Production Design Lead

The Design Studio for Social Intervention (DS4SI) (ds4si.org) partners with communities, artists, and social justice practitioners to imagine, demonstrate, and collectively rebuild places to be more just and vibrant. Situated at the intersections of design thinking and practice, social justice and activism, public art and social practice and civic / popular engagement, DS4SI designs and tests social interventions with and on behalf of marginalized populations, controversies and ways of life.  DS4SI is a fiscally sponsored program of TSNE (tsne.org).

Our expanding organization seeks to hire a full-time Production Design Lead to join our team.  The Production Design Lead is responsible for overseeing the creative production side of our public events, including being the graphic and 3D design lead for DS4SI projects. The Production Design Lead will:

• Be responsible for carpentry and fabrications, including making and repairing objects that we use for public and high-use installations such as Public Kitchen, inPUBLIC, etc., with an emphasis on creating items that are attractive, portable, sturdy, affordable, and serve multiple functions.
• Research ideas and materials and make decisions regarding proper visual interpretation; recommend solutions to design problems; serve as a consultant regarding most effective design and techniques to produce desired visual effect, interactive capacity, and sustainability.
• Work with staff to deliver visually engaging and culturally relevant 2D materials ranging from flyers and social media campaigns to graphics for installations.
• Serve as designer or design consultant for methods of construction and installation of Design Gym components, as well as other DS4SI installations, exhibits, and remodeling of facilities.
• Mount, install, and dismount installations and exhibits, resolving problems of design and installation; delivering and assisting in installations at off site locations.
• Serve as troubleshooter for repair and maintenance of Design Gym elements and installations.
• Recommend ways to meet installation/exhibit needs within budget limits.
• Be willing and able to share maker skills with others, particularly Design Gym participants.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• At least 3-5 years of experience as a maker, builder, set designer, or similar field
• Familiarity with multiple materials (paper, wood, plastic, glass, metal), and how they can be combined to create various aesthetics, scenographies, and functionalities.
• Strong background in 3D design, with additional experience in graphic design.
• Ability to take initiative, meet deadlines and work both independently and with others.
• Experienced in and skilled at working directly with the public, as well as interfacing with clients.
• Confident in making and interested in mentoring around making.
• A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a collaborative working style.
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills with attention to detail, ability to be responsible for multiple projects at one time.
• Willingness to grow and learn with the organization.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Genuine commitment and sensitivity to residents and community issues.
• Respect for economic and cultural diversity, experience working with diverse groups of people.
• Highly motivated and independent, yet team-oriented.
• Strong time and task management skills.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends and evenings.
• Must be willing to work onsite in Boston, preferably at least 3 days/week when safe (COVID).

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described for this position are that of a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit and/or for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position. There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required to:

• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Be in a work environment that usually has a moderate noise level.

The job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards, the likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight, and environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Regarding COVID-19: TSNE considers the health and safety of our employees of the utmost importance, and due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and subject to your state and local laws, our policy requires that all employees performing in-person work at a TSNE designated office are fully vaccinated. For the purpose of this policy, fully vaccinated indicates that you have received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine, or both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Certain exemptions may be requested and will be considered by Human Resources.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed Dorchester, MA. Candidates must be willing to work onsite in Boston, preferably at least 3 days/week (flexibility based on COVID safety protocols).

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $60,000/year and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks vacation, 1 week personal holiday, and sick time for full-time staff;
• 80% Employer-paid, $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim;
• Low-cost MetLife Dental and Vision;
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care;
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance;
• Employer-paid Pension through TIAA;
• ...and more!

TSNE/DS4SI strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/DS4SI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/DS4SI celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/DS4SI's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.