Manager Wayfinding Designer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

• Project Leadership & Interior Design Execution: Lead interior design efforts for assigned capital and campus projects from programming through installation, ensuring alignment with university design standards. Depending on the project, develop or review interior design concepts, finish palettes, and material specifications. Produce design documentation, including drawings, renderings, and presentation materials. Ensure design intent is carried through construction and project closeout. Coordinate with project managers and design consultants to maintain consistency with campus identity.

• FF&E: Serve as one of TU's lead resources for FF&E across projects and campus initiatives. Develop furniture standards and application guidelines for diverse space types. Create FF&E packages including MD state Form G, specifications, budgets, and procurement documentation. Coordinate with vendors, manufacturers, and procurement teams. Oversee furniture installation, punch lists, and post-occupancy adjustments. Ensure selections balance aesthetics, durability, ergonomics, sustainability, and cost.

• Collaboration & Project Integration: Work closely with Planning, Construction, Facilities, and external consultants to integrate interior design into the overall project delivery process. Participate in design meetings, stakeholder engagement, and project reviews. Review consultant work for alignment with institutional standards and project goals. Provide technical input on constructability, durability, and lifecycle considerations. Support coordination between interior design, architectural, and engineering disciplines and TU stakeholders.

• Interior Design & Environmental Graphics: Enhance campus environments through thoughtful interior design and integration of graphics. Contribute to wayfinding and signage projects in coordination with Marketing & Communications and branding teams. Integrate environmental graphics that reinforce campus identity and user navigation. Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility within interior and signage solutions.

• In-house Design Support & Space Planning: Provide design services for smaller-scale renovations and campus requests. Perform space planning, layout optimization, and minor design interventions. Develop concepts and visualization tools to communicate ideas. Advise departments on furniture, finishes, and space utilization strategies. Support consistency with campus standards.

• Strategic Design: Support broader design strategy and innovation initiatives led by the Assistant Director. Contribute to the development and refinement of campus design standards. Research emerging trends in higher education environments and workplace design. Promote sustainable, flexible, and inclusive design solutions. Participate in post-occupancy evaluations to inform future projects.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in design, preferably in higher education or institutional settings.

• Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or related field; licensure preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in architectural and interior design, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strong portfolio showcasing design excellence across a range of project types and scales.

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; to handle sensitive materials with descretion and tact; to present ideas and information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to independently handle multiple tasks and set priorities.

Preferences (including additional education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities):

• Prior experience in higher education with space planning, architecture, interior design or related field preferred.