IDEO.org improves the lives of poor and vulnerable communities through design. To affect that change, we work directly with foundations, nonprofits, and social enterprises; create tools and resources that teach human-centered design; and influence the social sector with stories of human-centered design in action. IDEO.org works directly with organizations across a range of focus areas including health, financial services, gender equity, education, and agriculture.

Position Summary

IDEO.org is seeking a Business Designer to join our soon-to-be-launched office in New York City. As part of a multi-disciplinary design team, you’ll blur the lines between business strategy and creativity—helping our partners across the developing world bring new offerings and ventures to market as part of our Amplify program. With frequent trips that take you to India, Africa and the Middle East, you’ll be part design researcher, part strategist, and part operational guru, working alongside other builders and thinkers from different backgrounds.

Business acumen is a given. Ability to execute is a must. Demonstrated passion for solving challenges facing the world’s most impoverished communities is absolutely critical. 

You will:

• Work with organizations across the developing world to design new products, services and consumer experiences that address a variety of poverty-related challenges.
• Guide partners through the implementation process and steward solutions to market by developing strategies, timelines, and financial models that appropriately reflect our partners’ organizational constraints and aspirations, while balancing the needs of the end-user.
• Ensure new offerings and ventures introduced by our partners are created with an eye towards and concrete plans for scale.
• Design, lead, and measure experiments to gather feedback and make concepts better.
• Support the financial and operational health of the Amplify program by participating in the creation of budgets, operational plans, and other program-level strategy initiatives.

You are:

• Experienced in business model design, analysis, and implementation, with a Master’s degree in business and 5+ years of industry experience.
• Passionate about or interested in working in the developing world.
• Comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams and communicating business concepts to a variety of audiences, including partners and designers from other disciplines.
• Excited about the opportunity to get your hands dirty in an entrepreneurial, start-up environment.
• Experienced in or passionate about tackling challenges related to poverty.

Please upload your resume and cover letter.  In your cover letter, please tell us about a business model that inspires you, and why. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.