Associate Designer

Job Summary

The Wealth + Work Futures Lab at the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University is seeking a part-time Associate Designer to work under the guidance of the Design + Community Engagement Officer. The Associate Designer will support a range of design-related initiatives, assisting in the creation of visually compelling materials, communications collateral, and stakeholder engagement tools. This role plays a key supportive function in translating research findings and strategic recommendations into accessible, impactful, and cohesive design outputs. Additionally, the Associate Designer will assist in community engagement activities—helping prepare materials for events, presentations, and outreach—ensuring all creative work aligns with the organization’s broader mission of fostering economic development, inclusive growth, and community wealth-building.

This hybrid position allows for flexible remote work with periodic in-person meetings at the Lindy Institute’s offices in Philadelphia, PA. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and detail-oriented professional with strong design sensibilities, familiarity with community-oriented initiatives, and the ability to effectively communicate ideas through visual storytelling. The Associate Designer will have the opportunity to grow professionally by working closely with a senior officer and interdisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to cutting-edge practices at the intersection of design, community engagement, and workforce innovation.

Essential Functions

• Support Discovery Research & Insights Gathering: Assist the Design + Community Engagement Officer in conducting foundational research to understand community and stakeholder needs.
• Contribute to synthesizing insights from interviews, workshops, and stakeholder feedback using design thinking methodologies. Help incorporate findings into creative deliverables that advance community wealth-building strategies.
• Work under direction to develop infographics, illustrations, layouts, and written summaries that translate research findings, engagement strategies, and economic development insights into clear, visually compelling materials (e.g., reports, white papers, brochures, web content). Ensure that all creative outputs meet branding guidelines and accessibility standards.
• Assist in Presentation & Multimedia Development: Prepare presentation decks, posters, and multimedia content that effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences within the workforce ecosystem. Collaborate with the Design + Community Engagement Officer to refine visual narratives, ensuring materials maintain a cohesive and professional aesthetic.
• Contribute to Community Engagement Activities: Help coordinate and support community events, industry conferences, and design symposia.
• Assist in preparing event materials, gathering participant feedback, and documenting insights that inform iterative improvements in design and engagement strategies. Represent the organization as needed, under the supervision of the senior officer.
• Maintain Ongoing Communication & Alignment: Regularly update the Design + Community Engagement Officer on project progress, deliverables, and timelines.
• Contribute to aligning design efforts with broader organizational goals, ensuring that work remains responsive to stakeholder needs and consistent with brand values.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Urban Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in graphic design, visual communication, or related field.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design tools.
• Basic knowledge of design thinking methodologies and human-centered design principles.
• Commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to present ideas clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to attend periodic in-person meetings at the Lindy Institute’s Philadelphia office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in or experience with community engagement, economic development, or social impact projects.

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information

This is a Part-Time Per diem position classified as non-exempt. The offered pay is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

For information about benefits, please review Drexe