Experience Specialist (Contract)

IDEO • Chicago, IL

13d • Onsite

About The Position

IDEO Chicago is seeking an Experience Specialist to support design teams and the studio’s internal community from operational and cultural perspectives. The role uses insight and curiosity about people’s needs to anticipate challenges and improve client and community experiences. The Experience Team aims to make the workplace and hosted experiences reflect IDEO’s brand, treating both major events and everyday details as opportunities to inspire. The specialist is expected to pitch in on tasks of all sizes and help create hospitality-focused experiences for clients, guests, and colleagues.

The role is in person at the studio Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The specialist works with the Experience Team and others to support office operations, prepare for meetings and events, coordinate hospitality and logistics, and maintain the studio environment. Some preparation and coordination may take place past normal working hours. The hourly range depends on candidate experience, location, and other factors; no specific amount is provided. 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 on your feet.
• 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

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

What This Job Offers

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