Senior Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Strategist

Company: LINK

Location: Charleston, SC

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Strategy / Consulting

Date Posted: September 9, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute innovative human-centered design strategies for federal government and industry partners, translating complex challenges into actionable insights and clear visual stories.

• Partner directly with executive-level clients to understand organizational priorities, user needs, and operational constraints, serving as a trusted advisor for strategic decision-making.

• Drive impactful visual storytelling through the development of compelling frameworks, journey maps, service blueprints, and strategic narratives.

• Design and facilitate dynamic workshops, stakeholder engagements, and co-creation sessions to foster alignment and advance organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of design, strategy, and consulting, with a strong emphasis on client-facing advisory and complex problem-solving within the federal government sector. The Senior Design Strategist is expected to act as a subject matter expert in human-centered design methodologies and translate these into tangible business value.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by framing complex challenges, identifying opportunities, and applying human-centered design approaches to inform strategic decision-making.

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

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

• Guide cross-functional teams through ambiguity, facilitating stakeholders in building alignment and making informed decisions on complex projects.

• 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 activities.

• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights, opportunity areas, strategic recommendations, and clear 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 for diverse client needs.

• Guide research activities that directly 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 that communicate complex information clearly.

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

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

• Establish and maintain quality standards for design strategy deliverables, providing guidance to improve consistency across engagements.

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

• 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 that enable productive dialogue and structured problem-solving.

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

• Help stakeholders navigate competing priorities, organizational complexity, and change initiatives through structured facilitation and engagement.

• Guide teams in applying human-centered design methods throughout project lifecycles, ensuring best practices are followed.

• Mentor teammates through coaching, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback, fostering professional development within the team.

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a senior-level role requiring leadership in client engagements, deep expertise in design strategy methodologies, and a strong ability to mentor junior staff. The emphasis on federal government clients and TS/SCI clearance suggests a need for understanding complex bureaucratic structures and security protocols.

🎓 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:

• Current TS/SCI clearance level required.

• Strong expertise in human-centered design, design thinking, systems thinking, facilitation, and strategic storytelling.

• Well-versed in a variety of design strategy disciplines and able to select the appropriate approach for a given challenge.

• Experience designing and facilitating workshops, stakeholder engagements, and collaborative working sessions that drive alignment and informed decision-making.

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

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

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

• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and client service.

• Capable of mentoring and coaching others within a team environment.

• Approaches work with optimism, openness to new ideas, and a collaborative mindset.

• Portfolio that demonstrates both design execution and strategic decision-making. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the federal government sector or with government clients.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.

• Proficiency in a range of visualization and prototyping tools.

• Experience in change management or organizational transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The TS/SCI clearance is a critical, non-negotiable requirement. The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating both execution and strategy indicates that candidates should be prepared to showcase a breadth of work, from concept to final deliverable, highlighting their strategic decision-making process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong command of human-centered design principles and their application in real-world scenarios.

• Showcase case studies that clearly articulate the problem, the strategic approach taken, the research methodologies employed, and the resulting impact.

• Highlight examples of strategic decision-making, detailing the rationale behind chosen methodologies and approaches.

• Include examples of visual outputs such as journey maps, service blueprints, ecosystem maps, or strategic frameworks that effectively communicate complex information.

• Present evidence of workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement, illustrating how alignment and informed decisions were achieved. Process Documentation:

• Detail the end-to-end process for conducting design strategy projects, from client engagement and research initiation to insight synthesis and strategic recommendation delivery.

• Illustrate how research findings are translated into actionable insights and strategic outputs, emphasizing clarity and impact.

• Provide examples of how systems thinking and ecosystem analysis are integrated into the strategic planning process.

• Showcase frameworks or methodologies used for facilitating workshops and stakeholder alignment sessions, including how outcomes are captured and leveraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is essential for this role, and it should go beyond just showcasing final designs. It needs to clearly articulate the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and ability to drive client outcomes through design. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating a structured, human-centered approach to complex challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend

• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants

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

• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance.

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

• 11 Federal Holidays per year.

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

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

• Annual bonus plan participation.

• Annual profit sharing participation.

• $2,000 Learning and Development program reimbursement for professional growth.

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

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Some travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the final offer will be influenced by factors such as candidate experience and location within the Charleston, SC area. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering significant support for professional development, health, and financial well-being, which is attractive to senior-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Human-Centered Design Consulting. LINK partners with the federal government and adjacent industry partners, focusing on strategy, innovation, communication, change, and branding.

Company Size: Small to Medium Business (SMB) - as a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), LINK likely operates with a lean, agile structure, fostering close-knit teams and direct impact.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's focus on leveraging human-centered design suggests a modern, forward-thinking approach to problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of specialized strategists, designers, researchers, and consultants who collaborate on client projects.

• Reporting structures are expected to be relatively flat, with senior team members mentoring and guiding more junior staff, facilitating direct client interaction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with team members working closely with engineers, futurists, and thought leaders to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data analysis and insights derived from human-centered research to inform strategic decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to how LINK approaches client challenges and internal processes.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where applicable, but the core focus remains on human-centered design solutions.

Company Website: link.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a WOSB, LINK likely cultivates a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and direct client impact. The company's mission-driven approach to supporting federal government partners suggests a professional and results-oriented environment, balanced with a commitment to human-centered principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Design Strategist role, indicating a position of significant expertise and responsibility. It requires independent leadership on client engagements, the ability to mentor junior colleagues, and a substantial track record of successful project delivery.

Reporting Structure: While specific reporting lines are not detailed, senior roles typically report to Directors or Partners within consulting firms. The Senior Design Strategist will likely manage project teams and collaborate directly with executive-level client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is measured by its ability to drive strategic decision-making for clients, foster innovation, improve communication, manage change effectively, and enhance branding through human-centered design. Success directly contributes to client mission achievement and LINK's business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization and Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design strategy domains (e.g., service design, innovation strategy) or move into leadership roles managing client portfolios or practice areas.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through the $2,000 L&D reimbursement program, exposure to diverse federal government challenges, and mentorship from experienced leaders.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to roles such as Principal Design Strategist, Director of Strategy, or a similar leadership position within LINK, taking on greater client responsibility and strategic oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced design strategists to deepen their expertise, gain exposure to high-impact federal projects, and take on leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on mentorship and L&D support suggests a commitment to employee growth within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Charleston, SC. The description implies a dynamic office environment conducive to collaboration and client engagement.

Office Location(s): Charleston, SC. This location offers a vibrant setting with potential for engagement with government and defense organizations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with an emphasis on team interaction and co-creation sessions.

• Access to a provided technology package (MacBook Pro, monitor, etc.) ensures employees have the tools necessary for design and strategic work.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of strategists, designers, and consultants, promoting knowledge sharing and a supportive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with an on-site expectation in Charleston, SC. While primarily office-based, some travel is required for events and conferences, indicating a blend of focused work and external engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Charleston, SC, is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a preference for in-person collaboration and client accessibility. The provided technology package and stipend support the operational needs of employees in their daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role requirements, particularly the TS/SCI clearance.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, strategic approach, leadership capabilities, and understanding of human-centered design principles. Preparation should include specific examples from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will likely present a selection of their work, detailing strategic decision-making, research methodologies, and impact. Focus on storytelling and clarity.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Sessions with potential colleagues and possibly client representatives to assess collaboration style, cultural fit, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, long-term fit, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that clearly demonstrates your strategic thinking, not just design execution. For each project, explain the problem, your thought process, the methods used, and the measurable outcomes.

• Select case studies that highlight your experience with human-centered design, systems thinking, and stakeholder facilitation.

• Be prepared to discuss your role in each project, your contributions to strategic decisions, and how you navigated challenges.

• Emphasize projects relevant to government clients or complex organizational challenges if possible.

• Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, with clear explanations for each piece. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for scenario-based questions that test your ability to frame complex problems, apply design thinking, and guide stakeholders through decision-making.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical client challenge, outlining your research, strategy, and facilitation plans.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on assessing the candidate's strategic acumen and ability to translate design principles into tangible client results. A strong, well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Visualization: Tools for creating journey maps, service blueprints, ecosystem maps, wireframes, and presentations (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Mural).

• Research & Synthesis: Tools for qualitative data analysis, affinity mapping, and insight generation.

• Collaboration: Platforms for virtual and in-person workshops and team communication (e.g., Miro, Mural, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a data analyst role, understanding how to leverage research data and present findings effectively is key. Familiarity with data visualization principles is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly emphasized for this role, but an understanding of how design strategy can inform CRM strategies or business process automation may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in collaborative design and visualization tools like Miro, Mural, and Figma is highly probable. The role requires the ability to translate complex qualitative research into clear, visually compelling outputs that drive strategic decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core commitment to understanding and addressing user needs in all design and strategy work.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving, both internally and with clients.

• Optimism & Openness: A positive and proactive approach to challenges, with a willingness to explore new ideas and adapt to evolving needs.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible value and measurable outcomes for clients and their missions.

• Integrity & Trust: Essential for working with federal government clients and maintaining strong client partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving close work with internal teams (designers, researchers, strategists) and direct engagement with executive-level clients.

• Facilitative approach to guide discussions and ensure all voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

• Emphasis on constructive feedback and continuous improvement within the team and in client engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a proactive, collaborative, and human-centered approach. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in team settings and build strong, trust-based relationships with clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating complex federal government structures, policies, and stakeholder landscapes.

• Translating highly technical or policy-driven requirements into human-centered design solutions.

• Guiding stakeholders through ambiguity and resistance to change initiatives.

• Balancing multiple client priorities and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.

• Continuously adapting to evolving design strategies and client needs. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to a $2,000 annual reimbursement for learning and development, supporting conferences, courses, and certifications.

• Opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects within the federal government sector.

• Mentorship from senior leaders within LINK, fostering professional growth and leadership skills.

• Exposure to cutting-edge design thinking and strategy methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to complex client environments and strategic problem-solving, which are balanced by robust opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a specialized consulting firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex challenge you faced with a client and how you used human-centered design to develop a strategic solution. What was the outcome?" - Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your strategic thinking, research methods, and impact.

• "How do you approach guiding stakeholders through ambiguity and facilitating decision-making in a challenging organizational environment?" - Focus on your facilitation techniques, communication strategies, and ability to build consensus.

• "Imagine you need to help a federal agency improve a complex service. What would be your first steps in framing the problem and identifying opportunities?" - Outline your initial research and strategic planning process, emphasizing human-centered principles. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with LINK and specifically within the federal government sector?" - Research LINK's mission, values, and WOSB status, and connect it to your career goals.

• "How do you embody LINK's values of optimism, openness, and collaboration in your work?" - Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in past roles.

• "How do you measure the success of your design strategy work and its impact on client objectives?" - Discuss your approach to defining KPIs and demonstrating ROI. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your strategic decision-making, research prowess, and ability to deliver impactful solutions.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the strategic approach, methodologies used, key insights, and the tangible outcomes or impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you navigated challenges, and what you learned from the experience.

• Use visual aids effectively to illustrate your points, but focus on the narrative of your strategic contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your strategic process, demonstrating your ability to lead complex projects, and showcasing your understanding of human-centered design within a consulting context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Strategist position:

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

• Customize your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in design strategy, human-centered design, research, and consulting, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio to showcase your strategic thinking and execution. Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to frame complex problems, conduct research, synthesize insights, and deliver impactful visual strategies, especially any relevant to government clients.

• Practice your portfolio presentation to clearly articulate your process, strategic decisions, and the outcomes of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with facilitation and stakeholder engagement.

• Research LINK thoroughly, understanding their mission, values, and focus on human-centered design for the federal government. Prepare to discuss why you are a good cultural fit and how you can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.