Overview
The Design Studio for Social Intervention (DS4SI)(ds4si.org) partners with communities, artists, and social justice practitioners to imagine, demonstrate, and collectively rebuild places to be more just and vibrant. Situated at the intersections of design thinking and practice, social justice and activism, public art and social practice and civic / popular engagement, DS4SI designs and tests social interventions with and on behalf of marginalized populations, controversies and ways of life. DS4SI is a fiscally sponsored program of TSNE (tsne.org).
Responsibilities
The Design Gym Lead is responsible for creating a welcoming, equitable and engaging Design Gym that centers BIPOC artists and communities. This role will work collaboratively and proactively to facilitate optimum operations of our Design Gym on a day-to-day basis and coordinate the implementation of all programming. This person will train and supervise all paid (and volunteer) instructors in the space. The Design Gym Lead works closely with DS4SI’s founders-the Design Methodology Lead and the Program Design Lead-to carry out DS4SI’s mission statement and strategic plan, vis a vis the Design Gym. Specific responsibilities include:
- Strategize with DS4SI colleagues to hold and further the vision of the Design Gym as a space for world building at the scale of the neighborhood and beyond.
- Oversee programming in the space, including Open Gym hours, and a wide variety and styles of courses (across design theory, making, prototyping, reading/deep study, etc.) with support from DS4SI colleagues.
- Guide and manage the workflow of the Design Gym team which includes: Design Gym Experimental Prototyper (FTE) and part-time, seasonal staff.
- Create and maintain a calendar of programming for the Design Gym with input from DS4SI colleagues.
- Communicate with all participants and teachers about registrations and courses, supplies, attendance, etc. Respond to any and all inquiries about Design Gym programming.
- Serve as liaison for our RIRJ partnership with MOAC and MassArt.
- Continually engage community members and artists to amplify awareness, and active use of the Design Gym in the local area, across demographics.
- Assess Design Gym’s impact and inform improvements in partnership with DS4SI colleagues and evaluation consultants.
- Make recommendations for equipment and space use.
- In collaboration with the Director of Operations:
- Maintain the Design Gym budget, supplies and payments to instructors.
- Build and maintain a network/database of artists, community members, activists, nonprofits, arts organizations, etc. that are using the Design Gym or who we’d like to have using it.
- Maintain and update the Design Gym membership database.
Qualifications
We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.
- At least 5 years of experience in community engaged arts and supporting artists, particularly in communities of color and with BIPOC artists.
- At least 5 years of experience in project management and staff or volunteer supervision.
- At least 3 years of experience managing programming budgets.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong time and task management skills.
- Respect for economic and cultural diversity, experience working with diverse groups of people.
- Highly motivated and independent, yet team-oriented.
- Must be able to work some evenings and weekends.
- Must be willing to work onsite in Boston.
- Must be available for occasional travel (when travel is deemed safe).
- Computer and other standard office equipment skills sufficient to prepare flyers and other communications, maintain databases, run zoom meetings, etc.
- Experience with promotions including social media campaigns.
Additional Skills and Experience
- Background in 2 and/or 3D design a strong plus.
- Conversant in Spanish, Haitian Creole or Cape Verdean Creole a plus.
- Background in training facilitation, design thinking, and/or community development a plus.
- Driver’s license a plus.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:
- Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
- Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move;
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds;
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate;
- Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards;
- Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight;
- Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.
Compensation and Benefits
Location: Work will be primarily performed Boston, MA.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $73,000 – $80,000/yr and is commensurate with experience.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:
- Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, 1 week personal holiday, and health leave time for full-time staff;
- 80% Employer-paid, offering some $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim along with several low-deductible plans;
- Low-cost Guardian Dental and Vision;
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care;
- Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance;
- Employer-paid Pension through TIAA;
- …and more!
TSNE/DS4SI strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/DS4SI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/DS4SI celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.
TSNE/DS4SI’s EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.