Service Designer

Welcome to Civilla

We are a nonprofit design studio dedicated to changing the way our public-serving institutions work. Our team is excited to bring on an experienced Service Designer within our Detroit studio. As part of a multi-disciplinary design team, you’ll help us streamline access to public benefits in Michigan and across the country. This is an opportunity to work directly with government, using human-centered design to improve the lives of millions of Americans. 

At Civilla, you’ll be responsible for being the research expert for our projects, deeply understanding the needs of end users, crafting simple and usable solutions, and actively communicating with our government partners.

A successful candidate will be an organized go-getter with solid experience conducting research, developing insights, and designing in complex service environments. With a focus on our safety net work, you will use design to improve people’s experience accessing our country’s largest safety net programs.

You are a quick learner, optimistic, detail-oriented and collaborative—ready to roll up your sleeves and join a team that’s driven by a deep sense of purpose. 

What you’ll do

• Apply a service design mindset to challenges with a focus on user needs

• Structure human-centered research and lead our internal and partner teams through fieldwork, analysis of findings, and insight development

• Collaborate with Civilla and government staff to translate research insights into actionable solutions, navigating from concept to implementation

• Analyze existing quantitative and qualitative data from our government partners to identify opportunities for improvement and evaluate the impact of our work

• Create deliverables, reports, presentations, and/or videos to document and share insights in an engaging and inspiring way

Qualifications

• Detroit-based or ready to spend time in the Motor City! This position is not remote

• A minimum of 3-5 years as a service designer in a professional working environment. Experience working in the public sector is a plus

• Proven ability to scope research, lead fieldwork, conduct interviews, perform desk research, lead synthesis and communicate findings to stakeholders

• Experience working with low-income communities and building relationships with people from diverse socio-economic and geographic backgrounds

• Ability to think strategically, assess trade-offs, and make decisions based on insights gathered through research

• Ability to work flexibly and efficiently, exercising a balance between research rigor while remaining open to exploring new methods and approaches

• An empathetic, collaborative and positive mindset. Ability to form strong relationships with our team and partners

• Exceptional written/verbal communication and storytelling skills. Ability to conduct research in a second language preferred

• Open to learning, committed to personal growth, and proactive about seeking feedback

• A passion for contributing to mission-driven work on a highly collaborative team

Details

• Application: We will accept applications on a rolling basis but applications received by March 20, 2020 will be prioritized. Send us your:

  • Resume

  • Portfolio: highlight your skill set, your research/design process, and the work you’re most proud of.

  • A two-minute video: introduce yourself and explain why you’re excited about this opportunity. If you are unable to upload your video to this application we will contact you directly and request it via email. 

• Structure: This is a full-time contract position, with the potential to transition to a permanent role in 6-9 months.

• Come as you are: Civilla is an equal opportunity employer. Women, non-binary individuals, minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, and people of all ages are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, including those with direct experience with social safety net programs.

• Note: Civilla cannot sponsor applicants for work visas at this time.

About Us

Civilla is a nonprofit design studio dedicated to changing the way our public-serving institutions work. To learn more, visit: www.civilla.com