Space Strategist

SAIT’s
**Facilities Management** department serves as steward of its building and grounds, ensuring physical operations are maintained and that spaces are safe, secure, functional and inviting for all who use them. We are guided by SAIT’s shared priorities of sustainable growth, innovation in applied education and student success — our work contributes to that.

**The Opportunity**

The
**Space Strategist** will act as the first point of project initiation prior to approval to proceed to Planning and Design or Project Management to ensure accuracy of requests and streamlining efficiencies within Facilities Management. The Space Strategist is directed by the Manager of Planning & Design collaborating with the Manager of Campus Operations and Maintenance, and SAIT’s Integrated Facilities Management service provider. This role also provides planning support to define projects in conjunction with other sections from Facilities for budgeting purposes; assists in preparing the annual Capital budget (Institutional Work Plan) as required.

The Space Strategist is responsible for the inventory, utilization, modification, and evaluation of academic and administrative facilities on our campuses and at off-campus facilities owned or leased by the institution.

**The Role**:

- Lead the development of applied and strategic opportunities in managing capital and non-capital initiatives in the area of strategic planning
- Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with internal SAIT stakeholders (faculty, staff, students) and external contractors and consultants
- Act as liaison and advisor to Design and Project Management to advise initial planning or preparation of turnover of finished renovation / new construction space to SAIT's space management inventory.
- Perform other duties related to operations, committee, special project and team building.

**Strategic Planning & Stewardship**
- Adopt a strategic view, considering SAIT’s short-term, mid-range and long-term needs, balancing the needs of the student, the departments and the institute.
- Develop and Implement space management policies and procedures in consultation with the Associate Director.
- Leads the development of long-term campus master plans, development of policies and procedures related to space management and utilization, and the allocation of space for academic, student, and service and support functions of the institution to maximize the utilization of space toward the SAIT's vision and goals.
- Strategic planning (Capital budgeting for facilities and equipment) including budgetary projections for capital and non-capital expenditures for the fiscal year including developing initial specifications and scopes for work performed in conjunction with institutional initiatives and various funding streams including donations, federal research funding and Alberta Infrastructure funding.
- Responsible for the allocation of academic and non-academic space within the Institution including any requirements for leased or temporary space.
- Supervises and leads the Strategic Space Planning team including but not limited to performance evaluation, corrective action, work unit goals and workflow.

**Manage Integrated Workplace Management Systems**
- **IWMS) - Archibus information input for space**
- Conduct annual space functionality evaluation of space/room performance and enable accurate benchmarking
- Utilizing Archibus deliver flexible, self-service reporting for effective space allocation and cost control, and accurate facility asset reporting
- Coordinate with Archibus Drawing administrators for cohesive implementation and use of information.
- Advanced Excel functions to create programs to manipulate space data for ad hoc internal reporting as well as mandated provincial government reporting such as Building and Land Information Management System (BLIMS), Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), and Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP) reporting.
- POC data with the ability to be proactive and resolve data discrepancies.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, Architectural Technology with 10+ years’ experience
- Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) or Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) experience
- Move Management of large organizations
- Experience leading and managing teams
- Strategic space planning
- Building operations and maintenance
- Enrolment in Council of Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) program
- International Facility Management Association (IFMA) or Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMI) program

**Preferred**
- Bachelor degree in Interior Design, Architecture or equivalent experience with 10 years’ experience
- Experience in financial, Project management process and asset management
- Experience as owner’s representative in project management, systems and construction background
- Experience in Strategic Space, Capital and Resource planning
- National