Who We Are
Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.
Facilities & Capital Planning at Simon Fraser University (SFU) provides strategic guidance and integrated planning services to support academic, research, and institutional priorities across SFU's campuses. We partner with faculties, administrative units, and Facilities Services teams to ensure campus spaces are functional, efficient, and aligned with SFU's long-term vision for growth, sustainability, and operational excellence. The team operates as part of SFU's Campus Planning & Development portfolio.
About the Role
The Facilities Planner, Facilities & Capital Planning, supports SFU's Academic Plan by leading the planning, design, and strategic allocation of teaching, research, and administrative space across all campuses. This role ensures effective space utilization in alignment with academic priorities, enrollment targets, and government requirements. It manages the space inventory and prepares annual reports for the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The Facilities Planner ensures compliance with BC Universities' Space Standards, supports funding applications for capital projects, and translates functional needs into planning strategies, architectural briefs, and master plans. The role collaborates with faculties, departments, and campus stakeholders and oversees consultants and staff involved in programming, planning, and project coordination.
Core competencies include facilities planning, capital project management, and stakeholder engagement in complex academic environments. Demonstrated ability to lead multi-million-dollar capital and renovation projects aligned with SFU's Academic Plan. Skilled in translating user needs into functional programs and architectural concepts, ensuring regulatory compliance with BC Universities Space Standards and building codes. Strong capabilities in block planning, feasibility studies, cost control, budgeting, scheduling, and Ministry reporting. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, financial systems, and other applications an asset. Known for collaborative leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving across multidisciplinary teams. Experienced in managing consultant contracts and guiding design processes to optimize teaching, research, and administrative space.
Full Job Description
Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Interior Design or Planning, certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and related professional designation (i.e., P. Eng, AIBC, RID), or a related field, with a minimum of five years of experience design planning or implementing projects of varying size and complexity, including estimating, scheduling, coordination, cost control, reporting, and design review, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Facilities Space Programming and Planning: Proven ability to lead planning processes for academic and support facilities, including programming, conceptual design, and space utilization assessments.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills to engage faculty, staff, and students through workshops, focus groups, and consultations; able to align diverse interests with institutional priorities.
Project and Risk Management: Expertise in project planning, budget development, scheduling, and risk mitigation strategies, particularly for complex renovations and capital projects.
Analytical and Data-Informed Decision Making: Competence in conducting needs assessments, feasibility studies, cost evaluations, and producing evidence-based planning reports to inform strategic decisions.
Contract Administration and Consultant Oversight: Skilled in procurement, contract negotiation, and consultant management, including reviewing deliverables and ensuring accountability through all project phases.
What We Offer
At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):
4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)
Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members
Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds
And more! View our benefits brochure
Prorated for part-time employees
Additional Information
Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.
SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.
We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.
