Senior Workplace Strategist

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities, and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions, and processes to our work.

Position Overview

A Senior Workplace Strategist is a dynamic client-facing subject matter expert who implements design strategy to win and support workplace projects. This professional demonstrates a clear understanding of workplace strategy, processes, data, research, and change management. The Senior Workplace Strategist plays a key role in developing workplace strategy methodologies and toolkits, leads discovery efforts including stakeholder engagements, supports business developments efforts, and collaborates with design teams.

Position Responsibilities

•  Workplace Strategy Development: contribute to the development of the robust workplace strategy practice at SOM.

• Data Research and Analysis: Analyze quantitative data from multiple sources and translate findings into meaningful insights for our clients  

• User Research and Stakeholder Engagement: Plan and perform user research and data collection activities, as well as create and help facilitate engaging stakeholder workshops.  

• Scenario Planning, Space Planning and Utilization: Translate strategic insights into workplace programs, space types, and design guidelines that support diverse work styles. Develop future-state scenarios and workplace models to align with organizational growth and transformation. Develop space programs and actively participate in pre-design and programming phases of the projects.

• User Experience and Innovative Solutions: Develop and illustrate a range of relevant strategies for user experience, workplace, portfolio, and service and operational models that meet client objectives and can articulate trade-offs. 

• Change Management: Help clients implement a positive change experience by developing engagement strategies and tailored communications to ensure lasting results.  

 Leadership Responsibilities

• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.

• Directly supervises staff and is committed to direct reports’ professional development.

• Develops and engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.

• In collaboration with team members, develops a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.

• Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities.

• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.

• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Undergraduate or master’s degree in architecture, interior design, design strategy, organizational development, or similar.

• Proficiency with data analysis, visualization and management specifically with regard to workplace performance data and survey data.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to translate complex analysis and recommendations into clear and compelling narratives through a variety of formats.

• Enthusiastic collaborator and ability to work across disciplines.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro as well as data analytic software such as Excel and Google Sheets. Familiarity with CAD and Revit.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellent command of fundamental communication design including composition, information graphics, and writing.

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $90,000 - $110,000. 

Our Culture

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.