About the Project
The Nubia Design & Innovation Project is launching a national and global research initiative,
examining the structural, educational, and ecosystem-level factors that limit IBPOC access to
design‐thinking tools, human‐centred design education, and innovation pathways — especially
in technology, civic innovation, and social impact sectors.
By documenting barriers and capturing lived experiences, this research will identify how design
capabilities can be placed directly in the hands of IBPOC communities and how global
knowledge exchange can strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
Volunteers will support a national and global movement focused on design equity, community
innovation, and expanding access to design‐thinking tools for IBPOC communities.
Remote Volunteer Roles (Apply from
anywhere in the world)
1. Research / Admin Assistant (Volunteer)
Purpose: Support data collection, documentation, and analysis.
Responsibilities:
● Note-taking during interviews and focus groups
● Survey support and documentation
● Transcribing and organizing qualitative data
● Coding early themes and maintaining research files
● Assisting with participant outreach and communication
Ideal For: Detail‐oriented individuals interested in equity, design, or community-based research.
Benefits: Hands-on experience with national mixed‐methods research and connection to a
national network of IBPOC designers and innovators.
2. Project Manager (Volunteer)
Purpose: Coordinate logistics, timelines, and communication for the research process.
Responsibilities:
● Manage project timelines and milestones
● Support volunteer communication
● Liaise with partners and host organizations
Ideal For: Organized communicators with project coordination or operations experience.
Benefits: Leadership development and exposure to innovation ecosystems across Canada.
3. Communications and Digital Media Lead (Volunteer)
Purpose: Lead all writing, communications, social media, graphics, and website management.
Responsibilities:
● Write press releases, announcements, and project updates
● Draft city summaries, blog posts, and report sections
● Create graphics, carousels, and short videos
● Manage social media platforms and engagement
● Build and maintain the project website
● Translate research insights into clear, accessible content
Ideal For: Creative communicators with strong writing, digital storytelling, and basic web skills.
Benefits: Published work, digital portfolio, and national visibility in design equity and innovation.
4. Data Analysis Lead (Volunteer)
Purpose: Strengthen the academic quality of the research through structured analysis.
Responsibilities:
● Lead qualitative coding
● Support quantitative survey analysis
● Build early themes and insights
● Maintain data integrity and structure
Ideal For: Individuals with research, data, or analysis experience. Benefits: Deep involvement
in national mixed‐methods research and insight development.
5. Writer / Grant Writer
Purpose: Support sustainability and partnership development for the project.
Responsibilities:
● Identify funding opportunities
● Support grant writing
● Build relationships with nonprofits, labs, and foundations
● Manage partnership communication
Ideal For: Individuals with experience in writing editorials, stories, fiction, non fiction,
fundraising, grant writing, or partnerships. Benefits: Experience in nonprofit development and
national-level project support.
5. Partnership Coordinator (Volunteer)
Purpose: Support sustainability and partnership development for the project.
Responsibilities:
● Build relationships with nonprofits, labs, and foundations
● Manage partnership engagement and communication
Ideal For: Individuals with community engagement or partnership experience.
Benefits: Experience in national and global project.
General Expectations
● Approx. 10 hours/week (flexible)
● Attend team check-ins online
● Communicate proactively
● Uphold project values: community-first, anti-racist, art-informed, globally aware
● Center IBPOC voices in all work
How to Apply
Email nubiaadminab@gmail.com Subject line: Volunteer Application – [Role Name]
Include:
● Resume or CV
● Short cover letter (max 1 page)
● Some samples of works (optional)
Commitment to Equity
This project centers IBPOC leadership, voices, and experiences at every level. Volunteers
from IBPOC communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
![\"\"](\"https://www.affta.ab.ca/sites/default/files/feed/images/N%20Nubia%20Design%20%26%20Innovation%20Hub%20Community%20%E2%80%94%20on%20gr%20een.png\")
\n\n\n \n\n \n Short description \n About the ProjectTags are used to categorize postings so that users can easily find opportunities that apply to them. Select the tags that apply to your submission below. You can only select one Location tag, but you can select more than one tag for Art discipline and Artist opportunity type if applicable.
\n \n\n \n Art discipline\n \n All disciplines\n \n \n\n \n Artist opportunity type\n \n Volunteers\n \n \n\n \n Info\nAny personal information provided in a request to post a listing on the AFA newsfeed, or in the listing itself, will be used for the purpose of posting to the AFA’s newsfeed, administering the AFA’s website and providing individuals and organizations with information on AFA programs and events. Such information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of the Act. Should you have any questions about the collection of this information, you may contact Aaron Talbot, Arts Services Consultant – Communications, at 780-289-3781.
","slug":"nubia-design-and-innovation-research-project","publicPath":"/news/2026-09-06-nubia-design-and-innovation-research-project"}}