Institutional Space Planning and Management Associate Director

Posted: 1/22/26
Deadline: 2/10/26
Reference Number: #1106835

Michigan State University

Institutional Space Planning and Management is seeking an energetic and strategic Associate Director to lead thoughtful, mission-driven solutions for campus space and facilities. From unit-level needs to campus-wide initiatives, you’ll influence planning efforts that ensure a vibrant, adaptable, and forward-looking campus environment.

Position Summary
Assists in directing the operations of the Institutional Space Planning and Management unit of the Office of Finance in conjunction with the Office of the Provost. Serves as liaison to Senior Administrators, Deans, and Unit Directors for space and facilities planning matters. Directs and participates in university-wide space management/planning committees. Assists in the overall direction of near-term and long-range planning of campus space development in support of the institutional mission.

Organizes, administers and participates in annual space, alterations, and capital planning functions for the university; participates in the planning, design and implementation of major infrastructure projects including occupancy and operational planning; collects and applies data for planning related to long term planning needs, policy, and budget development. Provides direction, oversight and strategic planning for MSU’s interdisciplinary facilities and management team.

Duties include:

• Develop and sustain collaborative relationships serving as liaison and resource person for MSU units including Colleges and Departments, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, Residential and Hospitality Services, Office of Research and Innovation, Intercollegiate Athletics. Consult with and provide advice to
  administrative unit heads in order to resolve space and facilities planning problems. (20%)
• Receive, review, evaluate and authorize the execution of unit-initiated space requests. Direct the planning and execution of alterations projects to improve space utilization and support programmatic objectives. (20%)
• Prepare, direct or participate in the planning and programming of major space initiatives and capital projects. (10%)
• Participate in the preparation, establishment and administration of budgets, policies and procedures. (10%)
• Plan, develop, and implement short- and long-range objectives and strategic initiatives. Direct and analyze studies, reports, assessments, and plans regarding space and facility related matters. (10%)
• Partner with other university stakeholders to identify and develop facilities and operational improvement opportunities. Chair and participate in space management committees. (10%)
• Respond to information requests from Executive Management. (10%)
• Assist in directing the operations of the Institutional Space Planning and Management unit. Supervise and direct the work of staff and outside consultants. (10%)

This is an on-campus, in-person position.

Minimum Qualifications
The job requires: knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business, Architecture, or a related field; eight or more years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in institutional planning, management and assessment, budget development and capital planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate or professional degree.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Experience in space and facility planning within a higher education environment.
• Proven ability to lead integrated, collaborative, and interdisciplinary planning teams.
• Experience with space program development and assessment, along with knowledge of learning and research environments.
• Strong listening skills and a collaborative, creative, and strategic approach to problem-solving.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Strong analytical abilities, including the capacity to synthesize complex information and support data-driven decisions.

Application Instructions
MSU Careers at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and search for job posting
#1106835. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.