Accepting Applications: IDEO.org 2013-2014 Fellowships

Are you a problem-solver, design-thinker, or someone who just cares a whole lot? IDEO.org is recruiting for their 2013-2014 Fellowship class and is searching for future leaders and innovators across all sectors to apply. See below to consider how perfect a match you might be for these human-centered thinkers and designers!

IDEO.org is a nonprofit design and innovation organization focused on solving challenges in poverty and spreading human-centered design through the social sector. Human-centered design enables organizations to create and deliver innovative solutions to pressing challenges that are rooted in the needs of people. IDEO.org works directly with organizations on projects using the human-centered design process across a wide range of focus areas related to poverty, including health, financial services, gender equity, water and sanitation. We are currently seeking applicants for our 2013-14 Fellowship class. Please see the job postings below.

• POSITION SUMMARY

  
  

  The IDEO.org Fellowship Program enables future global leaders from the design, business, and social sectors to spend one year working with experienced IDEOdesigners on social impact challenges. Over a 13-month period, Fellows will create solutions for nonprofits, social enterprises, and foundations on an array of topics, such as agriculture, water and sanitation, health, financial services, education, and more. Fellowships are based in San Francisco, California. Frequent travel and getting your hands dirty in the field are required.

  
  

  QUALIFICATIONS

  Here is some information on what our ideal candidate looks like.

  Why Do the Fellowship?
  

  • To gain expertise in design thinking.
  • To learn to apply human-centered design to the challenges of poverty.
  • To get the chance to work alongside world class designers in a world class nonprofit.
  • To connect with individuals and communities firsthand. 

  Is IDEO.org a Match?

  • You have a demonstrated professional experience for improving low-income communities and a deep understanding of the social sector. 
  • You are used to working across industries and disciplines. For example, you may have considerable experience in mobile application development, but you’ve also performed consumer research in India. Or launched a nonprofit related to maternal health. Or started making documentaries about your neighborhood, or…,or…, or…, [insert your personal story here]. 
  • You are able to demonstrate key components of the human-centered design process: empathy, synthesis, prototyping, storytelling.
  • You contribute to the larger dialogue of social innovation. You may be attending conferences, contributing to publications (blogs, Twitter, online, printed, etc.) or designing new programs with a low-income community. You are open-minded, self-reliant, and excited about being part of a diverse, fast-paced, nonprofit, start-up environment.
  • You are comfortable working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  • You have examples of work grounded in insights about people. You’ve applied your skills to real-world human problems (not just artistic or academic exercises) and have worked on-the-ground with a nonprofit or social enterprise.
  • You can easily switch from macro to micro; from understanding the strategic value and business dynamics of an organization’s product or service, to caring about visual designs at a pixel or message level.
  • You are an excellent written and verbal communicator. You have a knack for succinctly capturing thoughts and expressing them to others.
  • You have great instincts about: how to tell a captivating story; how to give honest feedback; how to establish a deeper rapport.

  Qualifications:
  

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional full-time work experience, or a graduate degree plus 3 years of work experience.
  • English fluency (written and spoken). Additional language capabilities are preferred.
  • Ability to legally work in the U.S. for one year (IDEO.org can help with the visa application process).

  What Materials Do I Need to Prepare to Apply?

  • CV or Resume.
  • Cover letter: tell us why you and IDEO.org are made for each other.
  • Visual story: create a visual story about something more you’d like us to know about yourself. Use photos, video, drawing, or whatever visual medium seems most appropriate for you. We are really interested in your creativity, but also want to see how well you can tell your story SUCCINCTLY.
  • Essay: 500 words (or less) telling us about an experience you’ve had with a culture other than your own that changed your perspective in some way. Different cultural experiences are up to you to define.
  • Participate on HCDConnect.org: share your stories, answer other participants’ questions, or post your own. We want to see how you can engage our online community and encourage others to share their stories.
  • One letter of recommendation: from a professional or academic contact. What do other people think of your potential to do great things as an IDEO.org Fellow?

  Where Do I Send My Application Materials?

  Email your materials to globalfellow@ideo.org. Please only send PDF versions of your CV, cover letter, essay, and visual story (if you’re creating a video, please include the link to the Youtube or Vimeo site in the PDF as well).

  
  

  Timeline:

  Application Due: 

  Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 5:00 pm PST

  
  

  Candidate Selection: 

  March 10, 2013 or earlier

  
  

  Fellowship Dates: 

  July 31, 2013 – September 12, 2014

  
  

  More Questions?

  Download the full position listing here.

  
  

  Download the IDEO.org Fellowship FAQ here.

  
  

  Email additional questions to globalfellow@ideo.org with the subject line:QUESTION. We’ll update the FAQ on a weekly basis
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