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Director Human Centered Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alcor

Human Centered Design Lead

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$165K/yr

Lead the Human-Centered Design (HCD) strategy for the Enterprise ICAM modernization program. * Develop and maintain the Human-Centered Design (HCD) Plan and HCD deliverables throughout the project ...

Alcor

Human Centered Design Lead

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$165K/yr

Lead the Human-Centered Design (HCD) strategy for the Enterprise ICAM modernization program. * Develop and maintain the Human-Centered Design (HCD) Plan and HCD deliverables throughout the project ...

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How much do director human centered design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director human centered design in the United States is $116,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of human centered design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Human Centered Design, you need a strong background in user experience (UX) design, human-centered methodologies, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with design thinking frameworks, prototyping tools (like Figma or Sketch), and user research platforms is essential, as are certifications such as UX Certified or Human-Centered Design Practitioner. Outstanding communication, strategic vision, and the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure user needs are prioritized, innovative solutions are developed, and organizational goals are met through effective design leadership.

What is the difference between Director Human Centered Design vs User Experience Manager?

AspectDirector Human Centered DesignUser Experience Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design, psychology, or related fields; often advanced certifications in UX or HCDUsually holds a degree in design, human factors, or related areas; may have certifications in UX or usability testing
Work EnvironmentLeads strategic design initiatives across organizations, collaborating with cross-functional teamsManages UX teams, focusing on user research, usability testing, and interface design within projects
Industry UsageCommon in tech, healthcare, and product development sectors emphasizing user-centered innovationWidely used in digital agencies, tech companies, and corporate settings focusing on user experience improvements

The Director Human Centered Design oversees strategic, organization-wide design initiatives, while the User Experience Manager focuses on managing UX teams and project-specific user research and testing. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within the organization.

What is a director of human centered design?

A Director of Human Centered Design is a senior leader responsible for guiding the creation of products, services, or experiences that prioritize the needs, behaviors, and satisfaction of users. They lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee design strategy, and ensure that human-centered principles are integrated throughout the development process. This role often involves collaborating with stakeholders, conducting user research, and championing a user-first mindset within the organization. The director also mentors designers and helps shape the overall organizational approach to design.

How does a director of human centered design typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement user-centered solutions?

A Director of Human Centered Design works closely with product managers, engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure that user needs are prioritized throughout the development process. This role often leads workshops, facilitates user research, and translates insights into actionable design strategies, fostering open communication between teams. Directors also mentor design staff, advocate for best practices in usability, and help integrate feedback from diverse departments to create cohesive, user-focused solutions. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as the director must balance business goals with user experience to drive product success.
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Director Human Centered Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Human Centered Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,601 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Human-Centered Design Coordinator

HUMAN OPTIONS INC

Irvine, CA

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Summary 

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Human-Centered Design Coordinator is a program support role responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and strengtheing organizational learning, innovation and experience across the organization. The HCD Coordinator ensures that Human Centered Design principles are consistently applied, operationalized, and integrated into programs, systems, and services. The HCD Coordinator supports implementation by aligning teams, managing projects, and embedding continuous improvement practices across the agency. The HCD Coordinator plays a critical role in translating ideas into actionable work plans, tracking progress, and ensuring that innovation efforts are coordinated, sustained, and informed by survivor voice and data. This role serves as a central point of coordination across departments, ensuring that innovation cycle led by executive leadership and program teams is aligned, supported, and advanced through structured processes and consistent follow-through. The role supports the organization’s transition from a centralized innovation function to an integrated, organization-wide approach to Human-Centered Design. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Coordinate and manage design sprints, pilot initiatives, and innovation workstreams across departments. 

  • Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions with staff and survivors. 

  • Guide teams through structured problem-solving, ideation, and prototyping processes. 

  • Translate concepts and ideas into defined and clear actionable workplans. 

  • Develop and manage project timelines, deliverables, and accountability structures. 

  • Support staff in applying Human-Centered Design principles within their program areas. 

  • Monitor progress of pilots and initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational priorities. 

  • Track action steps and coordinate cross-department communication to ensure shared understanding and progress on innovation efforts. 

  • Partner with program leaders and executive leadership to align, support, and operationalize innovation initiatives with Strategic Priorities. 

  • Support relationship-building with internal teams and external stakeholders through co-creation processes  

  • Ensure multi-audience feedback loops are implemented, sustained, and used to inform iterative program design. 

  • Ensure consistent follow-through on design sprints and pilot initiatives by tracking progress, identifying barriers, and coordinating next steps across teams. 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Organizational Development, related field, or commensurate work experience required. 

  • One (1) year of experience with Human-Centered Design, design thinking, or innovation-related work preferred. 

  • Two (2) years of experience in project management or program support. 

  • One (1) year of experience facilitating meetings, workshops, or group processes. 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, and working knowledge of computer database program entry and report generation. 

  • Complete the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate certification training post-hire. 

Prospective employees must pass a background screening to the satisfaction of the agency prior to placement. Since background screenings take time to complete, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization.  We strongly encourage survivors of domestic violence to apply. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law to apply.  All employment is decided based on qualifications, experience, merit, and business needs

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