Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience
10+ years leading human-centered design or strategy consulting engagements
Experience creating stakeholder maps, personas, and research-based strategy artifacts
Familiarity with Agile delivery methods for strategic work
Proven ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams
Strong skills in executive facilitation and co-creation sessions
Excellent communication skills for producing strategic reports
Local to Baltimore, MD metro area, willing to work onsite 2 days a week
Responsibilities
Facilitate HCD-led discovery with client CIO to develop IT strategy
Maintain an aligned Strategy Implementation Plan
Create ecosystem maps and stakeholder maps based on evidence
Lead sessions with client leadership for co-created strategy ownership
Define and report on metrics that track strategy execution
Plan and execute high-visibility strategy launch events
Deliver monthly and quarterly performance reports with analysis
Set standards for HCD/design methodology across workstreams
Mentor design and change-management teams to ensure quality deliverables
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible work schedules and remote work options
Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
Generous paid time off and holidays
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Employee wellness programs and resource support
Full Job Description
Overview
Steampunk is seeking a Senior Service Designer to direct the human-centered design practice behind a large federal IT strategy and modernization advisory program, personally leading the initial strategy engagement and setting practice standards across all related workstreams.
Contributions
Facilitate HCD-led discovery with client CIO leadership and stakeholders to develop an initial IT strategy
Develop and maintain a baselined Strategy Implementation Plan
Build ecosystem maps, personas, and a living stakeholder map to ground strategy in evidence rather than assumption
Lead co-creation sessions with client leadership so strategy pillars and investment-alignment criteria are jointly owned, not handed down
Define, track, and report outcome metrics that measure strategy execution and stakeholder-facing service delivery
Plan and execute high-visibility strategy launch and engagement events
Deliver monthly portfolio status reports, quarterly performance reports with root cause analysis, semi-annual strategic assessments, and an Annual Value Delivery Assessment
Set practice standards for HCD/design methodology applied across the program's communications, workforce, and training workstreams
Lead and mentor the design, communications, workforce, and change-management practitioners assigned to the program, ensuring consistent methodology and quality across their deliverables
Qualifications
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of total experience
10+ years of experience leading human-centered design or strategy consulting engagements, including facilitation of executive-level design workshops
Demonstrated experience building stakeholder maps, personas, and strategy artifacts that translate research into executive decision-making
Experience running Agile-based delivery cadences (PI planning, sprint reviews, retrospectives) for strategy or advisory work
Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary design or research teams
Strong executive facilitation and co-creation session leadership skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing executive-level strategic reporting
Local to Baltimore, MD metro area and willing to go on client site at least 2 days a week
Bonus Points:
Experience leading strategy engagements for a federal or other large regulated enterprise client
Experience building outcome-metric frameworks tied to executive reporting
Recognized design-thinking/HCD training or credential (e.g., LUMA Institute, IDEO U, NN/g)
About steampunk
Steampunk relies on several factors to determine salary, including but not limited to geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The projected compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $180,000. The estimate displayed represents a typical annual salary range for this position. Annual salary is just one aspect of Steampunk's total compensation package for employees. Learn more about additional Steampunk benefits here.
Identity Statement
As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
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