Senior Strategist or Design Strategist; Deputy Program Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Strategist or Senior Design Strategist; Deputy Program Manager

Company: LINK

Location: Washington, D.C.

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Program Management / Strategy / Design Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T01:51:45

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This hybrid role focuses on supporting program execution and delivery within the federal government and adjacent industry partners, blending strategic thinking with operational management.

• Responsibilities include acting as a thought partner to the Program Manager, ensuring strategic alignment, and facilitating smooth execution of deliverables across multi-workstream government contracts.

• The position requires strong coordination of cross-functional teams, client communication, and quality assurance to achieve client-focused outcomes and drive business growth.

• Candidates will leverage human-centered design principles and visual storytelling to untangle complexity and communicate clearly, with an emphasis on data visualization and conceptualizing abstract ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual title "Senior Strategist or Senior Design Strategist; Deputy Program Manager" indicates a need for candidates who can either excel in strategic planning and execution or bring a strong design thinking and visual communication background, while also managing program operations. The "Deputy Program Manager" aspect is core, requiring robust project coordination and leadership skills. The company's focus on "human-centered design" and "visual stories" suggests that candidates with experience in translating complex ideas into accessible formats will be highly valued.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Program Operations & Strategic Support:

  • Act as a strategic thought partner to the Program Manager (PM) in overseeing day-to-day program operations and evolving client strategies.
  • Diligently track and manage delivery timelines, key milestones, project budgets, and team capacity across various government contracts.
  • Provide critical input to internal reporting on project health, budget utilization, identified risks, and staffing availability to enable informed PM decision-making.
  • Support the monitoring of Period of Performance (POP) deadlines, ensuring deliverable quality and managing communications related to project-specific changes.
  • Coordinate internal resource allocation to align with PM priorities and contract scope requirements.
  • Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, including planning sessions, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, reviews, and project kickoffs.
  • Maintain essential internal documentation, such as timecard reviews, deliverable trackers, and project status updates.

• Team Lead Coordination & Quality Assurance:

  • Serve as a centralized operations liaison to Team Leads, ensuring project delivery consistently aligns with overarching program strategy.
  • Facilitate regular coordination meetings with Team Leads to gather progress updates, identify and mitigate blockers, and manage interdependencies between workstreams.
  • Promptly escalate risks and resourcing needs identified by Team Leads to the PM in a structured and actionable manner.
  • Ensure team members are equipped with necessary tools, templates, and documentation for success, maintaining visibility into workloads to prevent bottlenecks or underutilization.
  • Foster team cohesion and collaboration across distributed, cross-functional workstreams.
  • Assist the PM in gathering essential input for monthly performance evaluations related to project delivery contributions.

• Client Communication & Support:

  • Participate in and coordinate logistical aspects of client calls, meetings, and briefings as delegated by the PM.

  • Draft and manage client communications, including progress updates, formal reporting, and scheduling coordination.

  • Represent the PM when necessary, ensuring clear communication of project status, scope, and timelines to clients.

  • Uphold client transparency and trust through consistent responsiveness and diligent follow-through on deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: operational execution and strategic advisory. The Deputy Program Manager (DPM) role is clearly defined as supporting the Program Manager (PM) by handling the tactical execution, resource management, and team coordination, allowing the PM to focus on client relationships and business development. The emphasis on Agile ceremonies and government contracting specifics indicates a need for candidates with practical experience in these areas.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Design, Business, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic communication, public affairs, design strategy, program management, or strategy development.

• 4-6 years of dedicated program or project coordination experience, with a strong understanding of Agile methodologies and project delivery best practices. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to build and maintain robust client relationships and foster positive interpersonal connections within a professional services environment.

• Demonstrated interest and aptitude for visual storytelling, including proficiency in data visualization and conceptualizing abstract ideas into tangible outputs.

• Excellent organizational skills, with a proven capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining a keen focus on accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying information clearly, approachably, and knowledgeably to diverse audiences.

• Active Secret clearance is mandatory; a Top Secret clearance is strongly preferred.

• Detail-oriented mindset, with the ability to thrive and maintain effectiveness in dynamic and evolving environments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within government contracting environments or providing client services to federal agencies.

• Specific experience with defense communications or creative project work for government clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, operational management, and strong communication skills. The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in specific fields like Journalism, Communication, Design, or Business, coupled with 10+ years of experience, points to a senior-level role. The preference for a Top Secret clearance and experience with defense communications directly aligns with the company's target market in the federal government sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating strategic planning and execution, highlighting how initiatives were developed, implemented, and measured for success.

• Include examples of process optimization or workflow improvements that led to increased efficiency, cost savings, or enhanced team productivity.

• Present case studies of system implementations or integrations, detailing the challenges, solutions, and outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate experience in managing project lifecycles, including scope definition, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and successful delivery against timelines and budgets. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of documented project plans, communication protocols, and reporting structures used in previous roles.

• Illustrate your approach to workflow design and optimization, including how you identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.

• Show evidence of how you track project progress, manage deliverables, and ensure quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly ask for a "portfolio" in the traditional design sense, the role's nature as a strategist and deputy program manager implies a need to demonstrate past accomplishments. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience through the lens of strategic planning, project management, process improvement, and client delivery. This could manifest as a compelling resume, a detailed LinkedIn profile, or a preparedness to discuss specific project successes and methodologies during interviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $112,000 - $151,000 annually.

• The final offer will be determined by factors including candidate experience, specific skills, and geographic location. Benefits:

• Financial & Health:

  • LINK sponsored healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision).
  • Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance.
  • 401K with an employer contribution of up to 4%.
  • Annual bonus plan participation.
  • Annual profit sharing participation.

• Work-Life Balance & Wellness:

  • $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend.
  • 11 Federal Holidays observed annually.
  • 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued per year.
  • Comprehensive Paid Holiday Time Off (from Christmas Eve through the New Year).

• Professional Development:

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

• Technology & Equipment:

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

• Full-time position, requiring 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement: 2-3 days per week onsite with the client.

• Occasional travel is expected for relevant industry events, conferences, and LINK team gatherings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level role in the Washington D.C. area, especially considering the government contracting sector and the required clearance. The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings, generous paid time off, and a strong emphasis on professional development, which is attractive for career-oriented operations professionals. The hybrid model with specific onsite days is a key detail for candidates assessing work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Professional Services / Human-Centered Design

Company Size: Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), fast-growing.

Founded: Information not provided, but growth implies an established yet dynamic operational environment.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a program structure, closely partnering with a Program Manager (PM).

• It involves coordinating and managing Team Leads and project teams, which are likely cross-functional and distributed.

• Collaboration extends across various disciplines including strategy, design, engineering, and futurism, reflecting the company's "human-centered design" approach. Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: This is a core company philosophy, implying a focus on understanding user needs and perspectives in all strategy and design initiatives.

• Agile Methodologies: Explicitly mentioned, indicating a preference for iterative development, flexibility, and continuous improvement in project execution.

• Visual Storytelling & Data Visualization: Key communication tools used to translate complex ideas and data into clear, impactful narratives for clients.

Company Website: https://link.com

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's identity as a WOSB and its focus on human-centered design and visual storytelling suggest a unique company culture. It likely values innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose in supporting federal clients. The "fast-growing" aspect implies a dynamic, adaptable, and potentially entrepreneurial environment where employees can make a significant impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a senior-level role, designated as a Deputy Program Manager, operating at a strategic and managerial capacity. It requires a strong foundation in program execution and the ability to act as a key support for the Program Manager. Reporting Structure:

• The Deputy Program Manager (DPM) reports directly to the Program Manager (PM).

• The DPM, in turn, coordinates with and provides operational support to various Team Leads responsible for specific project workstreams. Operations Impact:

• The DPM directly influences program success by ensuring efficient operations, timely delivery of high-quality work, and effective resource management.

• By supporting the PM, the DPM contributes to client satisfaction, strengthens client relationships, and indirectly supports LINK's business growth and strategic initiatives.

• The role's focus on strategic alignment and operational excellence helps ensure that client projects meet objectives and deliver tangible value. Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Program Manager: A natural progression for a successful DPM is to move into a full Program Manager role, taking on greater responsibility for client relationships and business development.

• Specialization: Opportunities may arise to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced design strategy, Agile program leadership, or specialized government communication domains.

• Leadership Development: The role inherently provides leadership experience through coordinating teams and supporting strategic initiatives, preparing individuals for broader leadership positions within LINK.

• Learning and Development: The generous $2,000 annual reimbursement for Learning and Development programs supports continuous skill enhancement, professional certifications, and exploration of new methodologies relevant to operations and strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear career path within program management and strategic consulting, particularly within the government contracting space. The emphasis on learning and development, coupled with the opportunity to grow into a PM role, makes it attractive for ambitious operations professionals. The hybrid nature and specific client-facing responsibilities also point to a role that requires strong interpersonal and client management skills for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Hybrid work environment, requiring 2-3 days per week onsite with the client in Washington, D.C.

• The remaining days are remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. Office Location(s):

• Primarily based in Washington, D.C., for client-facing activities.

• Travel may be required for industry events, conferences, and internal LINK team gatherings. Workspace Context:

• Client Site Integration: The onsite requirement means working directly within or closely alongside client teams, fostering a deep understanding of their needs and operational context. This also necessitates adaptability to different client work environments.

• Technology & Tools: Candidates will be equipped with a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse, and keyboard, ensuring they have the necessary tools for effective remote and onsite work.

• Collaboration: The role demands strong collaboration skills, both with the immediate program team (PM, Team Leads) and potentially with client stakeholders. The hybrid model requires proactive communication and engagement to maintain team cohesion and operational flow.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid schedule offers a balance between dedicated client interaction and remote flexibility, suitable for professionals who can manage their time effectively across different work settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of this role, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a blend of remote work and client-site presence. This setup is common in government contracting, where direct client engagement is crucial. Professionals should be prepared for the logistical and communication demands of balancing these two environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and cover letter to assess alignment with core qualifications, experience level, and clearance requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, experience in strategic communication, program management, and understanding of human-centered design principles. Expect questions about your approach to team coordination and client engagement.

• Team/Panel Interview: This stage often involves meeting with potential colleagues, including a Program Manager and possibly Team Leads. You may be asked to discuss specific project scenarios, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle cross-functional collaboration.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): Given the strategic and design components, you might be asked to prepare a presentation or a short case study on a past project demonstrating your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, or how you've applied design principles to solve complex challenges.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: If preparing a presentation or portfolio, emphasize the results and impact of your work. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, increased client satisfaction scores, successful delivery of Y projects).

• Showcase Process: Detail your strategic planning process, project management methodologies (especially Agile), and how you incorporate human-centered design principles.

• Illustrate Collaboration: Highlight instances where you effectively collaborated with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Visual Communication: Given LINK's emphasis on visual storytelling, consider how you can present your experience visually, perhaps through a well-designed presentation deck or by highlighting visual elements of your past projects.

• Client Focus: Demonstrate your ability to understand client needs and deliver solutions that meet or exceed expectations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like "How would you handle a conflict between two team leads?" or "Describe a time you had to manage a project with shifting priorities."

• Strategic Thinking Exercises: You might be asked to outline a strategy for a hypothetical client challenge or explain how you would approach a new program's operational setup.

• Agile & Project Management: Review common Agile practices and program management challenges. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools and techniques for tracking progress, managing risks, and ensuring quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly required, candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience and achievements in a structured manner, much like presenting a portfolio. The emphasis on human-centered design and visual storytelling suggests that candidates who can effectively communicate their strategic and operational contributions through clear narratives and potentially visual aids will have an advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) is crucial for tracking tasks, sprints, and project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for real-time communication and team coordination.

• Document Management & Productivity Suites: Expertise in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating reports, presentations, and managing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel charting capabilities for creating visual representations of data.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in developing or utilizing dashboards for project status, budget tracking, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (General Familiarity): While not directly a sales role, understanding CRM principles (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding client data and project lifecycle management.

• Workflow/Process Automation Tools (Basic Understanding): Awareness of how automation can streamline operations, even if not a primary tool for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the role's responsibilities in program management, Agile methodologies, and client communication within a professional services environment. A strong command of standard project management and collaboration tools is expected. The emphasis on "visual storytelling" and "data visualization" suggests that tools enabling clear and impactful data presentation are highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Approach: A core value, emphasizing the importance of understanding and prioritizing the needs of users and clients in all strategic and operational decisions.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working together across diverse teams and with clients to achieve shared goals, fostering a supportive and integrated work environment.

• Clarity & Impact: A commitment to clear communication, particularly through visual storytelling and data visualization, to ensure that complex ideas are understood and drive meaningful results.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing Agile methodologies and a flexible mindset to navigate dynamic environments and evolving client needs effectively.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to delivering high-quality outcomes, maintaining meticulous attention to detail, and ensuring client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with various disciplines (strategy, design, engineering) to ensure holistic project execution.

• Client-Centric Communication: Maintaining open, transparent, and responsive communication channels with clients to build trust and manage expectations.

• Team Support: Empowering and supporting Team Leads and project members by providing necessary resources, clear direction, and facilitating problem-solving.

• Feedback Exchange: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is shared to continuously improve processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's emphasis on human-centered design and visual storytelling suggests a culture that values creativity, empathy, and clear communication. The WOSB status might also contribute to a collaborative and purpose-driven environment. Professionals who thrive on solving complex problems through design thinking and collaborative teamwork will likely find this culture appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Effectively bridging the gap between high-level strategy and the detailed execution required for program delivery.

• Managing Cross-Functional Teams: Coordinating diverse teams with potentially different working styles and priorities to ensure cohesive project outcomes.

• Navigating Government Contracting Complexities: Understanding and adhering to the specific requirements, regulations, and reporting structures inherent in federal government contracts.

• Maintaining Client Relationships in a Hybrid Model: Ensuring consistent and effective communication and engagement with clients while working a hybrid schedule.

• Adapting to Dynamic Client Needs: Responding effectively to evolving client priorities and project scope changes while maintaining project integrity and timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Program Management Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience managing complex government contracts and leading teams.

• Master Agile Methodologies: Further developing skills in Agile frameworks and their application in diverse project settings.

• Enhance Strategic & Design Thinking: Applying human-centered design principles and strategic planning to a variety of challenging client problems.

• Develop Visual Communication Skills: Improving proficiency in data visualization and visual storytelling techniques to enhance client deliverables.

• Leadership Acumen: Cultivating leadership capabilities through team coordination, stakeholder management, and strategic advisory roles, preparing for advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior program management role in a consulting environment, especially within the government sector. The growth opportunities are directly tied to overcoming these challenges and leveraging the company's commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to translating a client's strategic goals into actionable project plans and deliverables." (Focus on process, methodology, and stakeholder alignment).

• "How do you ensure strategic alignment across multiple workstreams and teams on a complex government contract?" (Highlight coordination, communication, and Agile practices).

• "Walk me through a time you used data visualization or visual storytelling to communicate a complex idea or strategy to stakeholders." (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating impact and clarity). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LINK's human-centered design approach and our work with federal clients?" (Research LINK's website, case studies, and mission).

• "How do you foster team cohesion and collaboration, especially in a hybrid work environment with distributed teams?" (Discuss your communication strategies, team-building efforts, and conflict resolution skills).

• "How do you measure the success of a program or project beyond just meeting deadlines and budget?" (Focus on client satisfaction, strategic impact, and team performance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For any presented case study, follow a clear structure: Problem/Challenge, Your Role/Approach, Solution/Actions Taken, Results/Impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful delivery metrics).

• Highlight Process & Tools: Briefly explain the methodologies (Agile, HCD) and tools you employed.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with others to achieve success.

• Visual Appeal: If presenting slides, ensure they are clean, professional, and visually engaging, aligning with LINK's emphasis on visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, robust project management skills (especially Agile), and an understanding of human-centered design. Be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and communicate effectively with clients, particularly in the context of government contracting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on greenhouse.io.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in strategic communication, program management, design strategy, and Agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Portfolio Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific examples of projects where you managed timelines, budgets, resources, and cross-functional teams. If you have visual examples of your work (e.g., project plans, data visualizations, strategy frameworks), have them ready to present or discuss.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LINK's mission, values, and client work, particularly their emphasis on human-centered design and visual storytelling. Understand their role as a WOSB in the federal contracting space.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to leadership, problem-solving, and client relationship management.

⚠️ 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.