Product Strategy Senior Advisor

Location

• prefer candidates work hybrid out of Bloomfield, CT office
• Next preference would be hybrid out of Denver, Austin, Morris Plains, St. Louis, or Santa Monica
  • Would be open to remote for right candidate

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design thinking processes across multiple healthcare innovation initiatives, managing projects through 3-month sprint cycles from problem definition to solution validation
• Conduct comprehensive design research including contextual inquiry, stakeholder interviews, and observational studies to develop deep understanding of user needs, behaviors, and pain points
• Synthesize complex research findings into actionable insights, compelling narratives, and clear strategic direction that aligns stakeholders and drives decision-making
• Facilitate collaborative workshops and design sessions with cross-functional partners to generate innovative solutions and build consensus around strategic direction
• Create and validate service blueprints, journey maps, prototypes, and other design artifacts that effectively communicate concepts and potential solutions
• Partner closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to ensure solutions are both desirable and feasible, while meeting business objectives
• Present findings, recommendations, and project progress to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Mentor team members in design thinking methodologies and best practices
• Contribute to the evolution of our innovation practice and design processes

Core Competencies

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a systematic yet creative approach
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights
• Natural curiosity and constant desire to learn and understand
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to create structure in undefined spaces
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Empathetic mindset and genuine desire to understand user needs
• Strategic thinking balanced with pragmatic execution
• Ability to challenge conventional thinking while maintaining positive relationships

Required Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience applying human-centered design methods in complex enterprise environments
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field
• Track record of delivering impactful solutions in ambiguous problem spaces
• Strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end innovation projects and strategic problem-solving
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, including interviewing, observation, and synthesis

Design Skills & Tools

• Expert-level proficiency in design and prototyping tools including Figma, Miro, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong information architecture and service design skills, with ability to create:
  • User flows and journey maps
  • Service blueprints
  • Experience maps
  • System architecture diagrams
  • Wireframes and low/high-fidelity prototypes
• Demonstrated mastery of design research methods including:
  • Contextual inquiry
  • User interviews
  • Ethnographic observation
  • Usability testing
  • Survey design
  • Insight development
• Expert facilitation skills for:
  • Design thinking workshops
  • Co-creation sessions
  • Stakeholder alignment workshops
  • Research synthesis sessions
• Strong data visualization and information design capabilities
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods across fidelity levels
• Ability to create compelling presentations and documentation using tools like PowerPoint and Figma

Design Process & Methods

• Proven experience with design thinking frameworks (e.g., IDEO, Stanford d.school)
• Experience applying jobs-to-be-done framework
• Knowledge of behavioral design principles
• Excellent facilitation skills and ability to lead collaborative design sessions and sprints
• Familiarity with agile/lean UX practices and experience working in agile/sprint-based development processes
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Experience mentoring others in design thinking methodologies
• Strong communication and storytelling abilities, with experience presenting to executive audiences
• Understanding of service design methodologies
• Excellent facilitation skills and ability to lead collaborative design sessions

Preferred Qualifications

• Healthcare industry experience or demonstrated interest in healthcare innovation
• Graduate degree in Design, Business, or related field
• Experience with service design and systems thinking approaches
• Familiarity with lean startup and business model innovation approaches
• Experience with digital accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential applications in healthcare

This role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful innovation in healthcare while working with a talented, mission-driven team. The successful candidate will help shape the future of healthcare delivery while growing their expertise in innovation and design leadership.

non-negotiable skills:

• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to create structure in undefined spaces
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Proven experience with design thinking frameworks (e.g., IDEO, Stanford d.school)