Associate Design Strategist

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine•Philadelphia, PA

1d•$58,506 - $81,441

About The Position

The Associate Design Strategist (Project Manager) applies human-centered, service, and behavioral design methods to understand complex problem spaces and identify opportunities for improvement. As a key member of the CHIBE Design Core Lab, the role collaborates with and supports CHIBE faculty affiliates throughout the research project lifecycle. The Design Core Lab develops responsive solutions to persistent health challenges and works to strengthen engagement with those solutions and increase the relevance and reach of its science. The position is contingent upon funding. The role assists with developing and executing design research strategies and activities; collecting, coding, and analyzing qualitative data; and translating findings into insights that inform problem definition and solution refinement. Work products may include design research reports, user journey maps, workflow diagrams, service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and other design assets. The position also supports workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions; documents insights for papers and presentations; helps disseminate findings through case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement; and communicates actionable recommendations to diverse audiences. At the Project Manager B level, the role independently plans and conducts research activities, manages research strategy execution, analyzes and interprets data, leads development of design assets, facilitates sessions, and leads the translation and dissemination of insights. This level requires advanced stakeholder management and communication skills for working with complex, matrixed teams and distributed decision-making. The position reports to the Design Core’s Director of Qualitative Insights, with dotted-line reporting relationships to the Design Core Faculty Director and the Director of Design Strategy at the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit.

Requirements

Professional experience conducting service design projects, with the ability to complete complex, thoughtful, and timely work with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.
A 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 using an empathetic, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach.
Understanding of human-centered design principles and service design techniques, including journey mapping, blueprints, workflow maps, and prototyping.
Excellent writing, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in projects involving complex workflows, stakeholders, and systems.
Commitment to ethical, equitable, and rigorous design practice.
Manager Research Project A: Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Manager Research Project B: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 5 to 7 years of experience, or Master of Science or Master of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Graphic, visual, and/or UI/UX design skills.
Experience with rapid prototyping and experiment design.
A health care background, such as clinical work or health care management or innovation.
Experience applying behavioral science, implementation science, informatics, and/or design thinking.

Responsibilities

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.
Create or contribute to design research reports, user journey maps, workflow diagrams, service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and other design assets.
Support or lead workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions with internal and external participants, depending on project level.
Document design-informed and qualitative insights for papers and presentations.
Support or lead translation and dissemination of insights through case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement.
Communicate findings and actionable recommendations to diverse audiences.
At Project Manager B level, independently plan and conduct research activities, manage research strategy execution, analyze and interpret data, and lead the development of design assets and facilitation of research sessions.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options.
Paid time away from work, including time for vacation, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family needs.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities, and other University resources.
Discounts and special services, including arts, cultural, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance for eligible expenses.