[FT, Onsite, Detroit] Civilla Hiring Researcher/Designers
Abdul Smith
<abdul@vergetalentpartners.com>Full-time | Detroit, MI
Civilla is a nonprofit design studio based in Detroit, Michigan. We’re dedicated to changing the way public-serving institutions work—and putting humans first while doing it. Our nationally recognized team of researchers, designers, and strategists is optimistic about the promise of human-centered design in the public sector. We’re bound by a common goal: to positively impact one billion people through institutions that are more compassionate, more effective, and less expensive to operate.
the opportunityCivilla is looking for multiple Researcher/Designers to help advance our mission. In this role, you’ll work with our team to design human-centered public services that improve the lives of millions of people. You’ll ground your work in equity, building trust with communities historically underserved by government systems and centering their voices in every step of the process.
We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience navigating public services—such as public benefits, unemployment, or the child welfare system—to apply. If you're driven by equity, ready to learn fast, and excited about reimagining how institutions serve people, we want to hear from you.
what you'll do
Conduct in-depth, qualitative research and turn insights into actionable, people-first solutions.
Design across mediums—ranging from print materials to digital tools and services—with usability and impact in mind.
Center equity in your process by building relationships with those most impacted by your work and actively checking your own assumptions.
Collaborate with teammates and partners across sectors, economic backgrounds, and lived experience to deliver thoughtful, systemic change.
Contribute to a learning, values-driven team culture rooted in optimism, curiosity, humility and impact.
what we're looking for
We believe in building diverse, complementary teams. You don’t need to check every box to be considered. If you see yourself in most of the following categories, but not all, we encourage you to apply.
Research skills: You have 3–5 years of experience using qualitative/quantitative methods to uncover insights and inform design.
Project management: You can manage timelines and adapt plans as needed to meet shared goals. You effectively prioritize, and deliver on a variety of responsibilities within a larger project plan.
Mission alignment: You have a passion for using your skills to partner with institutions to deliver long-term, systemic change and advocate for people who rely on public services.
Communication + Storytelling: You have exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication and storytelling skills. You have past experience making research findings relevant and impactful for your team and our partners through various formats
Strategic thinking + synthesis: You translate complex findings into clear, actionable direction for teams and partners. You can think strategically, assess trade-offs, and guide others through the process.
Design skills: You have experience with best practices in visual design, prototyping and refining across media using tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or Salesforce.
Equity consciousness: You bring an equity-centered approach to design and research. You have the tools and desire to engage in conversations about race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, equity and justice.
Growth mindset: You’re curious, self-aware, and committed to learning.
We believe design can mean many things depending on people’s exposure to and experience with it. At its core, it is the ability to conduct research to understand how people navigate a challenge, identify common patterns, and develop solutions that best meet peoples’ needs.
We encourage you to apply even if you are not academically trained in design.
what we value
We’re seeking Researcher/Designers who align with Civilla’s principles and values. Our culture is rooted in twelve organizational principles and our work is grounded in a set of values that reflect our dedication to our mission:
Optimism - We remain open to the immense potential of our institutions to do good.
Curiosity - We continuously seek new inputs that can grow our context about what is possible.
Empathy - We view human-to-human connection as the foundation of our work.
All In - We regard showing up and seeing work through as essential for leading change.
compensation + benefits
Cash compensation: The starting Researcher/Designer- level base pay range is $77,400-$81,900 with up to 10% annual bonus for a maximum total cash compensation of $90,090.
Retirement: 403(b) employer contribution of up to 10% annually.
Health Insurance: A range of high-quality medical insurance plans to fit the needs of employees and their families, including vision and dental, as well as group-term life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Flexible spending accounts to lower costs for health care and dependent care.
Parental Leave: Sixteen weeks of full pay and benefits for births, adoptions, foster care, or court placements.
Wellness Stipend: $600 annually to support employee wellness and health goals.
Technology Stipend: $600 annually to support a high-quality work environment.
Time off: 48 paid days off per year.
details
Structure and Timing: This is a full-time position based in Detroit, Michigan that is scheduled to startAugust/September 2025
Come as you are. Civilla is firmly committed to building a diverse team that is reflective of the communities we serve. We value your unique experiences and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, minorities, people with disabilities, system-impacted people, veterans, and people of all ages to apply.
Application Period. Applications will close once we have received 150 submissions, or on June 16, 2025 at 11:59EST, whichever comes first. Applying early is recommended (if possible).
Civilla is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Sponsorship. Civilla cannot sponsor applicants for work visas or work visa transfers at this time.
Background checks. Our contracts with the State of Michigan require that we perform background checks on all Civilla team members. If you are invited to the third interview for this position, we will request your consent to perform one. We will not be able to move forward with your candidacy if you are presently indicted by a government entity for the commission of any crime involving theft, dishonesty, fraud, or assault, or have been convicted of any of the following within the last three (3) years:
Fraud in connection with obtaining or performing a public contract;
Violation of federal or state antitrust statutes;
Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; and/or
- Commission of assault.