Senior Strategist or Design Strategist; Program Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Strategist or Design Strategist; Program Manager

Company: LINK

Location: Charleston, SC, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Strategy, Program Management, Design Strategy

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead innovative human-centered design strategies and program management initiatives for federal government clients.

• Drive impactful visual storytelling and communication strategies to inform strategic decision-making and organizational transformation.

• Manage contract performance, client satisfaction, and financial health, ensuring successful project delivery and operational excellence.

• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and stakeholder engagements to build alignment and accelerate complex problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends strategic consulting, design thinking, and rigorous program management, indicating a need for a candidate who can operate at both a high-level strategic vision and a detailed execution level, particularly within the federal government contracting space. The dual title suggests a focus on translating strategic insights into actionable programs and design outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to federal government clients, framing complex challenges, identifying opportunities, and applying human-centered design principles to inform strategic decisions.

• Lead the development and execution of design strategy approaches that align stakeholder needs, business objectives, and mission requirements for complex governmental projects.

• Develop and implement comprehensive change management strategies, including stakeholder engagement plans, communication strategies, and adoption roadmaps.

• Translate complex ideas into compelling strategic narratives, executive-level presentations, and decision-support products that clearly articulate strategic direction.

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, overseeing program budgets, team utilization, schedules, risks, and deliverable quality to ensure contractual compliance and client satisfaction.

• Facilitate design sprints, stakeholder engagements, and co-creation activities that drive organizational alignment and accelerate problem-solving.

• Oversee program budgets, team utilization, schedules, staffing plans, risks, subcontractor performance, and deliverable quality to ensure contractual compliance and client satisfaction.

• Establish and maintain project management processes, Agile cadences, reporting mechanisms, and communication rhythms for effective task delegation and on-time delivery.

• Mentor teammates through coaching, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback, modeling company values and contributing to a collaborative team culture.

• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities to extend existing work and create additional value within client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are split between a "Senior Strategist/Design Strategist" and a "Program Manager," indicating a need for a candidate who can effectively bridge strategic ideation with disciplined execution. The emphasis on federal government clients, TS/SCI clearance, and specific program management duties like contract performance and financial oversight are critical.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, English, Business, or a related field. A strong foundation in strategic communication or program management is essential. Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in strategic communication, public affairs, program management, or strategy development, with a significant portion focused on complex organizational challenges.

• 7+ years of program/project management experience, including demonstrated familiarity with Agile methodologies and project delivery best practices.

• Proven experience in government contracting environments, understanding the nuances of federal agency engagement and project execution.

• Experience with human-centered design and design thinking principles is crucial for informing strategic approaches and client solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail, and timely delivery. Required Skills:

• Current TS/SCI clearance level required. This is a non-negotiable requirement for engaging with sensitive government projects.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, approachably, and knowledgeably to executive-level stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational skills, critical for managing multiple high-stakes projects concurrently.

• Proficiency in Agile methodologies, essential for adaptive project management in dynamic government environments.

• Strong understanding of strategic communication principles and their application in public affairs and organizational messaging.

• Expertise in program/project management, including scope definition, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Experience with human-centered design principles and methodologies, including user research and journey mapping. Preferred Skills:

• PMP certification is preferred, indicating a formal recognition of project management expertise and best practices.

• Familiarity with design thinking principles and their practical application in problem-solving and innovation.

• Experience in business development within the federal government sector.

• Skills in visual storytelling and the ability to translate complex data into accessible narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a TS/SCI clearance is a critical filter for candidates. The combination of strategic communication, program management, and human-centered design points to a role focused on strategic transformation within government agencies, where clear communication and disciplined execution are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing successful strategic communication initiatives, program management successes, and applications of human-centered design.

• Provide case studies that highlight your ability to frame complex challenges, develop actionable strategies, and manage projects from inception to successful completion.

• Include examples of executive-level presentations, communication plans, and strategic narratives that effectively convey complex ideas.

• Showcase experience in managing project lifecycles, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, with clear metrics of success. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to developing and implementing change management strategies, including stakeholder analysis and adoption roadmaps.

• Detail your methodology for leading mixed-method research efforts and synthesizing findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Illustrate your experience in designing and facilitating workshops, outlining the process for driving alignment and problem-solving.

• Provide examples of how you have applied systems thinking to understand complex organizational environments and identify dependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic impact, project execution, and the application of design thinking. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for client engagement, strategy development, and program delivery, especially within a government context. The ability to demonstrate ROI through improved communication, process efficiency, or organizational transformation will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is competitive for a Senior Strategist/Design Strategist and Program Manager with extensive experience and a TS/SCI clearance in the Charleston, SC area. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in government contracting, considering the required experience level, specialized skills (human-centered design, Agile, strategic communication), and the critical security clearance. The range reflects varying levels of experience within the "10+ years" bracket and potential differences in specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend to support remote work capabilities.

• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants, acknowledging the hybrid work arrangement.

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

• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance for income protection.

• 401K with an employer contribution of up to 4%, supporting long-term financial planning.

• 11 Federal Holidays observed per year, providing dedicated time off.

• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, offering flexibility for personal needs.

• Paid Holiday Time Off from Christmas Eve through the New Year, providing an extended holiday break.

• Annual bonus plan participation, rewarding performance and contributions.

• Annual profit sharing participation, aligning employee success with company profitability.

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

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

• Full time, 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid onsite presence required 3-5 days per week, essential for client meetings, presentations, and collaborative working sessions.

• Some travel may be required to attend relevant events, conferences, and LINK team events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, supporting professional development, work-life balance, and financial well-being. The hybrid work requirement with specific on-site days is important for candidates to note, as is the travel component.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Federal Government Contracting / Strategy & Innovation Consulting. LINK operates within a sector that demands high levels of trust, security, and performance. Their focus on human-centered design, strategy, innovation, communication, change, and branding positions them as a forward-thinking partner for government agencies and industry.

Company Size: Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). This designation often implies a more agile and potentially close-knit team environment, with opportunities for direct impact and visibility.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided but implied to be established enough to have a robust client portfolio and a clear mission.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of strategists, designers, program managers, and communication specialists who collaborate closely on client engagements.

• Reporting structure may involve direct reporting to a Program Director or similar leadership role, with matrixed reporting for project-specific tasks.

• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent to the role, requiring seamless interaction between design, strategy, and program management functions to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are central to informing strategic decisions and design approaches.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where feasible to streamline operations and enhance client value.

Company Website: https://link.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a WOSB in the federal contracting space, LINK likely values integrity, innovation, and a strong client focus. The emphasis on human-centered design suggests a culture that prioritizes understanding user needs and translating them into impactful solutions, fostering a collaborative and problem-solving environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, combining strategic leadership with program management responsibilities. It's a critical juncture for professionals looking to leverage their expertise in a high-impact capacity, influencing client strategy and organizational transformation.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director of Strategy, Program Management, or a similar senior leadership position within LINK. Collaboration will be extensive with project teams, clients, and potentially business development leadership.

Operations Impact: The core impact of this role lies in guiding federal government clients through complex challenges, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring the successful execution of programs. This directly influences client mission success, operational efficiency, and the adoption of new strategies or technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in human-centered design, advanced program management methodologies (e.g., Agile at scale, SAFe), and strategic consulting within the federal sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Director-level roles, manage larger portfolios of work, and take on more significant business development responsibilities.

• Specialization: Develop niche expertise in specific government domains or strategic areas like digital transformation, change management, or advanced analytics.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior strategists and program managers, contributing to the growth of the LINK team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the government contracting and strategic consulting space. The combination of strategic and program management skills is highly sought after, providing a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid onsite presence required 3-5 days per week. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, balancing individual productivity with team interaction.

Office Location(s): Charleston, SC. This location is specified for hiring.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, encouraging interaction with colleagues and facilitating client engagements.

• Access to necessary technology and tools for strategic planning, design, and program management will be provided.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid model requiring consistent onsite presence.

• Flexibility may exist within the standard work week, but client-facing demands and team collaboration will dictate specific schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be comfortable with regular office attendance. The Charleston location is central to the role's operational base.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience level and security clearance.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your strategic thinking, program management experience, and understanding of human-centered design principles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio of your work, focusing on relevant projects that demonstrate your strategic approach, project management capabilities, and ability to drive impactful outcomes. This may involve a specific case study related to government challenges.

• Team/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and discuss team dynamics, collaborative approaches, and cultural fit. Questions may focus on your experience working in cross-functional teams and navigating complex organizational environments.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term potential within LINK.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your dual expertise in strategy, design, and program management, with a strong emphasis on government sector experience or transferable skills.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the methodologies used (human-centered design, Agile, etc.), the solutions implemented, and most importantly, the measurable results and ROI achieved.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations with a clear narrative arc – problem, approach, solution, outcome. Highlight your problem-solving process and strategic decision-making.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of strategic frameworks, communication plans, stakeholder analysis, and project management artifacts (e.g., roadmaps, risk registers) to demonstrate your process rigor.

• Address Security: Be mindful of any confidentiality restrictions related to government work. Focus on the strategy, process, and outcomes rather than sensitive details.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical strategic challenge for a federal agency, incorporating human-centered design and program management principles.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Agile methodologies and how you would apply them in a government context.

• Practice explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as if presenting to executive-level stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing not only your technical skills but also your ability to communicate, collaborate, and align with LINK's client-centric and design-focused approach, especially within the federal government context. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project are likely used for task tracking, workflow management, and Agile cadences.

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

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides is essential for creating executive-level presentations and strategic narratives.

• Design & Strategy Tools: While not explicitly stated as design roles, familiarity with tools used in human-centered design and strategy development might be beneficial, such as Miro, Mural, Figma, or similar digital whiteboarding and ideation platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools to synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights. This could range from Excel/Google Sheets for basic analysis to more advanced BI tools if applicable to specific client projects.

• Ability to translate data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales or marketing operations role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools might be leveraged to support client engagement or internal operations could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on strategic communication, program management, and design thinking. While specific tools aren't listed, candidates should highlight their proficiency in tools that support these functions, particularly those used in client-facing presentations, project execution, and collaborative environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core value that drives all strategic and design initiatives, prioritizing understanding and addressing user needs.

• Integrity & Trust: Essential for working with federal government clients and handling sensitive information (TS/SCI clearance).

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and forward-thinking approaches to complex challenges.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Agility: Adapting quickly to changing client needs and project requirements, leveraging Agile methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between strategists, designers, and program managers is expected to deliver holistic solutions.

• Client-Centric Partnership: Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, working collaboratively to understand their challenges and co-create solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches across the team to elevate collective capabilities.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to providing and receiving feedback to drive continuous improvement in individual performance and team output.

📝 Enhancement Note: LINK's culture appears to be built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and a deep commitment to client success through human-centered approaches. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Understanding and effectively working within the complex structures and processes of federal government agencies.

• Balancing Strategy and Execution: Effectively bridging high-level strategic vision with the practical demands of program management and timely delivery.

• Managing Stakeholder Complexity: Aligning diverse stakeholder needs and priorities within government organizations.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Staying current with changes in government priorities, technology, and best practices in strategy and design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing PMP, Agile certifications, or specialized design thinking credentials.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant government contracting, strategy, or design conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Participating in and contributing to LINK's internal workshops and learning sessions focused on new methodologies and client sector insights.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging in formal or informal mentorship to gain insights from senior leaders and develop leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling challenging, high-impact projects within the federal government sector. The company's investment in learning and development further supports career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame a complex challenge for a federal agency. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem framing, human-centered design, and strategic articulation).

• "How would you lead a program focused on organizational transformation within a government client, incorporating change management and Agile principles?" (Prepare to discuss your program management methodology and change leadership strategies).

• "Walk us through a strategic communication plan you developed for a challenging audience. What were the key messages, channels, and how did you measure success?" (Highlight your communication strategy development and execution skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for LINK, specifically within the federal government sector and with a focus on human-centered design?" (Research LINK's mission, values, and recent work).

• "How do you approach building trust and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, particularly in a government contracting environment?" (Emphasize your interpersonal skills and understanding of client relationships).

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with federal government objectives and compliance requirements?" (Demonstrate awareness of the unique context of government projects). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an executive summary of your key achievements and then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your strategic approach, the methodologies used, your specific contributions, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Process & Impact: Show, don't just tell. Use visuals or concise descriptions to illustrate your strategic frameworks, design thinking process, and project management execution. Emphasize the tangible impact on the client's mission or operations.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled challenges, and how you measured success. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of security protocols and government contracting nuances if applicable.

• Connect to LINK: Throughout your presentation, draw parallels between your experience and LINK's stated values and client focus, demonstrating a strong cultural and strategic fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic foresight, robust program management discipline, and a deep understanding of human-centered design, all within the context of federal government contracting. Your ability to articulate complex processes and measurable outcomes will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the LINK careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in strategic communication, program management, human-centered design, and government contracting. If a portfolio is requested, curate it to showcase your most relevant projects, focusing on impact and process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific achievements, and proficiency with Agile methodologies and strategic frameworks. Use keywords relevant to the job description, such as "human-centered design," "program management," "strategic communication," and "TS/SCI clearance."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to strategy development, program execution, stakeholder management, and problem-solving. Prepare to present your portfolio with clarity and confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LINK, its mission, its work with federal agencies, and its commitment to human-centered design. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their culture.

⚠️ 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.