LEAD DESIGN INSTRUCTOR - TOY DESIGN I (SOFT TOYS)

Overview

Role: Lead Design Instructor-Toy Design I (soft toys)

Location: Los Altos, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)

Eligibility: Graduating Seniors, Graduate Students and Alumni

DesignX is a boutique education company in the heart of Silicon Valley on a mission to unleash creativity in the youngest generation: enabling students ages 7y-15y develop their unique creative voice through high quality enrichment programs in FASHION, TOY, PRODUCT and ARCHITECTURE design. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital and virtual, DesignX is committed to providing a space for tangible experiences that are at the core of our human experience. Students learn valuable designing and making  skills, exploring ideas in sustainability, developing an appreciation for form and craftsmanship while making real world physical products. A first-of-its-kind program, DesignX has inspired and empowered over 7,000 kids and teens over the last decade in Silicon Valley, CA. 

DesignX is seeking ambitious, talented, organized and thoughtful young designers who can elevate the DesignX Toy Design learning experience through an engaging classroom environment that leaves students wanting more. The ideal candidate will be a professional toy designer or working towards a graduate or undergraduate degree in toy design, soft goods design, product design, mechanical engineering or related field and who is looking to refine their technical and leadership skills while sharing their talents with the young learners -- making meaningful impact on the future OR a passionate educator with talent/skills in related fields (fascination for the world of play, along with an intermediate to advanced knowledge of sewing a must). They are detail-oriented and can work both collaboratively and independently. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

● Join a team of 25+ uber creative people, from diverse fields such as Fashion Design, Toy Design, Product Design and Architecture who are passionate about the DesignX mission and align with its values

● Create an open, fun, joyful, inclusive and nurturing environment to influence and inspire over 80 budding and uber enthusiastic creatives  

● Plan and execute six collections of age-appropriate soft-toys, executing 10-15 unique concepts weekly (80+  toys) in a fast-paced design-studio like environment

● Learn to lead, delegate and mentor a class-team responsible for the successful completion of each of the collections

● Engage with senior staff who will challenge your perspectives, mentor and hold space for learning and growth

● Develop a tool box of learnings for future career roles in a creative space such as designer, design director, creative director, entrepreneur and others

WHO YOU ARE:

● You enjoy the unbridled creativity of young minds and believe in the DesignX mission

● You enjoy in-person human connection -- engaging with kids, teens, peers and senior staff

● You enjoy empowering young talent and are invested in the growth of others and yourself

● You have excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.

● Punctual, dependable and ready for a challenge

● You are upbeat, positive and enthusiastic, with an authentic "can do" attitude.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

● Summer Program Dates: June 16th - Jul 25th, 2025

● Hours: Full time June 12th-Jul 25th

COMPENSATION: Competitive.

APPLICATION:

Include: Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio*

*Portfolio maybe a website or a link to photographs of your physical projects