Civic Innovation Strategy Lead

City-of-Raleigh-N; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Raleigh seeks a Lead Strategy Designer to drive design-based innovation across the Raleigh Impact Lab. You will lead strategy projects, design and deliver programs, and build internal consultant capabilities to advance civic innovation and partnerships.

You will work closely with senior leaders to align with the City Strategic Plan, mentor staff, and foster collaborations that improve services for 500,000+ residents. A strengths-based approach with equity and inclusion is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, Design Studies, Psychology, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Public Health, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field; 5 to 7 years’ experience in advanced teaching and facilitation for adult-learners.
• Or any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Licenses or Certifications: Human Centered Design Certification, Strategic Design Certification, or comparable certification.
• Preferred Qualifications: Graduate Degree in related field; Equity certifications and related qualifications.
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of innovation on the public sector and equity-centered design frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Designs and delivers strategy and innovation projects for the Raleigh Impact Lab, applying human centered design to understand shared needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Serves as Senior Instructor for the Raleigh Impact Lab trainings and workshops rooted in adult-learning best practices.
• Establishes partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance City initiatives.
• Manages the City’s Impact Partner Grant, including outreach, contracts, funds administration, and training for awardees.
• Guides colleagues through a rigorous innovation process from research to testing, delivering actionable solutions and measurable outcomes.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates research-driven service projects with documented processes and case studies.
• Leads Strategic Plan Key Focus Areas and provides direction to encourage participation and consensus.
• Delivers technical assistance and training to City teams to design initiatives using human-centered design and related methods.
• Prepares reports and presentations for City leadership and stakeholders to support evidence-based decisions.
• Supervises interns and contract employees and adapts to non-traditional work hours when needed.

Skills

Design thinking

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Public sector experience

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (related field)

Graduate degree (preferred)

Job description

City of Raleigh seeks a Lead Strategy Designer to drive design-based innovation across the Raleigh Impact Lab. You will lead strategy projects, design and deliver programs, and build internal consultant capabilities to advance civic innovation and partnerships.

You will work closely with senior leaders to align with the City Strategic Plan, mentor staff, and foster collaborations that improve services for 500,000+ residents. A strengths-based approach with equity and inclusion is essential.