Habib University

Position ID:Habib University-DP [#24305]
Position Title: Director, Playground
Position Type:Other
Position Location:Karachi, 75290, Pakistan [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Development Studies
Appl Deadline:2023/05/31 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2023/02/08, finished 2023/12/02, listed until 2023/08/08)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed. ***

About the playground
The playground at Habib University is a pioneering design research facility in Pakistan designed exclusively to enable learning, experimentation, ideation and prototyping across all disciplines at Habib University. The complex challenges that we face today require us to think beyond disciplinary boundaries. To understand and address such problems from the user’s lens, the playground applies human and planet-centered design in all its offerings using a range of design research methods including but not limited to systems thinking, speculative design, service design, interaction design and communication design.

POSITION DESCRIPTION 
The Director of Playground at Habib University will lead the most cutting-edge design research facility in Pakistan. The director will be responsible for leveraging the expertise at Habib University and the power of design to challenge, reframe, resolve, and reshape the intellectual experience delivered at the university. The director will manage a transdisciplinary and collaborative ecosystem for learning, experimentation, ideation, and prototyping and work with industry and community partners to lead design-led research and innovation. 

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
Strategic Planning and Management: 
• Lead the vision and strategy for the playground as a key university resource that reshapes intellectual experiences, creates learning communities and develops contextualized problem-solving opportunities for students, faculty and community members using Human and Planet-Centered Design. 
• Foster a collaborative and transdisciplinary environment for learning, experimentation, ideation, and prototyping on contextual challenges. The current four areas of focus include: 
a. Student Centered Design (Creating student centered learning strategies) 
b. Urban Ecologies (Socially & environmentally responsible design strategies) 
c. Designing for Circularity (Sustainable systems & product design) 
d. Imagining Futures (Speculating a safe future for our planet) 
• Manage partnerships with industry and community partners for design-led research and innovation. 
• Develop and lead transdisciplinary workshops and dialogues. 

 2. Budget and Space Management: 
• Oversee the management of the playground ecosystem, including the budget, staffing, and facilities. 
• Manage the allocation of resources to ensure the effective operation of the playground. 
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the efficient use of the playground space. 
• Ensure the playground facilities meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members. 

 3. Faculty Collaboration and Intellectual Offerings: 
• Provide faculty with resources and support to help them use design thinking to solve complex problems and integrate this mindset in their existing courses. 
• Create courses in the Creative Practice category in the Habib Liberal Core and also train faculty in offering special design courses from the playground. 
• Collaborate with faculty to develop new courses and programs that incorporate design thinking. 
• Enable faculty to use the playground as a resource for their teaching and research. 

 4. Learning Communities and Contextualized Problem-solving: 
• Create learning communities and contextualized problem-solving opportunities for students, faculty, and community members. 
• Develop programs and initiatives that engage students, faculty, and community members in design-led research and innovation. 
• Provide opportunities for students to develop their design skills and knowledge. 
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and the sharing of ideas and experiences. 

5. Representation and Outreach: 
• Represent the playground at Habib University and in the wider design community both locally and internationally. 
• Create design dialogues, meet-ups, hackathons, design challenges, and an annual design conference through the playground 
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the design and innovation community. 

QUALIFICATIONS 
• Advanced degree in design, innovation, or related field. 
• Proven experience in leading design research and innovation initiatives. 
• Strong background in transdisciplinary collaboration and human and planet-centered design. 
• Excellent leadership and management skills. 
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with industry and community partners. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Passion for using design to solve complex problems and reshape the intellectual experience. 

 This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the most cutting-edge design research facility in Pakistan and shape the future of design and innovation at Habib University. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for using design to solve complex problems, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. 

 Applications should consist of a CV, accompanied by a detailed cover letter. Please apply through the online application form here

 *This position is based in Karachi. An appointment will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references. The appointed candidate will be offered a salary that is commensurate with their experience and appropriate to the seniority of this position.

An appointment will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references. The appointed candidate will be offered a salary that is commensurate with their experience and appropriate to the seniority of this position.

We are not accepting applications for this job through AcademicJobsOnline.Org right now. Please apply at https://habib.edu.pk/hu-careers/apply-online/ external link.
Contact: Salman Khimani
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
University Avenue Off Shahrah e Faisal Gulistan e Jauhar Karachi Pakistan
Web Page: www.habib.edu.pk