All Things Urban

Ford Smart Mobility is part of a global organisation formed to design, grow and invest in merging mobility services, to assist the company is reaching its plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data analytics.

As an Urban Designer Lead, you will lead Ford Smart Mobility’s “City of Tomorrow Challenge” (https://challenges.cityoftomorrow.com/) community-led design research and translate insight developed into new product, service and policy strategies. This will include work in both domestic and international cities.

- Lead community-centered design research for City of Tomorrow Challenge - Implement new tools and processes to scan, capture, and synthesize needs expressed at the local level to inform mobility solutions and systems design - Work with data scientists to contextualize community stories with data analytics and qualitative market research to inform mobility planning and infrastructure - Develop written and graphic content summarizing findings for internal and external reports and deliverables - Inform strategy and product teams business on insight generated from observational research on peoples transportation needs and experiences - Project manage local teams responsible for community engagement and research - Hire and manage local teams of design researchers, experience designers, and urban planners who will develop, execute and synthesize: - Ethnographic research - Community engagement working sessions - Scenario planning activities - Tactical urbanism pop-ups and activations - Participate regularly in team meetings and design sessions - Establish and monitor design research budgets/schedules. - Represent Ford in thought leadership activities - Collaborate with marketing teams to capture assets and develop thought leadership for key industry events - Represent Ford at national and international events and speaking opportunities - Regularly interface with city clients and Ford senior leadership to coordinate participation in key challenge events, information requests and inputs to key challenge work streams

Basic qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree - 3+ years of experience in urban planning, transportation or architecture - 3+ years of experience working in qualitative or quantitative design research Preferred qualifications: - 5-7 years of work experience - Master’s degree in design, anthropology, or urban planning, or a directly related field, and certification as a planner (i.e. AICP or PTP) - Strong knowledge of transport policy, funding, and governance through direct experience working for local government and/or transportation consulting firms. - Ability to synthesize research findings to uncover and articulate insights that will inform and inspire design, with emphasis systems thinking and design. - Exceptional communication, writing and storytelling skills; fluency and confidence in inspiring teammates and communities/cities with design-driven rationale. - Experience with graphics communications, i.e. InDesign, Illustrator, SketchUp, or Photoshop - High comfort level in working within a self-directed culture and navigating ambiguity.

The distance between imagination and …. Creation. It can be measured in years of innovation, or in moments of brilliance. And, it can be a road you start traveling right now. When you join Ford Motor Company, your journey begins. You become part of a team that is already leading the way, with ingenious solutions and attainable products – and it is always ready to go further. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Ford Motor Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

Unfortunately, it seems like this job is not available for international candidates. Unless you’re eligible for a work visa otherwise, please double-check with the company.