IDEO.org is a non-profit organization created by IDEO, the design and innovation firm well-known for its successes in innovation across the private, public and social sectors. IDEO.org focuses specifically on challenges related to poverty and seeks to improve the lives of people in low-income communities across the globe through innovation solutions and the spread of human-centered design through the social sector. IDEO.org works directly with non-profits and social enterprises on projects using the human-centered design process across a wide range of focus areas related to poverty alleviation, including health, agriculture, financial services, gender equity, water and sanitation and community building. IDEO.org is committed to sharing and spreading the human-centered design approach and the emerging ideas related
to the challenges of poverty by harnessing networks like HCD Connect.org and building a fellowship program for future innovators in the social sector.

The Sr. Design Strategist will join the IDEO.org design team to create opportunities for nonprofits, social enterprises, and foundations on an array of topics, such as agriculture, water and sanitation, health, financial inclusion, unemployment, and more. Collaborating in small multidisciplinary teams, the Sr. Design Strategist will simplify complex problems into compelling design solutions. You may have been trained as an industrial or interaction designer, have a background in service or organizational design, and/or developed other skillsets that allow you to think strategically and systematically to create scalable design opportunities at every level. If you’re ready to join a team that’s passionate about ending poverty and have the experience and skillset to make it a reality, this is exactly what you’ve been looking for…

Because you’ve always wanted to…

1) Tackle poverty related challenges and see tangible impact from your work.

2) Partner with nonprofits, foundations and social enterprises.

3) Travel the world while connecting and designing with individuals and communities firsthand.

So, are we a good match?

• You love ambiguous problems and are able to capture a clear and concise design strategy. You thrive in making the complex simple and digestible.

• You have examples of problem solving where you have lead organizations to arrive at successful design solutions.

• You are an expert at translating insight into design opportunities within constraints.

• You are confident and flexible and have experience working in interdisciplinary teams where harmonious collaboration is imperative.

• You are able to guide the design process from framing a challenge, to research and insights, to concept and implementation.

• You have examples of work grounded in insights about people. You’ve applied your skills to real-world human problems (not just artistic or academic exercises).

• You are comfortable interfacing with and leading clients throughout the design process.  

• You speak in a visual language. You’ve got a knack for succinctly capturing thoughts and expressing them to others. You have a strong design voice and point of view on where to go and why.

• You are an excellent communicator with great instincts about how to synthesize and tell a captivating story, build a deep rapport, and give honest feedback.

• You can easily switch from macro to micro; from understanding the strategic value and business dynamics of an organization’s product or service, to caring about visual design at a pixel or message level.

Have what it takes?

• 8-10 years of professional experience in your discipline, or a graduate degree and 5+ years of professional experience

• English fluency (written and spoken)

• Ability to work in San Francisco

• Ability to travel

What we would like from you:

• Cover Letter

• Résumé

• A sample portfolio of 2-3 examples of your work that you’re most proud of and the systematic or strategic approach to the process that you employed. Explore your work as visually as possible.  

HOW TO APPLY:

Only apply when your application is complete with the requirements below.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

Click 'I'm Interested', then click 'Apply with Resume', then upload your completed application (CV, Cover Letter, and sample portfolio as ONE document. Thank you! If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]