Design Lead

Design Lead – Conservation International

This position is based in Arlington‑VA, Seattle‑WA, or Hawaii.

Overview

The Design Lead plays a key role in championing design thinking and human‑centered design across the Center for Oceans and the broader organization. This role sits at the intersection of design, science, and storytelling—requiring both creative vision and methodical execution to strengthen our programs through innovative design approaches.

Mindset & Approach

• Human‑centered design leader comfortable guiding people with little to no design experience
• Critical thinker who challenges assumptions and invests in uncovering the right questions before solving
• Capable of moving between big‑picture thinking and hands‑on execution
• Willingness to prototype rapidly, test assumptions, and iterate based on new findings
• Balances creative exploration with pragmatic implementation
• Works independently and collaborates deeply with diverse stakeholders
• Facilitator who hears different perspectives and navigates difficult conversations
• Storyteller who adapts complex scientific information into compelling narratives for a broad audience

• Lead creative design processes, including research, ideation, synthesis, and rapid prototyping to enhance collaboration and problem‑solving
• Shape and craft compelling narratives that articulate the vision and urgency of initiatives for diverse audiences
• Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Blue Horizons to uncover new ways to apply design thinking and human‑centered design
• Facilitate design-based strategy workshops that bring together diverse stakeholders for strategic alignment
• Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and innovation within the Center for Oceans and the organization
• Look beyond conservation for analogous sources of inspiration, bringing insights from other sectors
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

• Typical office environment
• Flexible schedule to accommodate time differences and field programs
• Occasional travel to meet with donors or program staff may be required
• Hybrid work structure: some days in office and some remotely

• 4‑6 years of experience applying human‑centered design approaches to complex challenges
• Expertise in facilitating design-based workshops and collaborative sessions with diverse stakeholders
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to develop creative solutions
• Exceptional ability to connect and build relationships with colleagues and partners from diverse backgrounds
• Experience distilling complex information into compelling narratives for a wide audience
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead teams through iterative design processes
• Proficiency in design and communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Figma)
• Strong design sensibility across print, digital, video, audio, and other media
• Collaborative problem solver who can work independently and deliver high‑quality results

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge about ocean conservation is welcome but not required

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type:

Full‑time

Job Function:
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology