Associate Media Planner

About MKThink
MKThink is a future-forward design firm grounded in spatial intelligence and dedicated to “Build Less, Solve More.” We work at the intersection of architecture, systems thinking, and strategy—helping institutions make better decisions about space, resources, and long-term impact. Our interdisciplinary team brings together designers, strategists, and analysts to solve complex challenges across workplaces, school districts, universities, and civic organizations.

The Role
We are seeking an Associate, Planning & Strategy (Built Environment) to support our consulting work at the intersection of space, data, and organizational strategy.

This role is suited for early-career professionals transitioning from architecture, planning or urban design practice into strategic advisory work who are ready to take on meaningful responsibility. Candidates should be able to work independently, think critically, and contribute to project work with limited oversight while continuing to grow within MKThink’s frameworks.

Rather than focusing primarily on designing buildings, this position centers on shaping the strategies, systems, and decisions that inform what gets built, and why.

Who This Role Is For
This role is for candidates who:

Have a background in a design discipline and strong spatial intuition

Are seeking to move beyond traditional design delivery into strategy and advisory work

Are curious about how space influences performance, behavior, and outcomes

Want to work across disciplines—integrating design, data, and systems thinking

Are motivated to have broader impact at organizational or societal scales

Are comfortable taking ownership of workstreams and contributing to client-facing deliverables early on

Responsibilities
Discovery and Problem Definition

Contribute to client engagements to define and frame complex challenges related to space, performance, and organizational goals

Conduct research to build a systems-level understanding of the problem context

Help develop guiding principles and success metrics

Identify data needs and opportunities to strengthen decision-making

Analysis & Insight Development

Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs into clear, actionable insights

Translate findings into organizational and spatial implications

Develop scenario models to test strategies against key performance criteria

Collaborate with analysts and designers to connect data with physical outcomes

Strategy & Recommendations

Contribute to the development of space programs, organizational models, and planning strategies

Develop implementation roadmaps

Contribute to policy frameworks and design guidelines

Produce clear, well-structured deliverables, including presentations, reports, and planning documents

Stakeholder Engagement

Plan and facilitate interviews, workshops, focus groups, and surveys

Communicate complex ideas clearly through verbal, visual, and written formats

Project & Client Support

Support project planning and coordination

Contribute to presentations and deliverables

Assist with business development materials

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong ability to synthesize research and communicate insights clearly

Spatial thinking skills and ability to visualize spatial concepts

Quantitative fluency and ability to work with data teams

Excellent storytelling across formats (written, verbal, visual)

Creative problem-solving and systems thinking

Ability to structure work, manage time effectively, and produce high-quality outputs with limited direction

Proficiency with:

Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)

Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)

Architectural design tools (CAD and/or 3D modeling software)

Exposure to GIS or analytics is a plus

Experience in project management is a plus

Working with Others

Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on performance and drive continuous improvement.

Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support when needed.

Flexibility in collaborating with teams and clients; able to receive, clarify, and incorporate feedback.

Demonstrates kindness and actively supports colleagues.

Interests
Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following:

The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture.

The psychology behind human behavior in the built environment.

The impact of built environment solutions on community strength, human health, environmental resiliency, or learning outcomes.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or related discipline preferred

3-5 years of relevant experience

Interdisciplinary experience or experience in consulting, planning, or real estate development is a plus.

How to Apply
Applications should include:

Cover letter.

A single PDF with your resume and work samples demonstrating your fit for the role.

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