Senior Design Strategist (San Diego)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Strategist

Company: LINK

Location: San Diego, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Strategy / Consulting / Government Contracting

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of human-centered design strategies to address complex client challenges within the federal government and adjacent industries.

• Drive innovation by transforming data and insights into compelling visual stories, strategic frameworks, and actionable recommendations for executive-level clients.

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to align technical realities with human needs and strategic objectives.

• Define and articulate information strategy, content strategy, and experience frameworks to guide product, service, and program development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) that focuses on leveraging human-centered design for strategy, innovation, and communication, particularly within the federal government sector. The Senior Design Strategist acts as a key liaison, translating complex technical and policy information into clear, impactful visual narratives and actionable strategies for government clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and facilitation of high-stakes workshops, design thinking sessions, and co-creation events to align diverse stakeholders and achieve strategic outcomes.

• Conduct and oversee mixed-method user research (e.g., interviews, contextual inquiry, stakeholder analysis) to inform strategy and design direction.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative research findings into actionable insights, opportunity areas, and strategic recommendations for senior stakeholders.

• Develop high-impact visual frameworks, journey maps, decision-support tools, and other strategic visualizations that enable executive-level evaluation and decision-making.

• Define content strategy and information architecture, guiding wireframing and content mapping efforts across project teams.

• Serve as a strategic bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, fostering shared understanding and alignment at program and portfolio levels.

• Translate complex systems, research findings, and trade-offs into clear, human-centered narratives and visualizations.

• Elevate the clarity and rigor of research communication through compelling and accessible visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on translating complex information into strategic and visual outputs, a key requirement for operations and GTM roles that bridge technical capabilities with business objectives. The facilitation of workshops and user research indicates a hands-on approach to strategy development, demanding strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in design strategy, service design, experience design, or related roles.

• Proven experience in government contracting and working with federal government clients.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in human-centered design and design thinking methodologies.

• Proven ability to transform data (qualitative and quantitative) into impactful visual stories and strategic frameworks.

• Extensive experience in various design areas: service design, experience design, brand development, information design, graphic design.

• Proficiency in designing and facilitating design thinking and interactive research sessions with executive leaders and their teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients and cross-functional teams.

• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and professional design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Miro).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in defining content strategy and information architecture.

• Ability to lead the development of journey maps and decision-support tools.

• Experience in translating technical and policy-heavy concepts into clear, human-centered narratives.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and their application in design strategy.

• Experience with information visualization and data storytelling techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an active Secret clearance and preference for Top Secret clearance is critical for this role, indicating a focus on sensitive government projects. The blend of design expertise with strategic thinking and client-facing facilitation is a hallmark of advanced roles in design strategy and consulting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive design portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of experience in design strategy, with a strong emphasis on human-centered design principles.

• Case studies demonstrating the ability to lead complex projects from initial research and insight generation to strategy development and final visual output.

• Examples of translating complex data, technical information, or policy into clear, actionable visual narratives and strategic frameworks.

• Evidence of designing and facilitating workshops, design sprints, or co-creation sessions with executive-level stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of processes used for user research, including planning, execution, synthesis, and insight generation.

• Examples of methodologies for translating research findings into strategic recommendations and actionable design solutions.

• Workflows demonstrating the development of information architecture, content strategy, and experience frameworks.

• Case studies detailing the process of creating high-impact visualizations, journey maps, and decision-support tools.

• Evidence of iterative design processes and how feedback was incorporated to refine strategy and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific, emphasizing not just design execution but the strategic process, research integration, and stakeholder engagement. This aligns with operations roles that require robust documentation of process improvement initiatives and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $151,000 USD per year.

• Note: Compensation will be adjusted based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, and specific location within the San Diego area.

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend.

• LINK-sponsored healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance.

• 401K retirement plan with an employer contribution of up to 4%.

• 11 Federal Holidays observed annually.

• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year.

• Paid Holiday Time Off from Christmas Eve through the New Year.

• Participation in an annual bonus plan.

• Participation in an annual profit sharing plan.

• $2,000 annual reimbursement for Learning and Development programs.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• Occasional onsite presence may be required for client meetings, presentations, or working sessions, potentially involving local or national travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Strategist role with the specified experience and clearance requirements, particularly in a high-cost-of-living area like San Diego. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance, which are key considerations for experienced professionals in consulting and government contracting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting / Government Contracting / Human-Centered Design. LINK operates within the federal government sector and partners with adjacent industry clients, focusing on strategy, innovation, and communication through design.

Company Size: Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). This designation suggests a potentially nimble, collaborative, and mission-driven environment.

Founded: Information not provided, but the company operates with established partnerships and a diverse client portfolio, indicating maturity and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Strategist will likely be part of a larger design and strategy practice, working within project-based teams.

• Collaboration is expected with engineers, futurists, thought leaders, and other design professionals.

• The role involves direct interaction with executive-level clients, implying a high degree of autonomy and strategic influence.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design (HCD): The core methodology, emphasizing understanding user needs and perspectives to drive strategy and solutions.

• Design Thinking: Applied for problem-solving, innovation, and fostering collaboration.

• Visual Storytelling: Used to communicate complex ideas, research findings, and strategic recommendations effectively.

• Mixed-Method Research: Integration of qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy.

• Agile/Iterative Processes: Implied through workshop facilitation and co-creation sessions, focusing on iterative development and feedback.

Company Website: link.com

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's focus on human-centered design within the federal government sector is a significant differentiator. This implies a culture that values deep user understanding, ethical design practices, and impactful solutions for public service. The WOSB status can also mean a more personal and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior individual contributor or a potential lead within the design strategy domain. It requires extensive experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence clients and internal teams. It sits at the intersection of design, strategy, and client management.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Design Strategist typically reports to a Director of Strategy, Practice Lead, or a Principal Designer. They would lead project-specific teams and deliverables.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is focused on shaping client strategy, driving innovation, and improving the effectiveness of government programs and services through design-led approaches. Success is measured by client satisfaction, successful project outcomes, and the strategic influence of design recommendations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles, leading larger strategy practices or client engagements.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like service design, information architecture, or strategic visualization for niche client needs.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and strategists, fostering the next generation of talent within LINK.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger executive-level client relationships, leading to repeat business and expanded project scopes.

• Business Development: Contribute to proposal writing and business development efforts, leveraging experience to win new contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized consulting firm, particularly for those aiming to lead strategy initiatives or manage client relationships in the government sector. The emphasis on impact and influencing decision-making is a key driver for career progression in this field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. While based in San Diego, the role requires occasional onsite presence for client meetings, presentations, or working sessions, which may involve local or national travel. This suggests a flexible work arrangement balancing remote autonomy with in-person collaboration needs.

Office Location(s): San Diego, CA, United States. This location is specified for hiring, implying a primary hub for the team or a significant client base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with internal teams (engineers, futurists, designers) and external clients (executive leaders, government officials).

• Tools and Technology: Access to a technology package including a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse, and keyboard, along with proficiency expected in Adobe Creative Cloud and professional design tools.

• Client Engagement: Frequent interaction with clients, requiring strong presentation and communication skills in both virtual and in-person settings.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and client availability. Occasional travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the potential for travel, is typical for consulting positions serving government clients. It requires adaptability and strong self-management skills to balance remote work with necessary in-person engagements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the LINK culture.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a curated selection of their work, focusing on design strategy, human-centered design, and client impact. This may include a specific case study.

• Team/Client Simulation: Potential for a workshop facilitation exercise or a problem-solving scenario relevant to government contracting challenges to assess practical application of skills.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize assessment of strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design choices and the strategic goals achieved. Focus on outcomes and client success metrics.

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to research, ideation, prototyping, and stakeholder engagement for each project.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples across different design disciplines (service, experience, information, brand) to show breadth of expertise.

• Emphasize Human-Centeredness: Explicitly explain how user needs and insights drove your strategy and design decisions.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining your role, challenges, solutions, and results concisely and engagingly. Practice presenting your case studies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Government Contracting Context: Familiarize yourself with common challenges and objectives within federal government projects.

• Design Thinking Application: Be prepared to discuss how you would apply design thinking to a hypothetical government client problem.

• Workshop Facilitation: Understand principles of effective workshop design and facilitation, especially for diverse stakeholder groups.

• Data Synthesis: Practice synthesizing complex information (technical, policy, research) into clear strategic narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential for a workshop simulation indicates that LINK values hands-on demonstration of skills and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process and impact rather than just showcasing finished designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for graphic design, visual storytelling, and creating high-impact visualizations. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and potentially After Effects is expected.

• Professional Design Tools: Expertise in tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for UI/UX design, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Miro, Mural, or similar for virtual whiteboarding, workshop facilitation, and co-creation sessions.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for developing and delivering client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified, but experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) for managing project timelines and deliverables is likely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud and professional design tools, alongside collaboration platforms like Miro, points to a modern design workflow. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and preferred tools for each stage of the design strategy process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing user needs as the foundation for all strategy and design.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve collective goals.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering tangible results and meaningful change for clients, particularly within the public sector.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, creative problem-solving, and forward-thinking approaches to tackle complex challenges.

• Clarity & Rigor: Striving for clear communication, well-researched insights, and robust strategic frameworks.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages seamless collaboration between design strategists, engineers, futurists, and subject matter experts to ensure holistic solutions.

• Client Partnership: Views clients as partners, fostering trust and open dialogue to co-create solutions and drive strategic alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Likely promotes an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches are shared openly among team members.

• Facilitative Leadership: The Senior Design Strategist is expected to facilitate productive interactions, guiding discussions and synthesizing diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's emphasis on human-centered design, collaboration, and impact strongly suggests a culture that is both mission-oriented and people-focused. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Working within federal government structures can present unique challenges related to procurement, policy, and decision-making processes.

• Translating Complexity: The core challenge of translating highly technical or policy-dense information into accessible, actionable strategies for diverse audiences.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse stakeholder needs, expectations, and perspectives to achieve consensus and drive forward momentum.

• Demonstrating ROI: Quantifying the impact and return on investment of design strategy initiatives, especially in government contexts where metrics can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of design strategy, service design, or information architecture.

• Government Sector Acumen: Gaining deeper understanding of federal government operations, challenges, and strategic priorities.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on leadership roles, manage project teams, and mentor junior staff.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development resources, potentially including conferences, workshops, and certifications relevant to design strategy and government contracting.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working across a range of federal agencies and industry partners provides broad exposure to different challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are inherent to high-level consulting and government contracting roles. LINK's commitment to a $2,000 annual Learning and Development reimbursement directly addresses the need for continuous skill enhancement and adaptation in this dynamic field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex client problem you solved using human-centered design. What was your process, what were the key insights, and what was the ultimate impact?"

• "How do you approach translating highly technical information into a clear, actionable strategy for non-technical stakeholders?"

• "Walk us through how you would design and facilitate a workshop for senior government officials to align on a new strategic initiative."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to LINK's mission and our focus on human-centered design within the federal government?"

• "How do you handle situations where there are conflicting priorities or diverse opinions among stakeholders?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence an executive-level client to adopt a new approach or perspective."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around 2-3 key projects that best illustrate your capabilities in design strategy, HCD, and client impact. For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, key insights, the solution, and measurable outcomes.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study, highlighting challenges, your strategic thinking, and the value you delivered.

• Visuals: Use clear, impactful visuals that showcase your design thinking and strategic outputs (e.g., journey maps, personas, wireframes, strategic frameworks, visualizations).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; aim for clarity and impact rather than exhaustive detail. Be prepared to answer deep-dive questions.

• Demonstrate Process: Emphasize the "how" and "why" behind your work, not just the final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their strategic acumen, client management capabilities, and ability to articulate complex ideas simply. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for assessing these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in human-centered design, design thinking, strategic visualization, workshop facilitation, user research, and government contracting. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your expertise in design strategy and impact. Ensure it clearly showcases your process, strategic thinking, and client results.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice delivering a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and strategic impact. Be ready to discuss your role and contributions in detail.

• Research LINK: Understand the company's mission, values, and client base. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and how you can contribute to their success in the federal government sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.