Equitable Advisors LLC is hiring: Enterprise Innovation Design Lead in Charlotte

At Equitable, our power is in our people.We're individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Those differences make us stronger as a team and a force for good in our communities. Here, you'll work with dynamic individuals, build your skills, and unleash new ways of working and thinking. Are you ready to join an organization that will help unlock your potential?As the Enterprise Innovation Design Lead you will leverage your expertise in Design Thinking and human-centered design to help multidisciplinary teams solve complex business problems as part of New Ways of Working (NWOW) at Equitable. The design and facilitation of collaborative ideation is at the heart of this role and offers a diverse and challenging blend of logical problem solving, innovative thinking and astuteness to "connect the dots" while fostering an environment of engagement, openness and creativity. You will work across the enterprise, engaging in broadly-defined, loose concepts and on narrowly-defined, tactical deliverables.You will consult with project stakeholders to develop engagement plans and deliver workshops grounded in the core methodologies of Design Thinking. This involves engaging with often unfamiliar groups who are operating under high pressure to quickly identify solutions to their most pressing challenges. As an Enterprise Innovation Design Lead, you will empower teams to rapidly understand challenges, identify potential solutions and guide them toward an appropriate set of action-oriented outcomes. Additionally, you will be responsible for helping ground the organization in Design Thinking including driving awareness, change management and program implementation.The successful candidate will:CollaborateDesign and plan Design Thinking workshops with creative and collaborative problem solving as the priority objectiveLead pre-workshop discovery sessions and engage with stakeholders to outline the primary goals and initiative approachEnergetically facilitate collaborative workshops virtually, in-person or hybrid, ensuring all participants remain engaged and are led toward achieving desirable outcomesDesign Consult with Equitable business units on their innovation projects, programs and initiativesManage (often multiple) complex projects to ensure overall success, including scope, resourcing and timely quality deliverables that meet stated objectivesPrepare and deliver Design Thinking analysis reports and artifacts derived from the workshopsPlay back key results with stakeholders while providing guidance on potential next steps for executionMust be able to clearly explain your work, process and decisions to teammates and cross functional stakeholdersLead Champion Design Thinking throughout the organization as a key pillar of the Innovation & Design Office; actively promote all NWOW practices including Agile, OKRs, Adaptive Leadership and Dynamic FundingCultivate an environment of iterative thinking, continuous learning and innovationProvide direction and mentorship to team membersSupport internal growth, development and innovation programsThe base salary range for this position is $105,000 - $156,000. Actual pay will vary based on skills, experience, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, Equitable provides compensation to reward performance with base salary increases, spot bonuses, and short-term incentive compensation opportunities. Eligibility for these programs depends on level and functional area of responsibility.For eligible employees, Equitable provides a full range of benefits. This includes medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. For detailed descriptions of these benefits, please reference the link below.Equitable Pay and Benefits: Equitable Total Rewards ProgramQualificationsRequired Qualifications: 5+ years of experience with planning, facilitating and leading internal/external workshopsPreferred Qualifications: Impeccable ability to communicate with and lead a group of individuals (often including executives) through the process of Design Thinking and collaborative ideationUnmatched attention to detail and due diligence, with a research-based approach to understanding what's required for great customer experiencesExperience with online whiteboard tools, such as Miro or MuralDesign Thinking certification or formal courseworkDemonstrated professional experience facilitating workshop sessions with at least 15 participants using collaborative toolsAbility to structure workshop formats and agendas including pre-work consulting with stakeholdersUnderstand human-centered design principles; be a strong advocate for the customerEmpathetically observe and communicate to stakeholders and participants with all levels of knowledge.Bridge the gap between technology, business and customers.Skilled in synthesizing qualitative information and quantitative data into impactful, results-oriented reportsHave versatile visual design skills including presentation development and prototypingExperience with Service Design blueprintingResults oriented with a proven record of on-time project delivery for multiple projects of varying complexityExhibit a strong ability to influence in a matrixed environmentEmbrace uncertainty and ambiguity; be self-motivated and dedicated to continuous improvementExperience with Agile-based project deliveryStrong reasoning, analytical and research skillsAbility to build trusting relationships across the organizationSkillsBusiness Markets: Knowledge of existing and planned markets and market-related initiatives from the perspectives of the competition, the suppliers, the customer base and the regulatory environment; ability to apply market knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.Design Thinking: Knowledge of concepts, principles, and processes of design thinking; ability to utilize the knowledge in designing new products and services and even improving organizational operation.Market Research: Knowledge of market research; ability to collect, collate and analyze information about existing or potential markets and market needs.Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.Storytelling: Knowledge of concepts and ability to plan, create and present business proposals, initiatives and ideas by storytelling actual business scenarios that are situation-specific, engaging, memorable and persuasive as compared to one-way, fact-based presentations.Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrates a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by treating everyone with respect and dignity, ensuring all voices are heard and advocating for change.ABOUT EQUITABLEAt Equitable, we're a team of over ten thousand strong; committed to helping our clients secure their financial well-being so that they can pursue long and fulfilling lives.We turn challenges into opportunities by thinking, working, and leading differently - where everyone is a leader. We encourage every employee to leverage their unique talents to become a force for good at Equitable and in their local communities.We are continuously investing in our people by offering growth, internal mobility, comprehensive compensation and benefits to support overall well-being, flexibility, and a culture of collaboration and teamwork.We are looking for talented, dedicated, purposeful people who want to make an impact. Join Equitable and pursue a career with purpose.Equitable is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to our employees, applicants and candidates based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or any other class protected by federal, state and local laws.NOTE: Equitable participates in the E-Verify program.If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform the essential job functions of this position, please contact Human Resources at (212) 314-2211 or email us at TalentAcquisition@equitable.com.