Experience Specialist (Contract)

IDEO • Chicago, IL

8h • Onsite

About The Position

IDEO Chicago is seeking a contract Experience Specialist to support design teams and the studio’s internal community from operational and cultural perspectives. The role involves anticipating needs and challenges and helping elevate the client and community experience. The Experience Team creates authentic, on-brand workplace and event experiences, treating both large and small moments as opportunities to inspire. The team plans formal events and makes everyday adjustments to the environment and protocols, with a hands-on attitude and willingness to take on tasks of any size.

The Experience Specialist contributes to the day-to-day operation of the office and helps prepare and coordinate meetings and events. The role also supports meeting and catering requests, creates hospitality-focused experiences, builds local vendor relationships, and assists with client and visitor travel logistics. The position is in-person in the studio Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; some meetings and events may require work past normal working hours. The hourly range depends on candidate experience, location, and other factors. If the role converts to a full-time position, it is eligible for employee benefits.

Requirements

• At least 2–3 years of experience in a related role.
• Experience in hospitality, theatre or stage production, or a concierge-type role in a design studio, creative consultancy, or corporate environment.
• Excellent coordination, time management, and organizational skills.
• Natural ability to prioritize tasks.
• Success managing a high volume of responsibility in a fast-paced environment.
• A no-job-too-small mentality and willingness to pitch in hands-on.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with a variety of personalities and work styles.
• Proficiency with standard cloud-based applications, including Google Apps.
• Helpful and empathetic approach, with the ability to think and react quickly.
• Calmness and resilience, with comfort handling tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in working in a creative environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute hands-on to day-to-day office operations, including calendaring, hospitality, logistics, supplies, and the studio environment, in collaboration with the Experience Team and others.
• Be present in the studio to ensure timely preparation, setup, and coordination of meetings and events, sometimes past normal working hours.
• Help prioritize requests for meetings, rooms, and catering, and resolve conflicts when necessary.
• Help design and coordinate on-brand, hospitality-focused experiences for clients, guests, and colleagues.
• Build relationships and a local network, especially with caterers, restaurants, and other food vendors, to expand resources for outstanding experiences.
• Welcome clients and visitors and help coordinate their travel and logistics.

Benefits

• IDEO encourages work-life balance and allows autonomy in the design process and career.
• If the role converts into a full-time position, it is eligible for employee benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed