ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Interest Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alaska Department of Law

$150 - $200/hr

... strong public interest focus, seeks an early to mid-level associate with 1-5 years of energy ... design proceedings, rulemakings, and other matters. * Think creatively to solve client problems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsPublic Interest Design Jobs

Public Interest Design information

See salary details

$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public interest design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest design in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public interest design?

Public Interest Design is a field of design that focuses on addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges to improve the lives of underserved communities. It involves architects, designers, and planners working collaboratively with stakeholders to create solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and responsive to community needs. The approach emphasizes participatory processes, ethical responsibility, and the positive impact of design on society. Public Interest Design can be applied to projects such as affordable housing, public spaces, and infrastructure improvements, prioritizing public well-being over profit.

How do public interest designers typically collaborate with communities and stakeholders during a project?

Public Interest Designers often work closely with diverse communities and stakeholders to ensure that design solutions address real needs and are culturally sensitive. This collaboration usually involves participatory design workshops, regular feedback sessions, and ongoing communication throughout the project lifecycle. Designers must balance technical expertise with active listening and adaptability, building trust and fostering inclusive decision-making. These collaborations not only enhance project outcomes but also empower communities to take ownership of the solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public interest designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Interest Designer, you need a background in design (such as architecture, urban planning, or graphic design) with a strong focus on social impact, community engagement, and sustainability. Familiarity with participatory design methods, GIS software, and project management tools is often required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative problem-solving skills help build trust and effective partnerships with diverse communities. These skills ensure that design solutions are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the real needs of the public.

What is the difference between Public Interest Design vs Community Development Planning?

AspectPublic Interest DesignCommunity Development Planning
CredentialsDesign degrees, certifications in sustainable or social designUrban planning, community development degrees, certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, non-profits, public agenciesGovernment agencies, non-profits, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on designing physical spaces for social impactFocuses on planning policies and community growth

Public Interest Design and Community Development Planning both aim to serve communities, but Public Interest Design emphasizes creating physical, sustainable spaces through design, while Community Development Planning focuses on policy, infrastructure, and community growth strategies. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their primary focus and methods.

More about Public Interest Design jobs

What states have the most Public Interest Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Interest Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Interest Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Interest Design jobs are:

Public Interest Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Interest Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Director, Public Interest and Service

Texas A&M University

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Provide career guidance and counseling to students and alumni pursuing public interest, judicial clerkships, and government positions.

  • Design and deliver professional development programs and resources related to public service career pathways.

  • Engage with employers, judges, and government agencies to strengthen recruitment efforts and expand partnerships.

Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title

Director, Public Interest and Service

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Texas A&M University School Of Law

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Fort Worth, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

A Glimpse of the Job

The Texas A&M School of Law is seeking a dedicated Director of Public Interest and Service. In this role, the director provides comprehensive career guidance to students and alumni pursuing public interest, judicial clerkships, and government positions, offering structured support throughout the application and interview process. They design and deliver professional development programs that illuminate key pathways in public service and enhance students' readiness for competitive opportunities. The position requires ongoing engagement with judges, government agencies, and public interest employers to strengthen recruitment pipelines and expand institutional partnerships. The director meets regularly with students across all class years, offering tailored, highlevel advising informed by industry knowledge and evolving hiring practices. They also oversee the collection, analysis, and submission of employment and internship data to national organizations, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Through thoughtful leadership and collaboration, the director advances the school's publicservice mission and enhances outcomes for students entering these fields.

Opportunities to Contribute

  • Public interest, Judicial Clerkship, and Government Jobs Placement: Create an integrated program of career advising and development for students interested in internships and postgraduate jobs in public interest, with the judiciary, and with government employers. Counsel and assist students and law school graduates on all facets of their career searches, creating educational programming/career training seminars and resources, and gathering and reporting data on internship and graduate employment.

  • Employer Recruitment: Develop and implement employer outreach and recruitment strategies, including seeking funding for programs that promote the mission.

  • Student/Alumni Counseling:Provide career counseling to 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, LLM students, and alumni on all types of employment and aspects of the job search including reviewing resumes, cover letters, job applications, and conducting mock interviews.

  • Surveys & Reports:Participate in the gathering and reporting of data on internships and graduate employment for submission to the National Association for Law Placement, the American Bar Association, and US News & World Report.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will becommensurateto the selectedhire'sexperience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload themonthe application under the CV/Resume section.

Position Details: Please note this role is located on-site in Forth Worth, Texas.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Ten years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in legal recruitment, law practice or legal education, higher education administration, experience mentoring attorneys or law students, and experience participating in the hiring and recruitment of attorneys or law students.

  • Three years of experience working in a public interest/service law practice plus three years in any combination of legal practice (private sector, public interest/service, or judicial clerkship).

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • State bar license.

  • Active membership in federal, state, and local bar associations.

  • Valid Class C Driver's License or ability to obtain one in 30 days.

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Who We Are

At Texas A&M UniversitySchool of Law(in Fort Worth, Texas) we instill in our graduates a knowledge of the law, key professional skills and core values that set the Aggie Lawyer apart. Texas A&M UniversitySchool of Lawis an integral part of Texas A&M University, one of a select few institutions nationwide to hold land grant, seagrantand space grant designations. As Texas' first public institution, Texas A&M offers 101 doctoral programs and 151 master's programs, in addition to the J.D. law degree. Many of these programs haveattainedtop rankings and national recognition for quality by the National Research Council (NRC).

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

  • Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.

  • Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month.

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas.

  • Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time.

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

  • Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

What Texas A&M University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply