Manager of Design and Space

About the role

The Manager of Design & Space provides leadership for university-wide space planning, facilities documentation, design standards, and interior design initiatives across all university locations. This position manages space utilization, allocation, and reporting to support strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and long-range campus planning. The Manager is responsible for maintaining the University’s space inventory, CAD drawing library, facilities databases, and construction documentation for more than 4 million square feet of facilities. The position collaborates with university stakeholders, architects, engineers, contractors, and project teams on capital projects, renovations, furniture and equipment planning, and campus development initiatives. This position oversees campus signage, wayfinding, architectural graphics, flooring standards, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) programs while providing technical design and drafting support. The Manager also supervises two direct reports and provides guidance and oversight to staff and external partners to ensure projects meet University standards, budget requirements, and design objectives.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Personal Leave: Relax with 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.

Qualifications

• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Required Licensure: Current Florida Department of Professional Regulation Interior Design License required. A current Florida Architecture License will also be considered. Candidates who are not currently licensed must be eligible to obtain the required license within two years of hire.
• Required Experience: 1–3 years of related professional experience in design. Project management experience is critical. Experience with space planning, facility design, or related commercial/institutional design environments.

Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and computer-aided drafting.
• Knowledge of space planning, building codes, building finishes, commercial furniture specifications, and equipment planning.
• Knowledge of power/data communications and building systems.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and programming projects.
• Experience with project management, budget development, and coordination of design/construction projects.
• Ability to analyze and report space utilization and facilities data.
• Ability to develop and maintain architectural drawings, building plans, maps, and infrastructure graphics.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with faculty, staff, university leadership, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise staff and coordinate the work of outside contractors and design professionals.
• Ability to develop creative, functional design solutions that support University branding, aesthetics, and budget requirements.