Job Description

This role may be based in any one of our three US studios: San Francisco, Cambridge and Chicago, or remotely anywhere in the US . Please note that this role may require a moderate amount of traveling for in-person or hybrid projects.

We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting July 11th after our North American Rest Week. Please apply well in advance for the best chance at selection for this interview cycle. See " How to Apply " at the end of this post for instructions on how to submit.

In a Nutshell

IDEO is looking for a Design Lead for our Writing craft discipline. The role is an inspirational leader on small teams of unique voices who is a lover of words and storyteller. You will apply your craft in the power of words to lead and inspire teams and clients, consulting and creating design outcomes that help them make more strategic choices, driven by human-centered design.

The Full Scoop

At IDEO, our design often points to a vision of a future that does not yet exist. Therefore, narrative and strategic clarity is essential to this role, to help us deliver on that vision through the work, aligned with human needs as well as our clients’ goals. In this role, you’ll work through complex client challenges and tackle all aspects of the design process, from user research to prototyping and communicating the overall project story to the client team. You’ll have the opportunity to shape compelling creative and strategic design outcomes across a diverse portfolio of projects that involve brand building, product, service, and experiential design, strategic guidance, and much more. Our clients are in diverse industries across health, media & technology, transportation/mobility, learning, food, financial services, consumer products & retail.

Once here, you will:

• Lead the communication design process with project teams, collaborating with designers of different backgrounds, including design researchers, industrial designers, business designers, and interaction designers to develop holistic design outcomes for our clients
• Anchor client partnerships of all kinds, from nonprofit organizations to multinational CPG players and innovative startups , consulting them to navigate ambiguity and create compelling design outcomes—from strategic brand foundation and brand expression, to product design, organizational purpose, values and vision, digital experiences, packaging, environmental design, and more
• Synthesize and leverage insights from people and culture to design creative solutions that are a fit for our clients brands and offers, and the people they serve, through compelling storytelling and creative expressions
• Turn purpose and strategy into aspirational stories through visuals, writing, and other media

Relevant Experiences and Mindsets:

• 7+ years of professional writing experience crafting deliverables (e.g., design concepts, scripts, storyboards, briefs, manifestos, videos, handbooks, guidance documents, etc.) that inspire change
• Experience leading and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams , including bringing teams and clients along with you on the journey of creative development—project management experience is a plus
• You thrive on complex and ambiguous challenges, providing clients with the clarity needed to move their business forward with understanding and empathy for their business context
• Experience with and passion for working with brands, creating compelling brand expression and narratives, as well as designing strategic brand foundations (purpose, positioning, personality, values, brand architecture, naming)
• Experience participating and/or facilitating in design research and synthesizing to distill insights from research to craft compelling value propositions connected to human needs

What does IDEO offer you?

IDEO is a place where you can solve diverse, complex challenges alongside thoughtful, intelligent individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and optimism. Sure we work hard, but we also intentionally craft moments that allow our community to pause, create, and connect. We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the design process and your career.

Previous IDEO projects to check out:

The Future Guest Experience

Commitment to Diversity

At IDEO, we are committed to the work of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and in the world. Our purpose of having disproportionate, world-changing impact through design is directly connected to our ability to bring many different perspectives to the table. This applies to our candidates, the people we hire, the clients and customers we serve, and the communities we learn from in our research.

As a human-centered organization, we are committed to working with and designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief. We recognize that this commitment requires ongoing work and sustained attention, as well as adaptation to new insights and best practices.

How To Apply

Please apply with the following:

• Resume (suggested 1 page max): Please highlight experiences related to the ‘What It Takes’ section of this job description.
• “You” in a nutshell: If you were to write a headline or tagline about yourself (think of Nike’s “Just do it” or Apple’s “Think Different”), what would it be? Please respond with a short paragraph explaining your thinking.
• Storytelling Samples: Please include 3 examples of storytelling that you’re really proud of. These could be short films, short stories, audio recordings of your poetry, radio ads, etc—anything that shows off your writing talent! But, please include a little description of why you’re proud of that piece of work and your thought process behind it.
• For this role, also tell us a bit about your leadership:
  • How has your past experience made you the ideal candidate to lead interdisciplinary teams at IDEO?
  • What does leadership in the design world mean to you?

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDEO is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.