Design Project Manager (HR Title: Project Manager II)

Job DescriptionSalary Range:Salary commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout SMUSMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.About the Department:The Master of Arts in Design and Innovation (MADI) program is supported by both the Lyle School of Engineering and the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University and is one of the few graduate degree-granting programs in the Southern region that teaches Human-Centered Design. We differentiate ourselves by mastering the operation and application of qualitative research methods that lead to evidence-based design decisions. We also place a strong emphasis on hyper-local community engagement, where most of our classes have real-life working clients from the private and public sectors within the DFW area. Our faculty provide specific expertise in applying a diverse set of design, architecture, business, community engagement, fabrication, and management skillsets in unexpected ways. Upon graduation, our alumni successfully transition into design roles such as Design Strategist, UX Researcher, Program Manager, Design Lead, and Design Researcher in large and small, for profit and non-profit companies. We award a MA degree in Human-Centered Design and plan to grow our degree offerings in the years to come.About the Position:This role is an on-campus, in-person position. A Project Manager for Design and Innovation programs at SMU brings the academic methods and practice of Human-Centered Design (HCD) out of the classroom and into the professional space in and around the DFW area. This position directly supports the Master of Arts in Design and Innovation (MADI) Program Director and faculty through the planning and implementation of design proposals, project scoping and contracts, client recruiting and development efforts, custom training seminars, workshops, and prototypes as needed. The Project Manager will be responsible for the management and production of all external design projects and project management systems.Essential Functions:Managing, engaging in and completing all projects acquired following the full Human-Centered Design process.Sourcing, recruiting, and pitching future Design and Innovation project opportunities with clients of all sizes.Handling all aspects of the contracting processes including getting items approved by legal internally and with external partners.Managing, building and maintaining internal project and program processes to help support MADI Program Director as needed.Design and Innovation program representation at industry and professional events in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.Overseeing and building graduate student teams of different sizes varying from project to project as needed.Occasional travel to off-campus meetings and events that support all efforts for the MADI program may be required.QualificationsEducation and Experience:A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in Human-Centered Design, Design Research, Design Strategy and Consulting, or Design Project Management is preferred. A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience working in Human-Centered Design is highly preferred.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.Candidate must be able to accurately pitch, scope, and operate a full Human-Centered Design project.Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Knowledge of online sharing services and project management tools, including Miro, Mural, Slack and Google Drive is essential. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeClimb, crawl, kneelWalk for long distancesReach above shouldersHandle objects (dexterity)Push/pullCarry/lift over 25-50 lbs.Deadline to Apply:This position is open until filled.EEO Statement:SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

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