Program Researcher/Designer

About the role

The Program Researcher/Designer is a strategic, research-driven role for someone who wants to shape the future of youth tech education. You will combine user research, curriculum design, and systems thinking to create programs that are effective, scalable, and grounded in real learner and volunteer needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct User Research (Students & Volunteers)

  • Study real users through interviews, surveys, usability tests, and field research
  • Identify user needs, motivations, pain points, and behaviors
  • Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to uncover patterns and insights
  • Validate program ideas, prototypes, and curriculum concepts before implementation
  • Communicate findings clearly to designers, instructors, and leadership

• Design the Learning Experience

  • Define program goals, outcomes, and learner pathways
  • Create curriculum structures, modules, lessons, activities, and assessments
  • Ensure content aligns with industry expectations and youth learning patterns
  • Integrate hands-on, project-based learning and real-world relevance

• Build Systems & Workflows

  • Design onboarding flows for students, volunteers, and instructors
  • Create schedules, resource libraries, and operational workflows
  • Develop templates, guides, and tools that make the program scalable
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth delivery

• Evaluate & Improve Programs

  • Collect and analyze feedback from learners, volunteers, and instructors
  • Measure learner performance and program effectiveness
  • Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement
  • Iterate curriculum and systems based on evidence, not assumptions

What Makes This Role Unique

• You’re not just designing lessons — you’re designing an entire learning ecosystem.
• You’ll operate like a product designer for education, ensuring every program is Human-centered, Evidence-based, Scalable, Impact-driven, and Continuously improving.
• Your research will directly shape how hundreds of young people learn tech skills and build their futures.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Are pursuing a Master’s or PhD in a related field
• Have experience with user research methods
• Understand UX, HCI, learning design, or curriculum development
• Think in systems and enjoy solving complex experience problems
• Communicate insights clearly and visually
• Care deeply about youth empowerment and equitable access to tech education

Time Commitment

Flexible, remote-friendly 3–6 hours per week

Ideal Candidate

Ideal for graduate students seeking applied research experience, portfolio projects, or community impact work

What You Gain

• Real-world user research and program design experience
• Portfolio-ready artifacts (research studies, curriculum maps, workflows, prototypes)
• Experience collaborating with designers, engineers, and educators
• Leadership opportunities in shaping a growing educational organization
• Meaningful impact on youth learning and community development