Workplace Strategist

Overview

As a Workplace Strategy Lead in Gensler's North Central Region, you will be a key partner in defining and executing the future of workplace strategy at the firm. You will lead complex programming, visioning, and strategic planning engagements for a diverse range of clients—from established institutions navigating hybrid work to high‑growth companies reimagining their environments entirely. You will translate organizational ambition into spatial strategy, blending user insight, business performance, and design possibility.

You will work closely with the Regional Strategy Director to build the NCR Strategy practice from the ground up, establishing credibility with clients and colleagues, developing emerging strategists, and defining what leading with strategy means in this region.

Based in Chicago. Requires full‑time presence in the office with reasonable flexibility for personal needs. This is not a remote role.

• Lead workplace strategy and programming engagements from discovery through implementation, including space calculations, scenario modeling, test fits, occupancy analytics, and strategic visioning
• Design and facilitate workshops (virtual and in‑person) for groups ranging from 10 to 100+ participants, translating organizational objectives into actionable spatial strategies
• Synthesize research, data, and stakeholder input into compelling strategic narratives that inform design direction and client decision‑making
• Partner with architecture and design teams to ensure seamless integration of strategy into project execution, serving as the strategic voice throughout the design process
• Build and maintain client relationships independently, serving as a trusted advisor on workplace transformation, real‑estate strategy, and organizational change
• Develop methodology, tools, and frameworks that elevate the quality and consistency of the NCR Strategy practice’s workplace offerings
• Mentor and upskill junior strategists on programming, facilitation, strategic planning, and client engagement
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposals, pitches, and thought leadership that positions Gensler as the strategic partner of choice for workplace transformation
• Collaborate with Strategy, Brand, Sustainability, Product, and Digital Experience teams to deliver integrated, cross‑functional solutions
• Represent the practice in internal and external forums, building visibility and credibility of Strategy in the North Central Region

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in architecture, interior design, urban planning, organizational development, business strategy, or a related field
• 7–10 years of professional experience executing workplace strategy, space programming, real‑estate portfolio strategy, or management consulting with a focus on the built environment
• Deep technical fluency in workplace programming, including space standards, utilization analysis, scenario planning, test fits, and adjacency planning
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead high‑impact workshops and strategic engagements with senior stakeholders
• Proven track record delivering strategic recommendations that have directly informed design outcomes and organizational decision‑making
• A strong portfolio (2–3 projects) demonstrating command of strategic communication, data visualization, and persuasive storytelling
• A clear point of view on the future of work—not trends for trends’ sake, but a grounded perspective on how organizations, technology, and space are evolving together
• Experience working in or closely with architecture and design firms; fluency in how strategy and design intersect is essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating in an evolving, ambitious practice that is actively being defined
• Self‑motivated, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), and digital collaboration…