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Who we are
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Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
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Job Summary
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The Associate Director of Campus Planning is a strategic leadership role within the Campus Planning and Facilities Design department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). This position is responsible for guiding campus-wide space planning, utilization strategies, and the physical planning of capital projects. The Associate Director provides data-informed recommendations, develops long-range planning strategies, and collaborates with institutional stakeholders to support RPI’s academic and operational goals. The Associate Director also oversees a team responsible for space management and analysis, design support, and implementation of minor renovations, moves, and space-related services.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Interior Design, Facilities Management, or a related field.
- Five (5) or more years of demonstrated experience in space management, including use of space management systems and data-driven space analysis.
- Proven experience managing space planning projects such as relocations, renovations, and departmental space assignments.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Familiarity with FM Systems or a comparable enterprise space management platform.
- Experience developing institutional space policies and standards.
- Experience supporting campus master planning efforts.
Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in lieu of a specific degree.
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Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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- Working knowledge of capital project planning, physical programming, and feasibility analysis.
- Familiarity with space management systems (e.g., FM Systems or comparable CAFM/IWMS platforms) and institutional data governance practices.
- Understanding of building systems, interior space standards, furniture systems, and renovation processes within an academic environment.
- Knowledge of applicable building codes, accessibility standards (ADA), and institutional policies related to space use and facilities planning.
- Awareness of trends in higher education pedagogy, research environments, workplace planning, and hybrid/remote space utilization.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, competing priorities, and diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory capabilities, including mentoring, performance management, and team development.
- High proficiency with data analysis and eporting tools, spreadsheets, and space visualization techniques (e.g., test fits, stacking plans).
- Ability to think strategically while effectively managing tactical and operational details.
- Proven ability to lead change and advocate for best practices in campus space planning and utilization.
- Ability to supervise professional staff and manage external consultants as needed.
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Representative Job Duties
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Long-Range Planning & Strategy
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Develop and implement long-term space utilization strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
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Analyze space usage trends to forecast future facility needs and inform campus master planning and capital investment decisions.
Project & Space Management
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Oversee the operation and ongoing maintenance of the Institute’s space management platform (FM Systems).
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Manage and evaluate departmental space requests to ensure alignment with university priorities.
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Lead space planning initiatives, including departmental relocations, reconfigurations, and new space assignments.
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Guide the development of physical programming and feasibility studies for major capital projects.
Data Management & Analysis
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Conduct analytical studies of campus-wide and department-specific space utilization.
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Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of institutional space data.
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Develop data-driven reports and recommendations to support executive-level decision-making.
Leadership & Supervision
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Provide supervision, mentoring, and performance management for space planning and support staff.
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Oversee staff responsible for interior space design, furniture and finishes selection, move coordination, and small renovation projects.
Policy & Standards Development
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Lead the development and implementation of space use policies, standards, and planning procedures.
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Ensure equitable, consistent, and transparent space allocation processes across the university.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
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Serve as a liaison to academic and administrative units to assess and address space needs.
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Foster effective collaboration with deans, department heads, and facilities staff to align space planning with institutional objectives.
Subject Matter Expertise & Advocacy
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Serve as the Institute’s subject matter expert on campus space planning.
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Monitor, evaluate, and apply industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in space management and campus development.
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Shift
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Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required
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Travel
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Local travel between campus locations only |
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Driving
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Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use
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Starting Salary/Rate
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Expected hiring range: $90,000 - $120,000
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
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Application instructions
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Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
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| Job Posted Date |
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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Total Compensation and Benefits Information
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Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
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