Director of Human Centered Design

Company Description Avenir Technology is a dynamic technology firm based in Washington, DC. We help private and public sector clients prepare for future business and technology changes. Our mission is to assist customers in responding quickly to evolving technology needs. We offer digital services, data analytics, and emerging technology consulting. As a small business with over 70 years of government contracting experience, our core values are integrity, a global mindset, and agility. Role Description We are seeking a strategic, visionary, and experienced

Director of Human-Centered Design (HCD)

to lead a multidisciplinary team in transforming the veteran and caregiver experience in support of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) project. This leader will embed HCD practices into enterprise-level CX and VX initiatives, ensuring that VA services and digital experiences are intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with the real needs of Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. This role requires deep expertise in

Human-Centered Design ,

Customer Experience (CX) , and

design leadership , with a strong preference for candidates who have previously worked with or within the

VA and/or Veterans Health Administration (VHA) . Key Responsibilities: Lead the HCD Practice:

Oversee the development, scaling, and application of HCD methods across VA experience initiatives—including journey mapping, co-creation workshops, service blueprints, and prototyping. Strategic Experience Design:

Partner with executive stakeholders to align HCD and CX strategies with VA/VHA priorities, shaping enterprise service design that meets OMB A-11 Section 280 requirements and President’s Management Agenda goals. Team Management and Mentorship:

Manage and mentor a team of human-centered designers, service designers, UX researchers, and design strategists. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and Veteran-centric design culture. Cross-Agency Collaboration:

Coordinate with teams across VA (including Office of Information and Technology, VHA, VBA, and NCA) to embed design into product, policy, and service delivery. Veteran Engagement & Inclusion:

Ensure Veteran voices are central to design processes through participatory research, user testing, and stakeholder engagement—especially from underserved communities. Measure Design Impact:

Define and report on qualitative and quantitative metrics that assess how design interventions improve service delivery and user satisfaction. Preferred Qualifications: Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design, UX Research, Psychology, or related field. 10+ years of experience in Human-Centered Design and CX strategy, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated experience working with or within federal agencies, particularly the

VA

or

VHA . Skills & Competencies:

Deep fluency in HCD frameworks (e.g., double diamond, design thinking, service design). Strong portfolio of complex design-led initiatives and systems thinking. Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills with senior stakeholders. Experience navigating large, matrixed organizations and public-sector constraints. Familiarity with Agile development, digital services, and government CX mandates (e.g., EO 14058). Highly Desirable: Experience supporting

Veteran-facing services

or

healthcare transformation

in a government context. Prior experience managing contracts or programs within the

Veterans Experience Office (VEO) ,

Digital Service at VA , or VA’s

Office of the CTO . Expertise in change management. Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards. Why Join Us: This is a rare opportunity to lead a meaningful, mission-driven design practice that directly improves the lives of those who have served. Your work will influence the future of government services for over 20 million Veterans and their families—creating a more respectful, compassionate, and human-centered public experience. Avenir has a dynamic and innovative culture. We offer full benefits, including 401(k), health and dental insurance, and training opportunities. Come join us!

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