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Strategic Communications Lead

LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/7/2026
LightFeather is seeking an experienced Communications, UX, and AI-Enabled Design Team Lead to drive the delivery of strategic communications, visual storytelling, user-centered design artifacts, and AI-augmented communications products supporting senior federal stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, executive presence, and the ability to operationalize modern, compliant AI-enabled workflows while maintaining rigorous human oversight, accessibility standards, and consulting-grade delivery quality. The ideal candidate has deep experience leading multidisciplinary teams across communications, UX, and design in high-visibility environments and can confidently advise government executives as agencies modernize and adopt AI technologies aligned with emerging federal guidance.Location: Remote (Washington, DC Preferred)Job Type: Full-timeClearance Requirement: Active Secret RequiredResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Team EnablementLead, mentor, and upskill a multidisciplinary communications, design, and UX team to ensure delivery excellence and professional growth.Coach team members on the effective, safe, and compliant use of AI-enabled tools in communications and design workflows.Promote adoption of federal AI competency frameworks and skills-based development practices.Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, accessibility, and continuous improvement.Align team delivery practices with top-tier consulting delivery models.Client Engagement & Executive AdvisoryServe as a primary client-facing lead supporting senior government stakeholders.Facilitate strategic discussions and guide decision-making with executive leadership.Translate complex or ambiguous requirements into structured action plans and deliverables.Present executive-ready recommendations with clarity and authority.Lead change management initiatives that modernize communications and integrate emerging technologies.AI-Enabled Communications & Design ExcellenceIntegrate generative AI tools into communications and design workflows to improve efficiency and quality.Ensure human review and quality assurance of AI-assisted content and design outputs.Address compliance, bias, and accuracy considerations in AI-assisted environments.Direct development of high-impact deliverables, including:Executive presentations and briefingsStrategic roadmaps and messaging frameworksOperating models and communications strategiesUX artifacts such as journey maps and service blueprintsDesign prototypes and visualization productsEnsure deliverables meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and federal AI governance expectations.Operational Excellence & Multi-Workstream ManagementManage multiple high-visibility deliverables simultaneously across complex workstreams.Balance competing priorities and aggressive timelines typical of federal consulting engagements.Establish structured workflows, reporting mechanisms, and hybrid/agile processes.Implement best practices in design operations, content governance, accessibility, and AI-enabled service delivery.Mitigate risks and maintain transparency across project execution.Required Qualifications and SkillsActive Secret Clearance7 years of experience in strategic communications, UX, human-centered design, digital strategy, or related fields.3 years of experience leading high-performing teams in consulting, government, or mission-driven environments.Demonstrated experience implementing generative AI within communications or design workflows.Knowledge of federal AI guidance and responsible-use considerations.Experience mentoring teams in adopting AI-enabled tools and modern workflows.Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and presenting to senior executives.Proficiency with collaboration and design tools such as Figma, Miro, and similar platforms.Experience using Jira or equivalent workflow management systems.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to operate effectively in high-visibility, high-accountability environments.Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards.What Success Looks Like in This RoleThe team consistently delivers high-quality, consulting-grade communications and design products.AI-enabled workflows improve delivery speed, accessibility, and product quality while maintaining human oversight.Stakeholders trust your leadership and strategic guidance.Meetings and working sessions result in clear alignment and actionable decisions.Operational processes evolve to support innovation, scalability, and continuous improvement.Why Join LightFeather?At LightFeather, you're not just taking a job—you're joining a purpose-driven team that delivers innovative, mission-critical solutions to make a real difference. You'll work on diverse, meaningful projects that challenge and inspire you, alongside some of the best minds in the industry.

Salary : $32,800 - $33,400

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