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IA Collaborative · 2 months ago

Associate Director, Research and Design Strategy

Chicago - Hybrid

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$175K/yr - $195K/yr

8+ years exp

IA Collaborative is a global design and innovation consultancy focused on behavioral insight and business innovation. They are seeking an Associate Director of Research and Design Strategy to lead client engagements, mentor teams, and drive growth through human-centered design methodologies and innovative strategies.

Business DevelopmentConsultingProduct Design

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Participate in setting engagement objectives and scope; develop work plans for components of engagements, coordinate activities between work streams and identify changes in scope

Lead the human-centered research and strategy process including analysis of secondary research, identifying key users and business and design trends, and framing opportunities and research plans

Mentor and coach through planning, recruiting and conducting user research, leading and collaborating in the synthesis process to develop key insights, research summaries, design and business strategies, creative concepts, roadmaps and long term plans

Act as a trusted client advisor, applying the user’s lens across projects from initial approach development to concept development to executive strategy recommendations

Harness AI-powered, human-in-the-loop tools to support the research and synthesis process, explaining their value to team members and clients alike

Provide leadership for the growth and vision of the team’s process and capabilities, including identifying new offerings and capabilities

Identify and frame prospective client engagements, including leading new business outreach, directing others in proposal creation, and creating strategies, activities, and methods for new project approaches

Apply a strategic lens to understand our client’s business challenges with a goal of developing and creating sustainable and distinctive business value through our partnership

Cultivate and expand client relationships by proactively identifying opportunities, pitching ideas, and securing projects that strengthen IA Collaborative’s pipeline of work

Lead the development and best practices for creating strong client relationships; lead and advise others in applying new approaches to client experiences

Plan, initiate, and manage growing client relationships within and beyond projects

Initiate and own external ambassadorship opportunities on behalf of IA Collaborative, including speaking at industry events / conferences, college/university events and workshop facilitation, and other thought leadership engagements

Aid in development and management of the discipline’s team members, including recruiting and hiring, resourcing, and day-to-day coaching and mentorship, recognition, as well as leading and providing oversight to the team on projects

Serve as Career Manager, through 1:1 mentorship, supporting the professional growth of junior team members, providing career guidance and advocacy within the organization

Understand personal and team roles, contribute to a positive working environment by building solid relationships with team members, and proactively seeking guidance, clarification, and feedback

Collaborate and contribute on cross-functional (technical and non-technical skill sets) teams to shape the culture of the organization through development of policies, procedures, practices, norms, and initiatives

Know the Business of the Business: Act as a steward of IA Collaborative’s overall business by exploring future possibilities for the organization including new offerings and capabilities, talent acquisition, thought leadership, and other business growth-oriented activities

Qualification

Human-centered designDesign thinking methodologiesAI-powered toolsUser research practicesVerbalFigmaWritten communicationTeam leadershipMac OSKeynoteMicrosoft OfficeResearch platformsEmpathyStrategic framingFacilitation skills

Required

Bachelor's Degree required; advanced degree in Design, Design Strategy or related fields preferred

Eight or more years of experience leading large-scale projects and programs within the design, innovation, and consulting space, including two years managing direct reports

Expert and leader within user driven research practices and broader design thinking methodologies; ability to integrate design and strategic business thinking; ability to effectively lead across multiple projects and platforms, providing guidance to research, strategy, and design teams as needed

Experience using AI-powered tools to support the design process including research planning, unmoderated research, AI-enabled synthesis, AI-supported research repositories

Portfolio filled with a breadth of complex and systemic work that demonstrates use of immersive and behavior based design research methodologies and prototyping, application of behavioral economics, strategic framing of insights and a passion for design-minded solutions

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong facilitation skills and presence. Confident and compelling storyteller by nature

Ability to clearly articulate a personal perspective on the value of design and the role of design and its impact on business

Champion for the integration of multidisciplinary teams design practices into overall business strategies and solutions

Familiar and comfortable using the Mac OS, Keynote, Figma, Microsoft Office and research platforms such as Marvin, Dovetail, D-scout

Ability to travel consecutive days, if necessary