Human Centered Design Project Manager

Viderity is an award-winning consulting firm that provides IT and outreach services to federal agencies and commercial organizations.Note:This is a 100% in-person role for people based in Washington, D.C. Metro Area D.C., Maryland, ViriginaThe position is based in Washington, DC, with core work hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.About the Role:The Senior Human-Centered Design (HCD) Manager will lead the integration of human-centered design methodologies into the technical assistance provided to grant recipients. This role focuses on ensuring that all technical assistance is designed with the needs, challenges, and goals of grant recipients in mind. The HCD Manager will collaborate closely with federal staff, program managers, and other stakeholders to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of grant utilization by developing recipient-focused solutions.Key Responsibilities:Human-Centered Design Integration:Lead the development and implementation of HCD strategies to guide the design of technical assistance.Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to understand the needs of grant recipients.Develop detailed personas and journey maps to represent key recipient groups and visualize their experiences in utilizing grants.Identify opportunities for improvement in grant utilization at both individual and aggregate levels.Facilitate ideation workshops to brainstorm and develop concepts that address identified needs and enhance grant outcomes.Prototype and test new approaches to technical assistance, ensuring alignment with recipient needs.Technical Assistance Design and Delivery:Collaborate with program managers and technical experts to design and deliver customized technical assistance that supports grant recipients in effectively utilizing funds.Implement innovative strategies to increase the percentage of grant funds used for their intended purposes.Work with data analysts to develop metrics and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of technical assistance initiatives.Program Management:Oversee the planning and execution of HCD projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and budget.Regularly report on project progress, including activities, accomplishments, issues, risks, and mitigation strategies.Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that all HCD efforts support the broader objectives of the ACF and its partner programs.Maintain a detailed Program Management Plan (PMP) that outlines control policies, procedures, and quality standards.Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including grant recipients, federal staff, and other partners, to gather input and feedback on HCD initiatives.Ensure that design processes are inclusive and that the voices of all key stakeholders are heard and integrated into the final solutions.Communicate complex HCD concepts and strategies to non-design audiences effectively.Qualifications:Bachelors degree in design, human-computer interaction, psychology, or a related field. A masters degree is preferred.Extensive experience in human-centered design or a related field, preferably within a federal or public sector context.Strong background in user research, including qualitative and quantitative methods.Proven experience in leading HCD projects from concept through implementation, particularly in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.Familiarity with federal grant processes and regulations is a plus.Work Environment:The position is based in Washington, DC, with core work hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.Occasional travel may be required to conduct user research and facilitate workshops.Salary Range:

$110,000 - $170,000Benefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offProfessional development assistanceRetirement planVision insurance