Initiate design and marketing ideas relative to the strategy team.
Assist in establishing a strong network of SmithGroup strategists across offices.
Support design strategy awareness and inclusion in proposals and pursuits.
Support and develop strategy marketing materials and proposal graphics.
Assist with guiding and onboarding of other internal staff.
Strengthen and grow team expertise.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (minimum).
15+ years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in higher education programming, planning, design, and strategy.
Specialized expertise in the programming, planning, and design of a wide spectrum of learning environments, including classrooms, instructional labs for STEM, health education, professional schools, and informal collaboration spaces.
Demonstrable thought leadership through written publications and conference presentations.
Proficient in MS Office (advanced skill in Excel), Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD and/or Revit (preferred but not required).
Familiarity with data analytics tools, e.g., Power BI, Tableau (a plus but not required).
Strong graphic skills, including data visualization, process and adjacency diagrams, and plan visualization.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Proficient in programming, planning, and benchmarking.
Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations.
Analytical, creative thinker.
Flexible and adaptable to work with multiple teams and initiatives.
Entrepreneurial mindset.
Collaborative, team‑player mentality as a foundational quality.
Benefits
Flexible scheduling and a hybrid work environment.
3 weeks of PTO within the first year of employment (with the option to purchase additional time off).
8 paid federal holidays and an additional 15 extra Fridays off.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Well‑being resources and paid parental leave.
Flex spending account and voluntary insurance options.
401(k) program with employer matching.
Tuition reimbursement program.
One‑on‑one career coaching and professional development opportunities.
Apply To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our recruitment team.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
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Higher Education Design Strategist
at
SmithGroup , an integrated design firm renowned for cultivating a top‑ranked culture while pioneering award‑winning, innovative design solutions. Our teams create exceptional design solutions across healthcare, science, technology, workplace, mixed‑use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks, open spaces, and urban environments. We are seeking passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries, and create a more resilient future.
Responsibilities
Plan and lead early‑phase client strategy engagements (programming, master planning, feasibility study and/or concept design).
Lead all aspects of design research, research execution, and analysis (data gathering and research, engaging diverse stakeholders, and assembling multiple stakeholder perspectives).
Structure, analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary research and data (quantitative and qualitative) to generate actionable materials.
Articulate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development of design solutions and organizational recommendations.
Produce high‑quality deliverables such as client presentations, strategic design briefs, and collateral materials.
Lead programming efforts (observations, data gathering, interviews and workshops), development of program and space requirement reports.
Work collaboratively with other team members to integrate specialized technology and equipment requirements.
Develop design strategy briefs through writing, analysis, and graphic content development.
Work with project teams to implement strategy through planning and design concepts.
Support and partner with strategy team and others to create thought leadership.
Initiate design and marketing ideas relative to the strategy team.
Assist in establishing a strong network of SmithGroup strategists across offices.
Support design strategy awareness and inclusion in proposals and pursuits.
Support and develop strategy marketing materials and proposal graphics.
Assist with guiding and onboarding of other internal staff.
Strengthen and grow team expertise.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (minimum).
15+ years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience in higher education programming, planning, design, and strategy.
Specialized expertise in the programming, planning, and design of a wide spectrum of learning environments, including classrooms, instructional labs for STEM, health education, professional schools, and informal collaboration spaces.
Demonstrable thought leadership through written publications and conference presentations.
Proficient in MS Office (advanced skill in Excel), Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD and/or Revit (preferred but not required).
Familiarity with data analytics tools, e.g., Power BI, Tableau (a plus but not required).
Strong graphic skills, including data visualization, process and adjacency diagrams, and plan visualization.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Proficient in programming, planning, and benchmarking.
Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations.
Analytical, creative thinker.
Flexible and adaptable to work with multiple teams and initiatives.
Entrepreneurial mindset.
Collaborative, team‑player mentality as a foundational quality.
Benefits
Flexible scheduling and a hybrid work environment.
3 weeks of PTO within the first year of employment (with the option to purchase additional time off).
8 paid federal holidays and an additional 15 extra Fridays off.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Well‑being resources and paid parental leave.
Flex spending account and voluntary insurance options.
401(k) program with employer matching.
Tuition reimbursement program.
One‑on‑one career coaching and professional development opportunities.
Apply To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our recruitment team.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr