Associate Design Strategist

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Manage complex projects with internal and external collaborators across the research project lifecycle .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesMid-Level💰 $58,506 - $81,441 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex design research projects, applying human-centered design principles, and utilizing qualitative analysis methods to derive actionable insights. Proficient in creating design assets and facilitating collaborative sessions with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Human-Centered DesignQualitative CodingDesign Research MethodsService Design TechniquesFacilitation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Qualitative AnalysisThematic AnalysisUser InterviewsUsability TestingJourney MappingPrototypingSurvey AnalysisEthical Data AnalysisBehavioral ScienceRapid Prototyping

Soft Skills

Excellent WritingPresentation SkillsEmpathyNavigating ComplexityFacilitation

Tools & Technologies

Design SoftwareWorkflow DiagramsService BlueprintsMock-UpsFlyersPosters

Industry Keywords

Health CareDesign ThinkingImplementation ScienceEthical Design PracticeIntersectional Approach

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage complex projects with internal and external collaborators across the research project lifecycle
Apply human-centered design, service design, and behavioral design methods to understand complex problem spaces and define opportunities for improvement
Develop and execute design research strategies and activities
Collect, code, and analyze unstructured qualitative data and translate findings into insights
Create design research reports, user journey maps, workflow diagrams, service blueprints, prototypes, mock-ups, flyers, posters, and other design assets
Facilitate workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory design sessions with internal and external participants
Document design-informed and qualitative insights for papers and presentations
Translate and disseminate insights into case studies, briefs, participant feedback materials, and policy engagement
Communicate findings and articulate actionable recommendations to diverse audiences
Plan and conduct research activities independently to advance project objectives
Manage research strategy execution, analyze and interpret data, lead development of design assets, and facilitate sessions
Lead translation and dissemination of design insights
Navigate complex, matrixed teams and diffused decision-making
Report to the Design Core’s Director of Qualitative Insights, with dotted-line reporting to the Design Core Faculty Director and the Director of Design Strategy at the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional experience conducting service design projects demonstrating the ability to complete complex, thoughtful, and timely work
Design-related degree or equivalent industry experience
Experience with design research methods, including user interviews, ethnography, contextual inquiries, usability testing, surveys, or desk research
Proficiency in qualitative coding, thematic analysis, survey analysis, and ethical data analysis
Experience interacting with highly diverse populations using an empathetic, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach
Understanding of human-centered design principles and service design techniques, including journey mapping, blueprints, workflow maps, and prototyping
Excellent writing, presenting, and facilitation skills
Ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in projects with complex workflows, stakeholders, and systems
High standard for ethical, equitable, and rigorous design practice
Graphic, visual, and/or UI/UX design skills, rapid prototyping, and experiment design preferred
Background in health care preferred
Experience applying behavioral science, implementation science, informatics, and/or design thinking preferred
Manager Research Project A: Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
Manager Research Project B: Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and 5 to 7 years of experience, or Master of Science or Master of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
TIAA and Vanguard investment options
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household