Design Research Intern

DESIGN RESEARCH INTERN

About Smart Columbus

Smart Columbus, an entity of the Columbus Partnership, is an agile, collaborative innovation lab that serves the Columbus Region by anticipating and advancing what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.

We seek to increase access to opportunity and an improved quality of life by promoting thought leadership on the future of cities, fostering an ecosystem of regional partners, and deploying human-centered technology in mobility, sustainability, digitalization, and urban technologies.

The role

The Design Research Intern will support the Design Research Lead in the development of human-centered design strategies to enhance Smart Columbus’s innovation initiatives at the intersection of technology and community good.

You

The ideal candidate is passionate about building sustainable and equitable cities, is a self-starter, and excited to work in a dynamic professional environment that leverages agile methods. You are eager to apply your design research skills in a non-profit setting and make a meaningful impact on the community. This position is based in Columbus, Ohio and requires in-person engagement for all designated work time; some on-site community engagement with residents and community-based organizations will be required.

Reports to

Director of Operations

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Contributes to the application of human-centered design in projects and initiatives
• Works collaboratively with teammates and stakeholders to execute, analyze and synthesize research to inform actionable insights that lead to innovative, desirable, feasible and viable solutions of products and/or services
• Assists in delivering compelling stories to communicate actionable insights for team and stakeholders
• Assists with coordination of stakeholder/resident engagement
• Works on tasks associated with events/sessions – including recruitment, logistics, distributing incentives, and reporting
• Complete secondary research for landscape assessment of related products/services
• Attends and contributes to team meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and qualifications

• Completion of at least one year of a Graduate level program (i.e. Design, Business Strategy, Innovation).
• Minimum of 2 years professional working experience (outside of a degree program).
• Comfort with research processes and tools (e.g., note taking, excel, coding, analysis, theming, Miro, etc.).
• Professional demeanor and a growth mindset.
• Proactive, resourceful, reliable, adaptable, curious and efficient.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extremely organized and pays close attention to details.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities, problem solve, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Foundational understanding of UX and/or service design.
• Experience with conducting primary and secondary research.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to create visually compelling presentations.

We Offer

• Unique opportunity in an award-winning, entrepreneurial nonprofit located on the Scioto Mile.
• A team of teams. Smart Columbus is an entity of the Columbus Partnership, providing team members an opportunity to be a part of a bigger enterprise and connected to the work of the Columbus Partnership and One Columbus.
• Energetic and collaborative team passionate about making a difference in the community.
• Professional development opportunities.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and portfolio link or work samples to info@smartcolumbus.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Columbus Partnership is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. The Columbus Partnership requires all employees, vendors, and associates to support its nondiscriminatory policies.

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