What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Experience Designer position at IA Collaborative?
All applicants must include a link to their portfolio or attach work samples.
Lead Experience Designers are eager to lead multidisciplinary projects and understand human behavior while thinking both conceptually and systemically. We are looking for someone comfortable designing in a range of environments - from executing on focused strategic briefs, to translating more ambiguous research inputs into creative outcomes. We are looking for someone that can lead project workstreams with clients, and also dig into executing work with the team. Common product, service and storytelling deliverables our design team works on with clients include : digital product (UX / UI design), current and future state process maps and service blueprints, research stimuli in various formats, strategic frameworks and communicating research insights, print assets, and interactive presentations.
Responsibilities : Work with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects and develop strong client relationships, by : Leading project or large workstreams, providing internal and external client leadershipTranslating and leveraging user generated insights to create best-in-class design work, serving as both designer and strategistLeading internal and client-facing design conversations, activities, and sharing concepts backed by strong rationalePresenting, articulating, and informing design solutions to clients and internal audiencesActively self-managing to project budgets, scope, and timelinesSupporting business development efforts to continue workstreams and meet new contacts inside of that client
Collaborate generously by seeking and offering assistance to your fellow team and discipline members, and by giving and receiving feedback respectfullyWork as both a specialist and a generalist : developing a strong design POV and skills across a variety of mediumsCoach and mentor more junior team membersLead and participate in internal team initiatives that improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of our workKnow 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 activitiesRequired Qualifications :
Minimum of six years work experience, preferably within a design consultancy or digital agencyExcellent visual communication design skills as shown by the application of : typography, color theory, iconography, hierarchy, and layoutExcellent digital interface (UI) design capabilities, including familiarity with design systemsIntimate knowledge of user experience principles (UX) and accessibilityExperience with the product development lifecycleKnowledge of and experience with human-centered design processesHigh confidence in presenting work, design rationale and recommendations to clientsExperience leading client projects from start to finish, collaborating with internal teams to align on tasks, activities and working with clients to ensure timing, expectations and deliverables are metMastery of design, prototyping, storytelling and collaboration tools : Figma, Keynote, Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft & Google Suite required
Ability to work from our Chicago HQ and onsite with clients / in the field, per our IA Collaborative Work Model policyPreferred Qualifications :
Experience supporting business development efforts with senior team members and working towards project workstream continuations with clientsExperience in leveraging AI within process and designing for AI experiencesMotion graphics and video editing3D and / or environmental designPrint productionIllustrationBonus Qualifications :
Research or behavioral science / economics experienceFront-end development (Javascript, HTML, CSS)
About the Design Team
Visual designers at IA Collaborative are brilliant creatives and strategic thinkers. We turn insights into action by defining experiences, crafting stories, and developing systems and products - strategically solving for unmet user needs.
Our highly collaborative team thrives in the ambiguous space of innovation. We work across disciplines, creating clarity and inspiring vision from concept to commercialization. Leveraging discipline experience, our team challenges design's "comfort zones" to courageously push the limits of how design can transform the human experience.
IA Collaborative Work Model :
IA Collaborative leverages a hybrid work model with Chicagoland-area team members working from our downtown headquarters three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) with additional, occasional required on-site days as needed.
Occasional onsite and in-field work is required for all team members. We are typically in the field once or twice a month, for two to three consecutive days, conducting research or meeting with clients. We are committed to following CDC guidelines to ensure safety and well-being for our team members.
Why IA Collaborative :
At IA, you'll practice your craft in a whole new context. You'll be a part of designing the future of human experience as you transform your client's business, empower communities and create a positive and lasting impact on the world.
Our internationally recognized workspace provides the inspiration and flexibility to collaborate with teams or to focus as an individual.
IA's comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision; Retirement Savings Benefits; scholarship funds to promote individual learning, growth and inspiration; discretionary bonus and profit-sharing programs; a suite of family benefits including paid time off for the birth of a child, caregiver leave, wellness check-in days, flexible spending accounts for dependent care, health expenses and childcare, and 529 college savings planning and contributions; and employer-paid life insurance and disability.
About IA Collaborative :
IA Collaborative is a global design and innovation consultancy. We help leading organizations and category disruptors find new growth, create new offerings, and empower a culture of innovation. We fully integrate human-centered design and business strategy into the ongoing operations of our clients, to launch new corporate ventures and drive continuous innovation. From Insight to Action, we define new business models and create new products, technology platforms, experiences, brands, services and environments.
IA is on the national and global stage speaking about the business value of design. Featured by Fast Company as one of the country's preeminent design thinkers and nominated by the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum as a "Design Visionary," IA's leadership and work have been profiled by prominent business publications and has received multiple design accolades, including Best Design North America and Best UX Design in Fast Company's Innovation by Design Awards; the SXSW Business Design Award; and multiple honors in the Red Dot International, International Design Excellence Awards (IDSA), the GOOD DESIGN Awards, and the iF World Design Awards. IA Collaborative works with the world's most successful brands, including FedEx, Allstate, Airbnb, Fidelity, Apple, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, Lilly, and Audi.
At IA Collaborative, we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We believe that welcoming a diverse variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to our organization contributes to a thriving culture, a vibrant community, and breakthrough work. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law.
For more information about IA Collaborative visit iacollaborative.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Glassdoor.
