1

Director Human Centered Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They will use UX metrics and Human-Centered Design (HCD) processes to provide insights to project teams and will apply Human Factors principles. Tasks and Responsibilities: * Develop and enforce ...

... design, and the responsible application of AI-enabled tools. The Director will inspire leaders and employees, using data driven insights and human-centered practices to strengthen engagement, enable ...

... design, and the responsible application of AI-enabled tools. The Director will inspire leaders and employees, using data driven insights and human-centered practices to strengthen engagement, enable ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Human Centered Design information

See salary details

$38.5K

$116.6K

$182K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.
More about Director Human Centered Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Human Centered Design jobs? Cities with the most Director Human Centered Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Centered Design jobs? The most popular types of Human Centered Design jobs are:
What states have the most Director Human Centered Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Human Centered Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Human Centered Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,601 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Senior Design Experience Lead

Senior Design Experience Lead

Barbaricum

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Barbaricum is seeking a Senior Design Experience Lead (SDEL) to serve as the Government's primary design thought partner and customer experience strategist under this Task Order.

The SDEL will bridge Outreach & Engagement, IT, Cybersecurity, and Data, driving innovation in how information, services, and experiences are delivered to the military community. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution-fostering human-centered design, guiding creative and brand strategy, interpreting customer feedback and user insights, and enabling modern, accessible, and data-informed customer experiences across digital platforms.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the program's principal design thought partner and customer-experience strategist.
  • Bridge design, operations, and technology teams to align customer needs with IT, Cybersecurity, and Data initiatives.
  • Lead strategic design and innovation initiatives for enterprise systems and government programs.
  • Guide human-centered design processes, creative direction, and brand strategy to improve user experiences.
  • Analyze user feedback and behavioral data to identify design and service improvements.
  • Provide design vision and innovation strategies to senior leadership, program managers, and product owners that align with organizational objectives.
  • Apply modern design and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 / WCAG) to ensure inclusive, user-friendly experiences.
  • Oversee UI/UX testing, evaluation, and optimization in agile website and application development environments.
  • Develop UX strategies incorporating journey mapping, usability testing, and iterative design.
  • Support enterprise-level initiatives, including mobile and web platforms, to enhance the delivery of services and information to the military community.

Required Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Top Secret / SCI clearance
  • Minimum 5 years' experience shaping and delivering strategic design, customer experience, and/or brand innovation initiatives for government or large-scale enterprise systems
  • Minimum 5 years' experience with human-centered design, analysis of user feedback and behavioral data, and/or creative / brand strategy
  • Minimum 3 years' experience providing design vision and innovation strategies to senior leadership, PMs, and product owners
  • Minimum 3 years' experience applying modern design practices and accessibility standards (Section 508 / WCAG) and managing UI/UX testing, journey mapping, and iterative design in agile environments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Human-Centered Design, Business, or related field
  • Experience interpreting user-centered data, digital performance metrics, or customer feedback to inform strategic goals
  • Certifications in usability or UX design, human-centered design, project/program management (PMP / PgMP), or analytics/marketing