Associate Design Strategist

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$58,506 - $81,441•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Design Strategist (Project Manager) will apply methods of human-centered design, service design, and behavioral design to understand complex problem spaces and define opportunities for improvement as a key team member of the CHIBE Design Core Lab, collaborating with and supporting CHIBE faculty affiliates across the research project lifecycle. This role reports to the Design Core’s Director of Qualitative Insights with dotted-line reporting relationships to the Design Core Faculty Director and to the Director of Design Strategy at the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit. The Design Core Lab develops innovative and responsive solutions to persistent health challenges, strengthens engagement with those solutions, and increases the relevance and reach of our science. They will assist in developing and executing design research strategies and activities; Collect, code, and analyze unstructured qualitative data and translate findings into insights that inform problem definition and solution refinement; Help create artifacts like design research reports, user journey maps, workflow diagrams; Assist in developing service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and/or other design assets to solicit feedback while testing interventions in context; Support the facilitation of workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions with internal and external participants; Document design-informed and qualitative insights from projects for papers and presentations; support translation and dissemination of insights into case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement; and communicate findings and articulate actionable recommendations to diverse audiences. In addition to the above, the Associate Design Strategist (Project Manager B level) will plan and conduct research activities to advance project objectives independently. They will have advanced stakeholder management and communication skills to navigate complex, matrixed teams and diffused decision-making. They will manage the execution of research strategies, analyze and interpret data, lead the development of design assets and facilitate workshops, feedback sessions and participatory design sessions. They will lead the translation and dissemination of design insights and communicate to diverse audiences.

Requirements

Professional experience conducting service design projects demonstrating the ability to complete complex, thoughtful, and timely work with colleagues, clients or stakeholders.
Design-related degree or equivalent industry experience.
Experience with design research methods, including user interviews, ethnography, contextual inquiries, usability testing, surveys, or desk research.
Proficiency in accurate, thorough, and ethical data analysis, including qualitative coding, thematic analysis, and survey analysis.
Experience interacting with highly diverse populations and employing an empathetic, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach.
An understanding of human-centered design principles and service design techniques including journey mapping, blueprints, workflow maps, and prototyping.
Excellent communication skills, including writing, presenting, and facilitation.
Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in projects with complex workflows, stakeholders, and systems.
A high standard for ethical, equitable, and rigorous design practice.
Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required (for Manager Research Project A).
Master of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required (for Manager Research Project B).

Nice To Haves

Graphic, visual, and/or UI/UX design skills
Rapid prototyping and experiment design
Background in health care, whether as a clinician or in health care management or innovation
Experience in application of behavioral science, implementation science, informatics, and/or design thinking

Responsibilities

Responsible for day-to-day management of complex projects conducted with collaborators both internal and external to the University.
Leads development of study protocols, managing the detailed operations of projects, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, cultivating close relationships with community partner organizations; will assist in developing and executing design research strategies and activities.
Assist in developing and executing design research strategies and activities.
Collect, code, and analyze unstructured qualitative data and translate findings into insights that inform problem definition and solution refinement.
Help create artifacts like design research reports, user journey maps, workflow diagrams.
Assist in developing service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and/or other design assets to solicit feedback while testing interventions in context.
Support the facilitation of workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions with internal and external participants.
Document design-informed and qualitative insights from projects for papers and presentations.
Support translation and dissemination of insights into case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement.
Communicate findings and articulate actionable recommendations to diverse audiences.
Plan and conduct research activities to advance project objectives independently.
Manage the execution of research strategies, analyze and interpret data, lead the development of design assets and facilitate workshops, feedback sessions and participatory design sessions.
Lead the translation and dissemination of design insights and communicate to diverse audiences.

Benefits

Excellent healthcare
Tuition benefits for employees and their families
Generous retirement benefits
Wide variety of professional development opportunities
Supportive work and family benefits
Wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts
Tuition assistance
Generous retirement plans
Substantial amount of time away from work
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development
Access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and Special Services
Flexible Work Hours
Penn Home Ownership Services
Adoption Assistance