Senior Design Researcher- Contractor (Part-Time, Hybrid, Chicago)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher - Contractor (Part-Time, Hybrid)

Company: New America

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Design Research / Policy Innovation

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead critical design research initiatives within New America Chicago's CivicSpace initiative, focusing on co-designing a community-informed pre-eviction system.

• Provide robust project management and leadership for a diverse, multi-organizational team of 7-10 members, ensuring adherence to a tight, five-month project timeline.

• Conduct in-depth background research on existing eviction prevention programs and target population needs, translating findings into actionable service delivery models.

• Facilitate and co-lead community co-design sessions, respectfully engaging residents in high-eviction rate neighborhoods to inform upstream intervention pathways.

• Collaborate extensively with subject matter experts, sociologists, technologists, government staff, and policy researchers to synthesize data and develop innovative solutions for vulnerable tenants.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly a contract position with a defined sprint from June to November, emphasizing a fast-paced, project-driven environment. The "Senior" title, coupled with 7+ years of experience requirement, indicates a need for significant autonomy, leadership, and proven project management capabilities. The focus on "service delivery design and testing" and "whole wallet" approach highlights a need for practical, outcome-oriented research, not purely academic exploration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive project plan, assigning tasks and responsibilities to a diverse team of 7-10 members from partner organizations, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.

• Oversee and guide junior staff in conducting background research, needs assessments, and behavioral analysis related to eviction prevention and the target demographic.

• Design and coordinate community co-design sessions, developing agendas and materials, and co-leading workshops and interviews with community members.

• Collect, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from various sources, including co-design sessions, stakeholder feedback, and pilot tests.

• Develop a detailed journey map of existing service delivery and a preferred journey map based on community input, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.

• Collaborate with partner organizations and stakeholders to gather feedback on proposed service delivery models, identify existing resources, and pinpoint necessary resources and policy elements.

• Design and oversee the testing of 2-3 small elements of the preferred service delivery model with partner agencies during the project sprint.

• Collect data from pilot tests and develop concrete recommendations for a new, integrated service delivery model aimed at reducing eviction filings and improving benefits enrollment.

• Support the development of a policy agenda that aligns with and supports the implementation of the proposed service delivery model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on research, and team coordination. The emphasis on "assigning tasks," "co-leading sessions," and "coordinating contributions" points to a role that requires strong leadership and delegation skills, crucial for managing a cross-functional team under pressure. The focus on "testing" and "prototypes" indicates a practical, iterative approach to solution development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Educational training and 7+ years of experience as a designer or in a closely related field.

• While a specific degree is not mandated, a background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Sociology, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or a related discipline is highly beneficial for understanding the complexities of social services and housing policy. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in design research, with a demonstrated focus on service delivery design and testing methodologies.

• Proven track record in project management, including developing detailed project plans, coordinating large and diverse teams, and successfully delivering projects within tight timelines.

• Extensive experience in qualitative research methods, including co-design sessions, user interviews, ethnographic research, and stakeholder workshops.

• Demonstrated ability to identify pragmatic testing strategies, design, lead, and derive actionable recommendations from pilot testing processes.

• Experience collaborating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including community organizations, community members, government agencies, researchers, and service providers.

• Familiarity with housing policy, social services, economic mobility, eviction prevention, benefits access, or homelessness is strongly preferred. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Design Research methodologies, particularly in service design and user-centered design principles.

• Exceptional Project Management skills, including planning, execution, team coordination, risk management, and timeline adherence.

• Strong Facilitation and Communication skills, capable of leading workshops, conducting interviews, and presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in Data Analysis and Synthesis, translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Stakeholder Management and Collaboration, with a proven ability to build consensus and foster productive relationships across different organizations and levels.

• Community Engagement and Empathy, with a demonstrated ability to respectfully listen to and learn from community members, especially those from vulnerable or low-income groups. Preferred Skills:

• Background in housing policy, social services, or economic mobility programs.

• Experience with journey mapping, service blueprinting, and prototype development.

• Familiarity with the Chicago housing market, eviction landscape, and relevant social service providers.

• Experience working with government agencies or non-profit organizations on social impact initiatives.

• Knowledge of benefits access programs and economic assistance pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of research expertise, strong project leadership, and a deep understanding of social impact work. The explicit mention of "7+ years of experience as a designer" suggests that candidates with a design background will be highly valued, provided they possess the requisite research and project management skills. The preference for housing/social services background highlights the need for domain knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing past design research projects, with a particular emphasis on service delivery design and testing.

• Include case studies that highlight your project management capabilities, detailing how you planned, executed, and managed diverse teams to achieve project goals.

• Showcase your ability to translate community input and research findings into tangible service delivery models, prototypes, or design recommendations.

• Present examples of how you have identified pragmatic testing strategies, conducted pilot tests, and derived concrete recommendations from test data.

• Highlight projects where you successfully collaborated with various stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, and non-profits. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your process for developing project plans, including task delegation, timeline management, and team coordination for complex initiatives.

• Illustrate your approach to designing and facilitating co-design sessions and community workshops, including material development and engagement strategies.

• Detail your methodology for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research data to inform service design.

• Showcase your ability to develop journey maps, service blueprints, and other visual tools to represent current and future service delivery states.

• Document your process for identifying stakeholders, gathering feedback, and creating actionable recommendations for service improvements and policy changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase research skills but also robust project management, team leadership, and the ability to translate research into practical, testable solutions within a social impact context. The emphasis on "service delivery design and testing" and "pragmatic testing strategies" means candidates should highlight projects that led to demonstrable improvements or insights in service provision.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $110.00 - $130.00 per hour.

• This range reflects a senior-level contractor role with significant project management and specialized design research responsibilities. The final rate will be determined based on the candidate's experience and demonstrated qualifications. Benefits:

• No benefits are provided for this contractor position. Working Hours:

• Part-time: An average of 30 hours per week is expected over a 6-month period (June to November).

• Hours may vary week-to-week based on project demands and specific sprint activities. Flexibility will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is competitive for senior-level contract roles in specialized fields like design research and project management in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The lack of benefits is standard for contractor positions, and candidates should factor this into their overall compensation expectations. The 30-hour average per week indicates a significant commitment, requiring dedicated time management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Policy Innovation / Think Tank / Non-profit

Company Size: New America is a mid-sized organization with a significant national presence and a growing local hub. This hybrid structure allows for both broad policy influence and localized community engagement.

Founded: New America was founded in 1999, bringing a long-standing commitment to tackling complex societal challenges through innovative research and policy solutions.

Team Structure:

• The CivicSpace initiative is a collaborative effort involving New America Chicago, the Law Center for Better Housing (LCBH), and the Future of Land and Housing (FLH) at New America.

• The Senior Design Researcher will act as a linchpin, managing and coordinating contributions from a team of 7-10 members, including subject matter experts, sociologists, technologists, government staff, and policy researchers.

• Reporting will likely be to a project lead or director within New America Chicago, with close collaboration across partner organizations. Methodology:

• The project employs a community co-design approach, prioritizing the lived experiences of residents in neighborhoods with the highest eviction rates.

• The methodology emphasizes a "whole wallet" approach, addressing multiple financial pressures (rent, benefits, food, healthcare) holistically.

• It involves iterative design, prototyping, and testing of new intervention pathways, grounded in data analysis and stakeholder feedback.

• The initiative aims to develop a replicable framework for upstream eviction prevention, influencing policy and service delivery at the city and county levels.

Company Website: http://www.newamerica.org/jobs

📝 Enhancement Note: New America's culture is characterized by its nonpartisan approach to policy innovation, focusing on evidence-based solutions and bringing diverse perspectives together. The CivicSpace initiative exemplifies this by blending policy research with community-driven design. The collaborative nature of this project means the Senior Design Researcher must be adept at navigating inter-organizational dynamics and fostering a shared vision.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level contractor position focused on a specific project sprint. While not a permanent staff role, it offers significant opportunities for experienced professionals to apply their expertise in a high-impact project.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Researcher will report to a project lead within New America Chicago and will manage a team of 7-10 individuals from various partner organizations. This structure requires strong leadership and the ability to influence without direct line authority over all team members.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role is on the design and potential implementation of a new pre-eviction system. Success in this project could lead to reduced eviction filings, improved tenant stability, and a replicable model for eviction prevention, significantly impacting low- to moderate-income communities in Chicago and potentially beyond.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Successfully managing this complex, multi-stakeholder project will enhance leadership and project management skills, crucial for future senior-level roles.

• Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge in housing policy, social services, and community-based design solutions within the Chicago context.

• Network Expansion: Building strong relationships with key stakeholders in Chicago's housing and social services sectors, as well as with New America's national policy experts.

• Future Projects: The job description mentions "opportunities for other projects in the future," suggesting potential for continued contract work or even future full-time roles based on performance and organizational needs.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The tangible outcomes of this project (e.g., tested prototypes, policy recommendations) will significantly bolster a candidate's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role is a strategic opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead a high-visibility, socially impactful project. The growth is primarily project-based and network-driven, offering substantial professional development and the chance to make a tangible difference in a critical urban issue.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work flexibility with in-person collaboration at New America's Chicago office. This allows for focused individual work and team-based sessions.

Office Location(s): New America's Chicago office is located in downtown Chicago (postal code 60603), providing a central hub for meetings and collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance of focused work and collaborative sessions, essential for design research and project management.

• Access to office resources and technology at New America's Chicago location will support team meetings and in-person engagements.

• The role necessitates active engagement with community members in various neighborhoods across Chicago, requiring comfort and familiarity with traveling around the city and suburbs, often to community events on the South and West sides.

Work Schedule: The schedule is part-time, averaging 30 hours per week, with flexibility required to accommodate project needs, community events, and team collaborations. This demands strong self-management and time-blocking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature combined with significant fieldwork in Chicago's diverse neighborhoods means the candidate must be comfortable with both structured office/remote work and dynamic, on-the-ground community engagement. Familiarity with Chicago's geography and public transit/transportation is a practical necessity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and work sample/portfolio to assess qualifications against the requirements, especially project management and design research experience.

• Skills Assessment: Likely an interview or series of interviews focusing on project management approach, design research methodologies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and experience with service design.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss work samples, focusing on case studies that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and impact in similar projects.

• Team/Stakeholder Fit: Interviews may involve meeting with key team members or stakeholders from partner organizations to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Decision: Based on overall fit, experience, portfolio strength, and alignment with the project's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your senior-level design research, project management, and service design expertise. Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, robust methodologies, and measurable outcomes.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the problem context, your specific role and responsibilities, the research methods employed, the challenges faced, your decision-making process, the solutions developed, and the impact or learnings.

• Highlight Project Management: Explicitly detail your role in planning, organizing, and managing the project timeline and team. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate efficiency and results.

• Showcase Community Engagement: If applicable, include examples demonstrating your ability to respectfully engage with diverse community members and translate their input into actionable design.

• Demonstrate Testing & Iteration: Clearly articulate how you designed, executed, and analyzed tests for service delivery models, and how those findings informed recommendations.

• Be Concise and Visual: Use clear visuals (diagrams, journey maps, prototypes) to illustrate your process and findings. Keep written descriptions focused and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing a diverse team under tight deadlines.

• Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicts or disagreements within a multi-stakeholder team.

• Think through how you would approach the initial research phase for the pre-eviction system, including potential methodologies and key questions to explore.

• Prepare to discuss your experience in facilitating co-design sessions and ensuring equitable participation.

• Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to translate complex research findings into practical, testable service delivery components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "work sample or portfolio" and the "rolling basis" for applications suggest a proactive approach is needed. Candidates should have their portfolio ready to submit and be prepared to discuss it in detail. The AI-generated interview questions below are tailored to probe these specific requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for project planning, task management, and team coordination.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for team communication and document sharing.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Miro, Mural for virtual whiteboarding and co-design sessions; potentially Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch for wireframing or low-fidelity prototyping if needed.

• Research & Analysis Tools: Experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) or robust spreadsheet and presentation software for synthesizing findings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, the ability to use data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio) to present research findings and test results would be beneficial.

• Proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data organization and basic analysis. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it focuses on design research and policy innovation rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack leans towards collaboration, project management, and research synthesis tools. The emphasis is on facilitating communication, organizing work, and analyzing qualitative data, rather than heavy technical software. Familiarity with virtual collaboration tools is particularly important for a hybrid role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community-Centered: A deep commitment to centering the voices and experiences of community members, especially those most impacted by policy. This translates to respectful engagement and co-creation.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing research and evidence to inform policy and program design, moving beyond assumptions to create effective, impactful solutions.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships across diverse organizations and disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Pragmatism & Iteration: A focus on developing practical, testable solutions and iterating based on feedback and results, rather than pursuing purely theoretical outcomes.

• Equity & Inclusion: A dedication to advancing equity and ensuring that solutions are designed to benefit all members of the community, particularly those facing systemic disadvantages.

Collaboration Style:

• The project demands a highly collaborative and integrative approach, working closely with internal New America teams, external partner organizations (LCBH, FLH), community members, and government agencies.

• Expect a dynamic environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership are encouraged.

• The Senior Design Researcher will need to foster a sense of shared purpose and alignment among diverse team members, facilitating productive discussions and decision-making.

• Knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas between different expertise areas (policy, sociology, technology, community organizing) will be a key feature of the collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a strong social mission and a commitment to human-centered design and evidence-based policy. The collaborative style is essential for navigating the complexities of a multi-stakeholder project aimed at systemic change.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Timeline: A five-month sprint requires exceptional time management, prioritization, and the ability to drive results efficiently without compromising quality.

• Complex Stakeholder Landscape: Managing expectations and coordinating efforts across multiple partner organizations, government agencies, and community groups can be challenging.

• Engaging Vulnerable Populations: Building trust and effectively co-designing with residents in high-eviction neighborhoods requires sensitivity, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of their challenges.

• Translating Research to Action: Bridging the gap between community insights and practical, scalable service delivery models and policy recommendations requires strong analytical and strategic thinking.

• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining team cohesion and productivity while working in a hybrid model, and coordinating fieldwork across diverse Chicago neighborhoods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Policy Innovation: Gaining deep insight into the intricacies of eviction prevention, housing policy, and social service delivery at the city and county levels.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Enhancing skills in working with diverse teams comprised of policy experts, researchers, technologists, and community advocates.

• Community-Driven Design: Refining expertise in facilitating co-design processes and ensuring community voices are authentically integrated into solutions.

• Project Leadership: Developing advanced project management and team leadership capabilities in a high-impact social sector context.

• Network Building: Establishing valuable professional connections within Chicago's policy, non-profit, and community development sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to ambitious, time-bound social impact projects. The growth opportunities are directly tied to successfully navigating these challenges, offering significant professional development in specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders and a tight deadline. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Assesses project management, stakeholder management, and results orientation).

• "How would you approach designing and facilitating a co-design session with residents in a high-eviction neighborhood? What ethical considerations would be paramount?" (Evaluates community engagement skills, facilitation expertise, and ethical awareness).

• "Walk us through your process for synthesizing qualitative research data from co-design sessions and translating it into actionable service delivery recommendations." (Probes research analysis and strategic application skills).

• "Imagine you've identified a promising service delivery prototype. How would you design a pragmatic test for this prototype with limited resources and time?" (Assesses practical testing strategy and iterative design thinking).

• "How do you ensure equitable participation and truly listen to the voices of community members who may be hesitant to share or have experienced trauma?" (Focuses on empathy, cultural competence, and inclusive research practices). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about New America's mission and the CivicSpace initiative's focus on eviction prevention?" (Tests understanding of the organization and role alignment).

• "How do you see your design research expertise contributing to policy innovation and systemic change?" (Explores alignment with New America's broader goals).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or collaborative team environment. How do you foster strong working relationships remotely and in-person?" (Assesses adaptability and collaboration skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select portfolio pieces that directly align with service design, project management, community engagement, and iterative testing.

• Tell a Story: For each project, narrate the journey: the problem, your approach, the challenges, your specific contributions, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the results of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, user satisfaction improvements, successful prototype adoption).

• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your research methodologies, design thinking process, and project management techniques. Use visuals like journey maps or blueprints to illustrate your process.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing stakeholders, and driving projects to completion.

• Address "Whole Wallet" Approach: If possible, showcase projects that tackled multifaceted problems or integrated different service components.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong research acumen, exceptional project management, and a genuine commitment to social impact and community engagement. Candidates should be ready to speak concretely about their past experiences and how they align with the specific demands of this project.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link: https://newamerica.applytojob.com/apply/vEeMXaeNb6/Senior-Design-Researcher-Contractor-PartTime-Hybrid-Chicago

• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight your 7+ years of experience in design research, service delivery design and testing, and project management. Emphasize any experience with housing policy, social services, or community-based initiatives.

• Prepare your work sample/portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your ability to lead research, manage diverse teams, facilitate community co-design, and develop/test service delivery models. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process, role, and impact.

• Research New America and the CivicSpace Initiative: Understand their mission, recent work, and the specific goals of this pre-eviction system project. Be prepared to articulate your motivation and how your skills align with their objectives.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to discuss your selected projects in detail, focusing on your project management approach, research methodologies, and the insights derived from testing and community engagement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The application deadline is June 15, 2026.