Design Program Manager, 2033-1

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Design Program Manager, 2033-1

Must Haves

7+ years of applicable design program management experience in the software / technology space, ideally within an operational role
High degree of comfort interfacing with Product Management, Product Designers, Technical Program Managers, Engineering ICs
Can share specific examples of having worked on large, complex 0-to-1 projects requiring heavy amounts of cross-functional communication and coordination
Experience with Product and UX-centric design (does not need to have hands-on product design experience, though must be able to speak to it)
Ability to drive design deliveries / handoffs to Engineering for product development
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate and execute alongside a diverse range of partners.
Written and verbal communication skills to clearly articulate your concepts and evangelize them
Experience working in continuous delivery environments where the pace is fast

Examples of Previous Employers (non-prescriptive, consider these examples)

Big tech; Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft as well on UX / design operations at companies such as Hulu, Spotify, Disney+, Max, etc
Smaller tech; i.e. fintech or healthtech companies

Not A Fit For This Role

Creative producers or agency project managers
I.e. Candidates who’ve worked mainly in marcomms, brand / marketing, B2B design

Soft Skills

Solution-oriented over problem-spotting
Calm, diplomatic, able to navigate and bring clarity to complicated discussions
Passionate and tenacious about bringing a product to market

THE ROLE

As a contract Design Program Manager, you will bring your program management and people skills to drive cross-functional programs at scale. You will drive strategy to pixels by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of designers, content designers, design technologists, researchers, product managers, and engineers.
We are looking for someone who can comfortably jump midstream into a large 0-1 project and balance ambiguity with the clear jobs to be done. This role focuses on a new product experience launching in 2026.
The role is open to USA remote, with the understanding that our core team operates on PST hours.

WHAT THIS ROLE IS

Driving design deliveries via preexisting roadmap
Communication and connectivity with fellow DPMs on state of overlapping projects that may be incorporated into initiative’s work
Communication with initiative’s immediate Program Managers (i.e. program tracking, date changes, resourcing shifts)
Tactical project management (i.e. setting up kickoffs, building workback plans)
Keeping design leadership informed on all progress
Scheduling XFN forums (ad hoc or recurring) with the intent of strategic context sharing and assigning of tactical responsibilities

WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOT

Establishing net-new operations, engagement models and workflows

SKILLS

7+ years of applicable design program management experience in a technology and creative environment, with strong product design fluency
Passionate about driving design as a business, understanding and correlating the impact design has to the overall business and bottom line
Ability to jump into midstream 0-1 design programs and initiatives, working in collaboration with product and engineering to drive from concept to launch to scale.
Ability to juggle multiple business priorities + stakeholders and ruthlessly prioritize support across a large space.
The ability to thrive in ambiguous environments with demonstrated examples of proactive cross-functional partnership on large-scale initiatives that required clarity, direction, and influence amidst complexity and evolving business objectives
Strong instincts around people and organizations with demonstrated ability to influence design leadership
Relationship and trust building – candidates are expected to develop strong, trusting partnerships to guide, inform, or support efforts; you must have and demonstrate deep collaboration, curiosity, optimism and positivity
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate and execute alongside a diverse range of partners.
Written and verbal communication skills to clearly articulate your concepts and evangelize them
Experience working in continuous delivery environments where the pace is fast
Earnest, mature, and ego-free. You welcome candid feedback and can constructively give it as well

Pay Rate Range:

$90-100/hr.