SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?

The Washington, DCoffice 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's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed to meet the needs of a diverse staff. It includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 401(k), parental leave, wellbeing resources, PTO immediately available to new hires, plus 15 extra Fridays off - on top of holidays. Join us and see first-hand how these and other programs - like one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities - build culture, enhance collaboration and yield richer, more inclusive solutions.

If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don't leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we're looking for - and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact careers@smithgroup.com