Senior Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Strategist

Company: LINK

Location: Charleston, SC

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute innovative human-centered design strategies to solve complex organizational challenges for federal government and industry partners.

• Drive impactful visual storytelling and strategic narratives that inform client decision-making and support business growth.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops and engagements to build alignment and guide stakeholders through ambiguity.

• Synthesize mixed-method research findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for organizational transformation and service design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a design strategy firm that heavily emphasizes human-centered design and applies it to complex organizational and governmental challenges. The "Operations" aspect is derived from the strategic planning, process facilitation, and systemic thinking required, bridging design principles with operational outcomes. The focus on federal government clients suggests a need for understanding structured environments and potentially security clearance requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, framing complex challenges and identifying opportunities through human-centered design approaches.

• Partner directly with client stakeholders to understand organizational priorities, user needs, operational constraints, and desired outcomes.

• Lead the development of design strategy approaches that align stakeholder needs, business objectives, and mission requirements.

• Guide cross-functional teams through ambiguity, facilitating alignment and informed decision-making processes.

• Identify opportunities to create tangible business value and support long-term client success through strategic design interventions.

• Lead mixed-method research efforts, including stakeholder interviews, contextual inquiry, observations, journey mapping, ecosystem analysis, and systems mapping.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights, opportunity areas, strategic recommendations, and design directions.

• Apply systems thinking to identify patterns, dependencies, root causes, and opportunities across complex organizational environments.

• Translate technical, operational, and policy-focused challenges into human-centered insights and strategic considerations.

• Guide research activities that inform organizational transformation, service design, experience design, and strategic planning efforts.

• Develop compelling visual frameworks, journey maps, service blueprints, ecosystem maps, decision-support tools, and strategic narratives.

• Shape storytelling approaches that help stakeholders understand challenges, opportunities, tradeoffs, and future-state possibilities.

• Collaborate with information designers and strategists to develop executive-level deliverables that support alignment and decision-making.

• Establish quality standards for design strategy deliverables and provide guidance that improves consistency across engagements.

• Ensure visual outputs effectively communicate research findings, strategic recommendations, and organizational priorities.

• Design and facilitate workshops, design sprints, stakeholder engagements, and co-creation activities that advance strategic objectives and drive organizational alignment.

• Develop facilitation approaches, agendas, exercises, and collaborative experiences for productive dialogue and structured problem-solving.

• Synthesize workshop outputs into actionable findings, recommendations, and implementation considerations.

• Guide teams in applying human-centered design methods throughout project lifecycles.

• Mentor teammates through coaching, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback.

• Model LINK values and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

• Share tools, methods, frameworks, and lessons learned that improve the quality and consistency of work across engagements.

• Support development of emerging practitioners by providing guidance on research, facilitation, synthesis, and visual storytelling.

• Contribute to the continued evolution of LINK’s design strategy practice through innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic client advisory, deep research and analysis, creative visualization, and meticulous facilitation. This role requires not just design execution but also operational understanding of how to drive change and decision-making within client organizations, particularly in complex federal environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Communication, Sociology, Psychology, Human-Centered Design, or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in design strategy, service design, user experience, research, consulting, communications, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Strong expertise in human-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proficient in design thinking, systems thinking, and strategic storytelling.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex research efforts and translate findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Proven experience designing and facilitating impactful workshops, stakeholder engagements, and collaborative working sessions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective client and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and guide stakeholders through complex challenges and decision-making processes.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining high standards.

• Capability to mentor and coach junior team members.

• Portfolio demonstrating both design execution and strategic decision-making.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with federal government clients or within government agencies.

• Familiarity with diverse design strategy disciplines and the ability to select appropriate approaches for various challenges.

• Experience in organizational transformation, service design, or strategic planning initiatives.

• Proficiency in creating visual frameworks, journey maps, service blueprints, and ecosystem maps.

• Experience in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data for strategic insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Bachelor's degree in specific fields like Sociology or Psychology, alongside design-related disciplines, indicates a strong preference for candidates with a deep understanding of human behavior and societal systems to inform design strategy. The requirement of 10+ years of experience, coupled with the ability to mentor, clearly defines this as a senior leadership role. The explicit mention of a security clearance is critical and should be a primary consideration for applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design strategy projects, demonstrating end-to-end engagement from problem framing to solution development.

• Clear articulation of the strategic challenges faced, the methodologies employed, and the rationale behind design decisions.

• Evidence of translating complex research findings into tangible strategic recommendations and actionable plans.

• Examples of visual deliverables such as journey maps, service blueprints, ecosystem maps, and strategic frameworks that communicate complex information.

• Demonstrations of how design strategy has led to measurable client outcomes, business value, or organizational change. Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of how you have led and structured design strategy processes for client engagements.

• Case studies detailing your approach to mixed-method research, synthesis, and insight generation.

• Evidence of workshop design and facilitation protocols, including agenda structures, exercise development, and output synthesis methods.

• Examples of how you have applied systems thinking to understand complex organizational environments.

• Demonstrations of how you have translated technical, operational, or policy challenges into human-centered strategic considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific to the strategic and analytical nature of design strategy. Candidates are expected to showcase not just creative output but also the strategic thinking, research rigor, and process management that underpins successful design strategy work, especially in a consulting environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,000 - $151,000 annually.

Explanation of Range: This range is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for Senior Design Strategist roles in Charleston, SC, considering the 10+ years of experience requirement and the specialized nature of human-centered design strategy within government contracting. The final offer will be influenced by specific candidate experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend.

• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants in Charleston, SC.

• LINK-sponsored comprehensive 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.

• Annual bonus plan participation.

• Annual profit sharing participation.

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

• Technology package including a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Some travel is required for relevant events, conferences, and LINK team events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level strategy role in Charleston, SC, especially within the federal contracting space. The comprehensive benefits package, including stipends for connectivity and commuting, robust healthcare, retirement contributions, and significant professional development funding, reflects a commitment to employee well-being and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Human-Centered Design / Innovation Consulting.

Company Size: Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) with a growing client portfolio.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but company is described as "fast-growing," indicating a dynamic and evolving environment.

Team Structure:

• The design strategy team likely comprises specialists in various design disciplines, research, and information design, working collaboratively on client projects.

• Reporting structure likely involves senior strategists reporting to practice leads or directors, with opportunities to mentor junior staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with engineers, futurists, and thought leaders within LINK, as well as with diverse client teams at executive and operational levels. Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: Core to LINK's approach, emphasizing understanding user needs and behaviors to drive solutions.

• Systems Thinking: Applied to untangle complexity and identify interconnectedness within organizations and their environments.

• Data-Driven Insights: Research findings are synthesized to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate value.

• Visual Storytelling: Complex information and strategies are communicated effectively through compelling visual narratives.

• Collaborative Facilitation: Workshops and co-creation sessions are used to build alignment and drive informed decision-making.

Company Website: link.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a WOSB, LINK likely fosters a culture that values diversity, agility, and a strong sense of mission. The focus on human-centered design and supporting federal government partners suggests a culture that prioritizes impact, integrity, and deep problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Design Strategist, indicating a leadership position responsible for driving strategy, mentoring others, and managing complex client engagements. It's a critical role in the design strategy practice, bridging client needs with LINK's capabilities.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Director or Practice Lead within LINK's design strategy or consulting arm. Will collaborate closely with project managers and other senior consultants.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts LINK's business growth through successful client engagements, client retention, and the development of new service offerings. It also influences operational improvements and strategic decision-making within client organizations, particularly federal agencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles like Design Strategy Director, Practice Lead, or Partnership Manager, overseeing larger teams and client portfolios.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of design strategy, such as service design for government, innovation consulting, or digital transformation.

• Business Development: Involvement in client engagement, proposal development, and contributing to LINK's strategic growth initiatives.

• Mentorship & Practice Building: Opportunity to shape LINK's design strategy methodologies and develop emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Strategist at a firm like LINK often involves progressing into more senior leadership, business development, or specialized consulting roles. The emphasis on mentoring and practice building suggests opportunities to influence the company's direction and capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "On-site" in Charleston, SC, suggesting a primary work location at a LINK office or a client site.

Office Location(s): Charleston, SC.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with other designers, strategists, and potentially client teams.

• Access to necessary technology, including a MacBook Pro and peripherals, will be provided.

• The environment likely supports deep work and focused analysis, balanced with active facilitation and client interaction.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with potential for travel to client sites, conferences, or team events. The role requires flexibility to meet client needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While "on-site" implies a physical presence, the nature of consulting often involves significant client-site work. The Charleston location is noted as the primary base. The provided technology package is standard for a consulting role requiring significant digital work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio for relevant experience, skills, and alignment with LINK's human-centered design approach.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and understanding of design strategy principles. Portfolio review will likely be a key component.

• Team/Panel Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues and leaders to assess cultural fit, collaborative style, and approach to complex problem-solving. This may include scenario-based questions or a case study discussion.

• Client/Executive Interview (Potentially): For senior roles, interaction with higher-level stakeholders to assess advisory capabilities and strategic impact potential.

• Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the "why" behind each project – the client's challenge, your strategic approach, and the desired outcomes.

• Process Visualization: Showcase your design strategy process, including research methodologies, synthesis techniques, and how insights informed your recommendations. Use diagrams, flowcharts, or journey maps.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify results wherever possible. Highlight how your design strategy efforts led to measurable improvements, informed decision-making, or organizational change.

• Client Context: For government projects, subtly highlight your understanding of the operational environment, stakeholder complexities, and mission-critical objectives.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your strongest work clearly and concisely. Focus on quality over quantity. Be prepared to walk through specific projects in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex client challenge, applying human-centered design and systems thinking.

• Practice articulating your strategic decision-making process and how you would navigate ambiguity.

• Prepare examples demonstrating your facilitation skills, ability to build consensus, and drive alignment among diverse stakeholders.

• Familiarize yourself with LINK's mission, values, and the types of clients they serve, particularly in the federal sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to translate design thinking into tangible strategic and operational outcomes for clients, particularly within the federal government space. A robust portfolio that demonstrates strategic depth and process rigor is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: While not explicitly stated, proficiency with tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Sketch, or similar is expected for creating visual frameworks and deliverables.

• Collaboration Platforms: Miro, Mural, or similar digital whiteboarding tools for remote and in-person workshop facilitation and ideation.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Monday.com may be used for managing project timelines and tasks, especially in a consulting environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Synthesis Tools: While not specific tools, proficiency in synthesizing qualitative data from interviews, observations, and workshops is key. Quantitative data analysis skills may also be leveraged.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for creating executive-level deliverables and strategic narratives.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Potentially): LINK may use a CRM system for client management, but specific tools are not listed.

• Integration Tool (Potentially): Tools like Zapier or custom integrations might be used internally for operational efficiency, though not directly related to the strategist's core function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for visual creation, collaborative ideation, and presentation. The core requirement is the ability to leverage these tools to translate complex information and strategic thinking into accessible formats for client understanding and decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and serving people – users, clients, and colleagues.

• Curiosity & Openness: A proactive approach to learning, exploring new ideas, and embracing ambiguity.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving across disciplines.

• Impact-Driven: Focused on delivering tangible value and driving meaningful change for clients and the organization.

• Integrity & Trust: Building strong relationships through honesty, transparency, and reliability, especially critical when working with federal partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with diverse internal teams (engineers, futurists) and external client stakeholders at all levels.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding groups through structured processes to achieve consensus and drive progress.

• Knowledge Sharing Culture: Actively contributing to the collective expertise of the team through mentorship and sharing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's values emphasize a people-centric approach, intellectual curiosity, and a drive for impactful results. The collaborative style is essential for navigating complex projects and ensuring client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Bureaucracy: Adapting human-centered design principles and processes to the structured, often complex, environments of federal government agencies.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing competing priorities and perspectives among diverse client stakeholders to achieve alignment and consensus.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating and quantifying the value and impact of design strategy initiatives to clients, particularly in defense or policy-driven sectors.

• Driving Change Adoption: Helping client organizations integrate new strategies and ways of working, overcoming resistance and embedding new practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy Training: Access to specialized workshops, certifications, or conferences focused on emerging design methodologies and tools.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within LINK and to mentor junior practitioners