Opportunities
We are non-profit community design studio that empowers people to strengthen their communities by harnessing the creative power of design. If you share our passion for youth empowerment and accessible design education, we'd love to have you on our team! Explore our open opportunities below:
ADMINISTRATIVE
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DownCity Design is seeking a part-time Design Educator / Shop Manager to support our programming and workshop. The Design Educator and Shop Manager is an educator, facilitator, and steward of DownCity Design's studio and shop spaces. In this role, you will co-teach alongside our team of Design Educators in DCD's design/build programs, leading groups of students through the process of designing and fabricating service projects to meet community partner needs. You will also serve as the primary caretaker of our shop, keeping tools, materials, and storage spaces organized, safe, and ready to support high-quality design education.
If you are a highly organized, hands-on individual who is passionate about the power of design education, loves working with young people, and takes pride in a well-run shop, we want you on our team!
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; we highly encourage applicants to submit applications by August 30, 2026. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of at least 3 design and/or teaching work samples through our application portal linked here. No phone calls, please.
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DownCity Design is seeking a full-time (40 hr/wk) AmeriCorps VISTA member for a one-yearstipended service commitment beginning in Fall 2026. The Program Impact VISTA will expand our capacity to provide high-quality free youth design programs by strengthening our program evaluation infrastructure, improving family and school engagement, and building resources to better support students who are Multi-Lingual Learners. The new systems developed by this member will help open opportunities and foster leadership experiences for our young people, increasing their likelihood of succeeding in college and careers.
Full position linked here.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications must include a resume and cover letter. For any questions about the position, please reach out to Adrienne Gagnon, Executive Director at adrienne@downcitydesign.org. No phone calls please.
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DownCity Design is seeking a full-time (40 hr/wk) AmeriCorps VISTA member for a one-year stipended service commitment beginning in Fall 2026. The Community Engagement VISTA will expand DCD's capacity to introduce our work to our new Cranston Street neighbors, build relationships in the surrounding community, reconnect with our growing alumni network, and develop the communications and funding infrastructure needed to sustain our expanding programs. This is an opportunity for a creative and community-minded individual to help shape what it means for a youth design organization to be genuinely rooted in its community.
Full position linked here.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications must include a resume and cover letter. For any questions about the position, please reach out to Adrienne Gagnon, Executive Director at adrienne@downcitydesign.org. No phone calls please.
EDUCATION
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Check back in for fall program teaching opportunities in late August.
We're always looking for people with a passion for youth and community-based design who also have some of the following skills.
Feel free to submit an application even if there are no job postings listed or check out our volunteer opportunities for other ways to get involved with DCD!
Teaching, mentoring, or advising youth
Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop, Illustrator, & InDesign)
3D modeling in Google SketchUp, Rhino, or similar programs
Design / Build experience and carpentry skills
Construction and project management skills
Industrial design, graphic design, user experience design, or architecture background
Digital fabrication and rapid prototyping skills (3D printing, laser cutting, etc)
Experience with designing, building, and programming robots and/or FIRST Tech