Civilla is a nonprofit design studio based in Detroit, Michigan. We’re dedicated to changing the way public-serving institutions work—and putting humans first while doing it. Our nationally recognized team of researchers, designers, and strategists is optimistic about the promise of human-centered design in the public sector. We’re bound by a common goal: to positively impact one billion people through institutions that are more compassionate, more effective, and less expensive to operate.

the opportunity

Civilla is seeking a Design Lead/Manager who centers equity in their work and has prior management experience. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead projects from end-to-end, leveraging your experience to both directly design and guide the project team to create human-centered public systems in Michigan and across the country. 

Additionally, you will support the growth of designers/researchers by enabling and guiding their career journeys. To advance Civilla's mission, you will work with our partners to deliver products, services, and experiences that significantly impact and improve the lives of millions of people.

We use the term “design” throughout this job description. We believe design can mean many things depending on people’s exposure to and experience with it. At its core, it is the ability to conduct research to understand how people navigate a challenge, identify common patterns, and develop solutions that best meet peoples’ needs. We encourage you to apply even if you are not academically trained in design.

the role

You will have the opportunity to leverage your depth of experience leading creative, strategic, and operational aspects of human-centered design projects to:

• Manage a team of researchers/designers through all phases of a project (Discovery, Design + Testing, Pilot, Implementation) while supporting individual growth opportunities.
  

• Guide an approach to research and design that is rooted in equity, build meaningful relationships with the people who are most impacted by our work, and check personal biases and assumptions.

• Lead design strategy by crafting and integrating human-centered research into project plans that uniquely reflect our partner's constraints and aspirations while meeting the end-user's needs.
  
• Lead the communications strategy within a project by delivering client-ready materials. Review, improve, and approve communications prior to sharing with our partners.
  
• Actively support Civilla's business development and growth by building strong relationships through your work and drafting proposals that lead to new opportunities that are aligned with our vision and mission.

what you'll need for this role

If you see yourself in most of the following categories, but not all, we encourage you to apply.

Mission-alignment - A passion for using your skills to partner with institutions to deliver long-term, systemic change and advocate for people who rely on public services.

Leadership - Experience leading projects and managing a team (ideally a team of 2-4 designers for at least 2 years) and enabling their growth through coaching, feedback, and other forms of support. You can effectively collaborate with people and institutions across different sectors, cultures, and power structures. You possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and awareness of self and others.

Equity consciousness - An equity-centered perspective and approach to design and research. You have the tools, experience, and desire to engage in conversations about race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, equity, and justice.

Design leadership experience - Hands-on experience guiding design teams through an end-to-end process. You can self-manage and effectively prioritize and distribute work across a team while holding a variety of responsibilities.

Project Management - Teach design strategy within a project, guide the team on how to assess trade-offs, and review, improve, and approve work before sharing with our partners.

Design and plan creative research - Teach how to integrate a research strategy into a larger project plan. You can develop strategies, execute timelines, and choose solutions that reflect our partners’ constraints and aspirations while delivering on the needs of the end-user.

Synthesis - Leverage your strong ability to lead synthesis sessions and strategy within a project to teach and support designers through the ambiguity of the process. You can translate research findings into actionable insights, patterns and frameworks that enable our partners to make strategic decisions.

Relationship building - Experience actively managing and cultivating relationships in support of business development. You can identify opportunities for connection and amplify Civilla’s work.

Strong communication - Demonstrated ability to communicate across various mediums. You have experience leading communication strategies within a project and delivering client-ready materials. You can review, improve, and approve communications prior to sharing with our partners.

Growth Mindset - You have an openness to learning, are committed to personal growth, and are proactive about seeking feedback.

what we value

We’re seeking a leader who aligns with Civilla’s principles and values. Our culture is rooted in twelve organizational principles and our work is grounded in a set of values that reflect our dedication to our mission:

• Optimism - We remain open to the immense potential of our institutions to do good.
• Curiosity - We continuously seek new inputs that can grow our context about what is possible.
• Empathy - We view human-to-human connection as the foundation of our work.
• All In - We regard showing up and seeing work through as essential for leading change.

compensation + benefits

• Cash compensation: Design Lead/Manager base pay range is $88,000 - $129,000 with up to 15% annual bonus for a maximum total cash compensation of $148,350.

• Retirement: 403(b) employer contribution of up to 10% annually.
• Health Insurance: High quality health insurance (includes dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance) with no employee premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): flexible spending accounts to lower costs for health care and dependent care.
• Parental Leave: twelve weeks of full pay and benefits for births, adoptions, foster care, or court placements.
• Fitness Stipend: $480 annually to support health and fitness goals.
• Time off: 48 paid days off per year.