Senior Design Strategist (Washington, DC)

Senior Design Strategist (Washington, DC) United States - Washington, DC Location: We are actively hiring in the DC Metro area. Who We Are: LINK is a fast‑growing woman‑owned small business that leverages human‑centered design to support strategy, innovation, communication, change, and branding for federal government clients and industry partners. About the Opportunity: Design Strategists partner closely with federal government clients, engineers, and cross‑functional teams to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights through visual storytelling. The role requires design thinking, Human‑Centered Design (HCD), and visual mapping techniques to co‑create data‑informed narratives that enable decision‑making and drive action across diverse stakeholder groups. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Design, Communication, Sociology/Psychology, or a related field 10+ years of experience in design strategy or related roles Expertise in human‑centered design, design thinking methodologies, and transforming data into impactful visual stories Extensive experience in service design, experience design, brand development, information design, and graphic design, with the ability to recommend the best solutions for each project Proficiency in designing and facilitating design‑thinking and interactive research sessions with executive leaders and their teams Strong written and verbal communication skills and proven collaboration with clients and cross‑functional teams Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and professional design tools Government contracting experience Portfolio demonstrating design strategy expertise and related project outcomes Responsibilities Cross‑Functional and Technical Leadership Lead deep collaboration with engineering teams and subject matter experts to shape strategy grounded in technical realities and human needs. Act as a strategic bridge between technical and non‑technical stakeholders, aligning perspectives and driving shared understanding at the program and portfolio levels. Inform product, service, and program strategy through research‑driven insights that influence direction, prioritization, and decision‑making. Define content strategy, information architecture, and experience frameworks, guiding wireframing and content mapping efforts across teams. Information Strategy and Strategic Visualization Set direction for information designers and partner with strategists to develop high‑impact visual frameworks, journey maps, and decision‑support tools. Translate complex systems, research findings, and trade‑offs into visualizations that enable executive‑level evaluation and confident decision‑making. Elevate the clarity and rigor of research communication through compelling, accessible visual narratives. Workshop Strategy, Facilitation, and Alignment Design and lead high‑stakes workshops, design sprints, and co‑creation sessions that align diverse stakeholders and advance strategic outcomes. Develop human‑centered facilitation approaches, agendas, and materials that enable government teams to collaborate, innovate, and navigate complexity. Synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs from workshops to surface critical insights, strategic opportunities, and alignment or decision gaps that inform next steps. User Research and Strategic Insight Development Lead the planning and execution of mixed‑method user research, including interviews, contextual inquiry, and stakeholder analysis. Synthesize complex research into actionable insights, opportunity areas, and strategic recommendations that influence senior stakeholders. Translate technical and policy‑heavy concepts into clear, human‑centered narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Oversee and conduct primary and secondary research, integrating qualitative and quantitative findings into cohesive strategic perspectives. Work Schedule Onsite presence required 3‑5 days/week for client meetings, presentations, or working sessions. Full time, 40 hours per week. Some travel required for relevant events and conferences. Salary & Benefits Base salary range: $112,000–$151,000 (final offer based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location). $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend. Healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision) sponsored by LINK. Company‑paid Short Term Disability Insurance. 401(k) with employer contribution up to 4%. 11 federal holidays per year. 15 days paid time off (PTO) per year. Paid holiday time off (Christmas Eve through New Year). $2,000 Learning and Development reimbursement. Technology package: LINK‑owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr LINK