Higher Education Design Strategist

SmithGroup is an award-winning, multinational integrated design firm with a team of 1,300 experts across 19 offices in the U.S. and China. We employ research, data, advanced technologies and design thinking to help clients solve their greatest challenges. Our specialistsdevelop beautiful, sustainable, future-focused solutions for healthcare providers, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces. We are deeply committed to our promise to Design a Better Future - for our clients, communities and employees. Are you ready to help us get there?

The Madisonoffice of SmithGroupis looking for aHigher Education Design Strategistto join our team.

Working with us, you will:

• Plan and leadclientstrategyengagements.

• Lead in all aspects of design research, research execution, and analysis (data gathering and research,engaging diverse stakeholders, andassembling multiple stakeholder perspectives.)

• Structure, analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary researchand data (quantitative and qualitative)to generate actionablematerials

• Articulate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development ofdesign solutions and organizational recommendations

• Producehigh-qualitydeliverablessuch as client presentations, strategic design briefsandcollateral materials

• Leadprogramming efforts(observations, data gathering, interviews and workshops),development of program and spacerequirement reports

• Developdesign strategy briefsthroughwriting,analysis,and graphiccontent development

• Work with project teamsto implement strategy through planning and design concepts

• Support and partner withstrategy teamandothers to create thought leadership

• Initiatedesign and marketing ideasrelativeto thestrategyteam

• Assist in establishingastrong network of SmithGroupstrategistsacross offices

• Support design strategy awareness and inclusion in proposals and pursuits

• Support and developstrategymarketing materials and proposal graphics

• Assist with guiding and on-boarding of other internal staff

• Strengthen and grow team expertise

An ideal candidate has:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant fieldminimum

• 10 years professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience inHigher Educationprogramming, planning,design,andstrategy

• Proficient in MS Office (advanced skill in Excel), Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD and/orRevit(preferred but not required)

• Familiarity with data analytics tools,e.g.Power BI, Tableauis a plus but not required

• Strong graphic skills, including data visualization, processand adjacency diagrams, and plan visualization

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Proficient in programming and planning

• Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations

• Sufficient knowledge ofcommercial officeindustry

• Analytical, creative thinker

• Flexible and adaptable to work with multiple teams and initiatives

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• Collaborative, team-player mentality as foundational quality

SmithGroup offers competitive compensation and an excellent benefit package, including 401(k) and wellbeing resources. We promote a healthy work/life balance for our staff which includes an alternative work schedule that provides employees with an additional 15 days off per year (usually Fridays), as well as hybrid options that give our team flexibility to work within our vibrant office culture or remotely, as needed. We also offer paid time off that is immediately available to new hires, 8 paid federal holidays, and parental leave benefits.