Associate Director, Information Design – Design Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Collaborate with Project Team Leadership to steer strategic design direction and enhance organizational impact.

• Act as the main design liaison for project teams, advocating for the design-thinking methodology in cross-functional and leadership discussions.

• Spot strategic opportunities within the client landscape and propose process enhancements to facilitate effective application of the Systems Model.

• Champion visual brand representation, ensuring consistency and standards across identity, architecture, and design systems.

• Guide internal teams through the design execution process by establishing clear priorities, decision frameworks, and feedback mechanisms.

• Mentor and oversee the design procedure, exemplifying effective client interaction, deadline management, and innovative problem-solving.

• Aid in the onboarding and development of new information designers and design strategists, providing regular updates to project managers and competency leaders.

• Track team performance and resource usage, promoting collaboration, growth, and successful project outcomes.

• Engage in the recruitment and interviewing process for design-related positions.

• Supervise design execution throughout the contract, ensuring high-quality, brand-aligned deliverables.

• Implement human-centered design and design thinking methodologies within project workflows.

• Ensure the consistent application of design assets, libraries, frameworks, and new technologies such as AI.

• Communicate the trade-offs and impacts of changing deadlines while identifying opportunities to showcase team achievements.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Design Communications, UX Design, Visual Journalism, Visual Communications, Sociology, Psychology, or a related discipline.

• Over 10 years of professional experience in design consulting or a related field, with a proven track record of leading, managing, and developing high-performing teams.

• Profound knowledge of human-centered design, design thinking methodologies, and visual design principles.

• Experience in promoting brand representation and consistency, including brand design and formats.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in copy editing.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and cultivate design teams, often across various disciplines.

• A recognized leader in visual communication and foundational design principles.

• Experience in designing comprehensible information hierarchies and frameworks that enhance information navigation, understanding, and retention.

• Direct experience working with clients and fostering positive client relationships.

• Expertise in applying information design principles and in visual storytelling across different media.

• Ability to manage ambiguity and deliver strategic direction that clarifies goals, requirements, and outcomes, particularly in complex or high-visibility projects.

• Strong portfolio showcasing comprehensive design work, including concepts, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, visual design, and final execution.

• Some travel may be necessary to attend relevant events and conferences, as well as participate in LINK team activities.

🏝️ Benefits

• $100 monthly stipend for internet/cell phone expenses.

• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants.

• LINK-sponsored healthcare benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance.

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

• 11 Federal Holidays observed each year.

• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually.

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

• Participation in an annual bonus plan.

• Involvement in an annual profit-sharing program.

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

• A technology package that includes a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse, and keyboard.